2000 Mazda 626 Review

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Review:

LAGUNA, California -- Many of today's midsize sedans, whether German, Japanese or American, come with styling that doesn't entice soccer moms and with performance that doesn't entertain motorheads. And, with the redesigned 2000 626, Mazda hasn't broken radically from this trend.

What the Asian automaker has done is create a series that promises with an outcome that could create a better brand. Although it is not poised to change the course of driving history and is unlikely to revolutionize automotive design, the new 626 series takes cues from standard sedan styling and adds a distinctive flavor, spiking midsize practicality with a bit of a performance buzz.

The overall look of the 626, Mazda's only U.S.-built vehicle, is more elegant and refined than many others in its segment, such as the Ford Taurus, for example. That elegance, while a stylistic advantage, is also countered with a sporty element that breathes life into what could be simply another new offering. The redesigned front end, for instance, is both functional and appealing, with a sharp sloped hood tapering to a front bumper designed for lower air intake.