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Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (198 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2002
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Very sluggish or hard shifting, failure to shift out of park, complete failure requiring rebuild, often at low mileage (e.g., 85,000 miles); flashing Overdrive (O/D) Off light is a common warning sign.
- Very frequentCooling system problems
Persistent overheating, coolant leaks from the reservoir, suspected clogged radiators, thermostat failures; issues often exacerbated by using air conditioning.
- RecurrentElectrical and sensor issues
Intermittent turn signal failure, alternator/voltage regulator problems causing battery drain, rough idle and stalling linked to faulty sensors (MAF, O2), malfunctioning neutral safety switch.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEngine running problems
Rough idle, stalling when cold, hesitation on acceleration, misfires; often related to fuel delivery (pump, injectors) or ignition components despite replacements.
- IsolatedStructural and body issues
Susceptibility to rust, particularly in older generations; noted as being rust-prone in certain climates.
- IsolatedMotor mount failure
Causing excessive vibration and noise, especially at idle in gear.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as the "best." However, strong implicit consensus indicates that models equipped with a manual transmission are vastly preferable due to avoiding the notorious automatic transmission failures. The V6 engine is mentioned as an available option, but no comparative reliability data between the 4-cylinder and V6 models is provided in the discussions.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6 and Mazda 323/Protege.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The vehicle is generally remembered as a practical, comfortable, and often reliable family sedan, with several owners reporting high mileage (e.g., 300,000 miles, 550,000 km) with proper maintenance. Positive recollections highlight its comfortable seats, smooth ride, and status as a loved and dependable daily driver. However, a significant and very frequent criticism centers on severe and premature automatic transmission failures, particularly in models from the late 1990s and early 2000s. These failures, often requiring full rebuilds at low mileage (e.g., 85,000 miles), are a dominant source of negative sentiment and financial distress. Other recurrent issues include persistent cooling system problems leading to overheating and various electrical gremlins. The consensus indicates that well-maintained examples, especially with manual transmissions, can be durable, but the automatic transmission represents a major reliability gamble.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more affordable and sometimes more comfortable alternative to contemporary Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys, though often perceived as less reliably durable, especially regarding its automatic transmission. Shared its platform and many components with the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6, which is noted as a source for affordable repair parts. Some owner feedback suggests it offered a better value proposition than certain Hyundai and Kia models of its era, but later Korean cars were seen as having caught up or surpassed it in reliability. Generally viewed as a competent but not exceptional mainstream midsize sedan, with its reputation heavily marred by specific, widespread powertrain flaws.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly recommended over the automatic due to pervasive reliability concerns. For repairs, owners note that many parts are shared with the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6, providing a wider and potentially more affordable parts pool. When purchasing, a thorough inspection of the cooling system and a comprehensive check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the transmission are advised.
General recommendations
Suitable as a low-cost, high-mileage beater for owners who are mechanically inclined or can perform their own repairs, particularly if a manual transmission model is found. May be a reasonable choice for a first car if thoroughly vetted for transmission history and rust. NOT recommended for buyers seeking a hassle-free, long-term ownership experience, especially in automatic guise. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission operation (hard shifts, delayed engagement, flashing O/D light) and cooling system integrity is critical. Budget for potential major transmission repair costs even on low-mileage examples. Consider extended warranty coverage for the powertrain if purchasing an automatic.
Remarks
The automatic transmission problems are frequently attributed to units supplied by Ford, creating a significant reliability fault line for specific model years. Owner satisfaction appears bifurcated: those with manual transmissions or trouble-free automatics report long-term durability and affection, while those experiencing transmission failures report severe dissatisfaction and financial loss. The model was assembled in various global markets, including local assembly in some regions, which may affect parts availability and build quality. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and problem reports spanning the 1991-2006 model years.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2002Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 88 | 0 | power train |
| 2001 | 190 | 1 | power train |
| 2000 | 224 | 2 | power train |
| 1999 | 322 | 4 | power train |
| 1998 | 438 | 6 | power train |
| 1997 | 379 | 4 | power train |
| 1996 | 375 | 3 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices20 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2001 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 05E065000
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
2000 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 05E065000
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
2000 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 00V074000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN RESERVOIR TANK CAPS ON THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WERE PRODUCED WITH A WORN OUT DIE AND LACK VENTILATION HOLES. AS A RESULT, THE PRESSURE IN THE RESERVOIR TANK CAN DROP GRADUALLY AS THE BRAKE PAD OR SHOE WEARS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DROPS. ALSO, THE PRESSURE COULD REACH A POINT THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER AND DRUM CYLINDER ARE PULLED BACK BY THE VACUUM IN THE RESERVOIR TANK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A LONG TIME.
1999 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
1999 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 05E065000
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
1999 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 00V074000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN RESERVOIR TANK CAPS ON THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WERE PRODUCED WITH A WORN OUT DIE AND LACK VENTILATION HOLES. AS A RESULT, THE PRESSURE IN THE RESERVOIR TANK CAN DROP GRADUALLY AS THE BRAKE PAD OR SHOE WEARS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DROPS. ALSO, THE PRESSURE COULD REACH A POINT THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER AND DRUM CYLINDER ARE PULLED BACK BY THE VACUUM IN THE RESERVOIR TANK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A LONG TIME.
1999 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 00V134000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COULD BREAK.
1998 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 15V674000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
1998 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
1998 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 05E065000
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
1998 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 00V134000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COULD BREAK.
1998 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 97V228000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) INSTALLED CAN, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, TRIGGER A SHIFT IN AIR-FUEL RATIO TO AN OVERLEAN CONDITION.
1998 · equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.campaign 98V243000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN A HOT, HUMID ENVIRONMENT WITH THE WINDOW OPEN AND AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR CONDENSATION TO ENTER THE AUDIO UNIT AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
1997 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 15V674000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
1997 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 05E065000
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
5 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: GF
2.5 V6
2.5L 6-cylinder · 167 hp · FWD · manual
Built 2000–2002