The Mazda 626 could probably be one of the longest running Mazda series that still hits the market today. First introduced in the United States in 1979, the first generation 626 was originally aimed to enter that sport coupe and a four-door sedan category and was set to compete with Japanese rival, the Toyota Celica in the sports coupe and the Honda Accord in the sedan. However, 626's entry in the market never really attracted much desire to consumers for there were little 626 distinctions as to other market leaders at that time. The 626 first generation lasted up to 1982.

A more exciting 626 was released in 1983 with more variations and features as compared to the previews one. The second 626 now offered in front wheel drive. Though it maintained the same 2.0L engine that was used during the first generation, an 83hp was relatively stronger than the former 80 hp. The 626 became quieter, smoother, and more functional than the previews one.

The third generation 626 was released soon after the end of the second generation in 1988 and lasted up to 1992. In general, much has been changed from the previews 626 from a more conservative exterior and interior to a larger wheelbase and bigger body. The 626s were now offered in four- or five-door sedans while the coupe was renamed into MX-6. In 1993, the fourth generation was released with all-new parts from engine to the chassis. The 626 was now manufactured in the United States. It offered standard 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-liter engine rated at 118 hp while with 2.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 rated at 164 hp as an option.

The fifth generation 626 still competed with the Accord and the Camry. And as the time gone by, the 626 became sportier, faster and stronger. During the sixth generation, sales of the 626 were way behind the two competitions as Mazda resulted to the new model, the Mazda 6.