Description
The Mazda 626 2.5 GT was the flagship performance model of the final GE-generation 626 lineup, produced from 1992 to 1997. It stood apart from the rest of the range by offering Mazda’s smooth and powerful 2.5-litre V6 engine, a refined chassis and a level of performance and sophistication normally associated with more expensive European models. While the GE 626 was already known for its comfortable ride and elegant styling, the 2.5 GT expanded its character, giving buyers a genuinely fast and quietly luxurious grand-touring saloon or hatchback with the reliability that defined Mazda during the 1990s.
At the heart of the 2.5 GT was Mazda’s KL-DE 2497 cc V6 engine, one of the finest engines the company ever produced. With around 165–170 horsepower depending on market, it was renowned for its exceptionally smooth operation, crisp throttle response and willingness to rev cleanly. The compact, lightweight design of the KL engine allowed Mazda to maintain excellent balance and refinement. Power delivery was linear and refined, offering rapid acceleration and a deep, sophisticated exhaust note that set the GT apart from four-cylinder rivals. The five-speed manual gearbox allowed drivers to make full use of the V6’s free-revving nature, while a four-speed automatic was available for those who preferred effortless cruising. In either form, the car felt strong, polished and confident.
The GE chassis was one of Mazda’s most accomplished designs of the era. Fully independent suspension using MacPherson struts at the front and Mazda’s multi-link rear setup ensured a ride that was both supple and controlled. The 2.5 GT benefitted from firmer suspension tuning to match its higher performance, resulting in a confident, communicative feel at speed without sacrificing comfort. Steering was precise and well weighted, and the car remained poised and secure on twisty roads, motorways and long cross-country journeys. Four-wheel disc brakes, often with ABS depending on trim and market, provided strong, predictable stopping power.
Styling was one of the GE 626’s major strengths, and the 2.5 GT added subtle cues to reinforce its premium and sporting character. The body featured clean, flowing lines, a low bonnet and a distinctive cab-forward stance that gave it a modern, aerodynamic look. GT models typically included alloy wheels, discreet badging, colour-coded bumpers and a slightly deeper front valance. The five-door hatchback version in particular was praised for its elegant proportions and excellent practicality, while the saloon offered a more traditional, understated appearance.
Inside, the 2.5 GT delivered a refined and comfortable cabin that matched its performance aspirations. Mazda’s interiors of the period emphasised ergonomic clarity and durability. GT versions often featured higher-quality upholstery, improved dashboard trim, a leather-rimmed steering wheel and upgraded equipment. Most models included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a quality stereo system and adjustable seating. The cabin was spacious, quiet and well insulated, with a layout designed to make long-distance journeys effortless. The seats offered good support, the dashboard instruments were clear and the overall ambience leaned towards discreet luxury rather than overt sportiness.
On the road, the Mazda 626 2.5 GT excelled as a real-world performance car. The V6 engine gave it a smooth surge of power ideal for overtaking and high-speed cruising, and the chassis kept the car composed even on demanding roads. It was not a razor-sharp sports saloon like a BMW 3-Series, but instead a refined, swift grand-tourer with an impressive blend of comfort and speed. Its mature character made it particularly appealing to drivers who valued sophistication over aggression. Long-distance journeys were where the 2.5 GT truly shone, with the V6 humming quietly and the suspension absorbing the road with ease.
The 2.5 GT played a key role in Mazda’s strategy during the mid-1990s, helping lift the brand toward a more premium identity. It offered V6 refinement at a price significantly lower than many European competitors, and its reliability record was far stronger than many of them. Owners appreciated its smooth engine, elegant design, excellent build quality and the understated performance it delivered.
Today, the Mazda 626 2.5 GT is a rare and appreciated model among enthusiasts of 1990s Japanese cars. Time has made good examples uncommon, but those that survive are admired for their superb V6 engine, refined chassis and the quiet confidence that defined the best Mazdas of the era. As an elegant, smooth and genuinely enjoyable grand-touring saloon or hatchback, the 626 2.5 GT remains one of the standout versions of the entire 626 family.