Description
The Mazda 626 GT 2.0i 16v was the performance flagship of the late-1980s GD-generation 626 range, offering sharp styling, a willing high-revving engine and one of Mazda’s best-balanced chassis of the era. Sold mainly in Europe from 1987 to the early 1990s, the GT sat above the more common 1.8 and 2.0 SOHC models and provided a genuinely sporting option for buyers who wanted something more refined than a hot hatch but more engaging than a traditional family saloon. Available primarily as a hatchback (and in some markets as a coupé or saloon), the GT 2.0i 16v became the model that most clearly expressed Mazda’s engineering confidence at the time.
At its heart was Mazda’s FE-DOHC engine, a 1998 cc 16-valve inline-four producing around 140 horsepower in most markets. This twin-cam unit was smooth, strong and unusually free-revving for a naturally aspirated two-litre of the period. It delivered its power through a crisp, linear surge, rewarding drivers who allowed it to spin beyond 6,000 rpm. Mid-range torque was solid, making the GT comfortable in everyday traffic, yet the engine truly came alive at higher speeds, where it felt eager and responsive. Paired with a slick five-speed manual gearbox whose shift action was one of the best in its class, the GT encouraged enthusiastic driving without ever feeling temperamental. In its day, the car was capable of performance figures that placed it among the quicker naturally aspirated family cars in its segment.
The chassis was equally impressive. The GD 626 used a fully independent suspension layout with MacPherson struts at the front and Mazda’s advanced Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) rear system. This rear suspension was one of Mazda’s proudest engineering achievements, giving the GT a combination of stability, agility and ride comfort that few rivals could match. The car felt composed and planted at high speeds, with excellent body control and predictable, confidence-inspiring handling. Steering was light yet accurate, and the GT’s suspension tuning struck a careful balance between firmness and refinement. The brakes, featuring ventilated front discs, provided strong and reliable stopping power.
Styling distinguished the GT clearly from the rest of the 626 range. The five-door fastback body gave the car a sleek, aerodynamic profile, and Mazda enhanced the GT with a deeper front spoiler, side skirts, a discreet rear spoiler and model-specific alloy wheels. Subtle badging and colour-coded trim emphasised its performance focus without resorting to excess. The result was a modern, purposeful look that combined Japanese precision with European-influenced proportions. The GT retained an understated maturity; it was clearly the sporting member of the 626 family, but one that prized elegance over aggression.
Inside, the GT featured a well-appointed cabin built around clarity and driver focus. Deeply bolstered front seats provided strong lateral support, and the dashboard’s clean layout placed large, legible instruments directly in the driver’s view — including a prominent tachometer essential for making the most of the engine. Higher-grade upholstery, improved interior trim and features such as a leather-rimmed steering wheel or upgraded stereo helped distinguish the GT from lower trims. Equipment levels were generous, with power steering, electric windows, central locking and an efficient ventilation system typically included. The fastback body offered excellent practicality, with a large boot and folding rear seats making the car surprisingly useful as a family vehicle.
On the road, the 626 GT 2.0i 16v delivered an engaging and refined driving experience. The engine’s willingness to rev, combined with the composed chassis and precise gearbox, gave the car a genuinely sporting personality, yet it remained quiet and comfortable on longer trips. High-speed cruising was one of its strengths, and the chassis’ poise on twisting roads impressed both contemporary reviewers and later enthusiasts. It was not a raw performance car, but rather a mature, well-balanced driver’s machine that excelled in real-world conditions.
The 626 GT played an important role in Mazda’s late-1980s brand identity. It demonstrated the company’s ability to build cars that were not only reliable and well made, but also genuinely enjoyable and sophisticated. The FE-DOHC engine with its 16-valve layout helped raise Mazda’s technological profile, and the GT became a favourite among drivers who wanted understated performance with everyday usability.
Today the Mazda 626 GT 2.0i 16v is increasingly rare. Many examples were driven hard and eventually worn out, while others fell victim to rust or neglect. Among enthusiasts, it has gained respect as one of Mazda’s finest naturally aspirated performance saloons/hatchbacks, valued for its smooth engine, excellent chassis and clean, timeless design. As a refined, capable and quietly exciting grand-touring-style performance car, the 626 GT 2.0i 16v remains one of the standout achievements of Mazda’s 1980s engineering.