| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1988 |
| Production Years: | 1988 - 1996 discontinued in 1996 |
The Mazda 626 III Station Wagon (GV), produced between 1988 and 1996, is a notable midsize family vehicle that combined practicality and style in the station wagon segment. This generation of the Mazda 626 lineup focused on offering spacious interior capacity along with reliable performance suitable for small families and everyday utility needs. The GV station wagon featured a body design that maximized cargo space and passenger comfort, making it a versatile choice in its era. While specific measurements varied slightly with trim and market, the Mazda 626 III wagon typically featured a length around 4,660 mm (183.5 inches), a width of approximately 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), and a height close to 1,395 mm (54.9 inches). These dimensions positioned the vehicle comfortably within the midsize segment, offering ample interior volume compared to its contemporaries. The GV station wagon was also praised for its balanced weight distribution and maneuverability, which enhanced driving dynamics. Its production run spanning almost a decade underscores its popularity and enduring appeal, providing a versatile platform that adapted to the evolving demands of drivers seeking both passenger comfort and cargo flexibility. Whether used for family outings or daily commuting, the Mazda 626 III Station Wagon delivered a compelling blend of space, functionality, and Mazda’s signature reliability.
Discover the standout features that make the 1988 Mazda 626 III Station Wagon a leader in its class
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The Mazda 626 III Station Wagon (GV), produced from 1988 to 1996, features exterior dimensions that offer a balanced mix of space and maneuverability. The vehicle typically measures approximately 4570 mm (about 179.9 inches) in length, 1690 mm (around 66.5 inches) in width, and a height of roughly 1430 mm (56.3 inches). These measurements make the car sizable enough for comfortable family use while still being manageable in urban driving conditions.
The Mazda 626 III Station Wagon (GV) prioritized passenger comfort during its production years of 1988 to 1996. Interior dimensions include a seating layout for five passengers with sufficient headroom and legroom. Although exact interior dimensions can vary slightly by model year and market, the wagon generally provides ample space in both front and rear seats, ensuring a comfortable ride for long journeys or daily commutes. The wagon format also allows for better rear passenger comfort compared to sedans of the same generation.
The Mazda 626 III Station Wagon (GV) offers a highly practical cargo space, thanks to its wagon design. Its rear cargo area provides a generous amount of storage, measured at approximately 430 to 470 liters of space with rear seats upright, suitable for family trips or grocery runs. When folding down the rear seats, cargo volume significantly increases, allowing the transport of larger items such as bicycles, furniture, or multiple suitcases. This flexibility makes it an appealing choice for those needing a versatile vehicle with ample storage capacity.
Yes, the Mazda 626 III Station Wagon (GV) is designed to comfortably fit within a standard residential garage. Standard garages typically measure approximately 6 meters (about 20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. With the station wagon's length of around 4.57 meters (15 feet) and width approximately 1.69 meters (5.5 feet), it leaves sufficient clearance for easy parking and opening doors inside the garage, making it a practical choice for everyday household use.
Compared to its predecessor, the Mazda 626 II Station Wagon (GV2), the third-generation 626 III (GV) saw modest dimensional increases aimed at improving space and comfort. The third generation is longer and slightly wider, providing more interior space for passengers and cargo. For example, while the older model was roughly 4420 mm (174 inches) long, the 626 III extends to about 4570 mm (179.9 inches), adding extra legroom and cargo area. The height also increased marginally for improved headspace. These enhancements represented Mazda's focus on addressing family needs and market trends during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The Mazda 626 III Station Wagon boasts a width of about 1690 mm (66.5 inches), which positions it slightly narrower than some competitors in the late '80s and early '90s station wagon segment. This narrower width positively affects maneuverability in urban or crowded environments, allowing easier navigation through tight streets and parking spots. Despite its narrower stance, the vehicle maintains stable handling and interior space balance, making it a practical, user-friendly choice for drivers who want a wagon that is easy to drive in both city and highway scenarios.
The curb weight of the Mazda 626 III Station Wagon typically ranges between 1200 to 1350 kilograms (approximately 2646 to 2976 pounds), depending on the trim level and engine specifications. This moderate weight helped strike a balance between performance and fuel economy. The relatively lighter weight compared to larger wagons contributed to responsive handling and good acceleration while maintaining respectable fuel efficiency figures for its time. This made the 626 III Station Wagon a reliable family car suitable for daily commuting and longer trips without excessive fuel consumption.
The Mazda 626 III Station Wagon was designed with practicality in mind, featuring a cargo area with a low load floor height of approximately 500 mm (19.7 inches) from the ground. This low loading height makes it easier to load heavy or bulky items into the rear without excessive lifting effort. Additionally, the flat load floor and large rear opening enhance usability, allowing a variety of luggage, sports equipment, or shopping goods to be stored securely. The design ensures convenient loading and unloading, making everyday use and traveling more manageable.
When compared to contemporaries such as the Toyota Camry Wagon or the Ford Sierra Estate from the late '80s and early '90s, the Mazda 626 III Station Wagon holds its own with competitive size and interior space. While it may be slightly more compact in width and length than some American or Japanese rivals, it compensates with efficient interior packaging and good cargo versatility. Its relatively moderate dimensions make it appealing for drivers prioritizing maneuverability and everyday practicality without sacrificing passenger comfort or cargo space.
The Mazda 626 III Station Wagon has an overall height of around 1430 mm (56.3 inches), which is fairly typical for station wagons from its era. This height contributes to generous headroom inside the cabin, allowing adult passengers in both front and rear seats ample vertical space for comfortable seating. The slightly elevated roofline compared to sedans improves the overall feeling of spaciousness and allows for easier movement inside the vehicle. The design balances aerodynamic efficiency with practicality, ensuring passengers enjoy a roomy interior without excessive bulk.
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