The 2002 Mazda 626 only saw minimal changes for the model year, including new interior and exterior color choices. This would be the last year for the 626. Though it was Mazda's top-selling car, the 626 was going to be replaced by an all-new midsized sedan, the Mazda 6, which came to the market in X.

The 2001 Mazda 626 was available in three trims: the LX, the LX V6,and the ES V6. The LX was the midrange model. Upgrading to the ES gets a power moon roof, leather interior, and a six-way power driver's seat. The base engine was a 2.0-liter, 130 horsepower four cylinder, and the V6 had 2.5 liters and 170 horsepower. Fuel economy is 22/28 for the four cylinder and 20/26 for the V6.

Drivers of the 2002 Mazda 626 cite a number of reasons why they like the car. Many say it is a good value, with lots of standard features even on the lower-end LX. They also say it handles well and is more fun to drive than other family sedans on the market. Those who own the four-cylinder complain that there isn’t enough power, and some find that it takes a long time to warm up.