Launched in 1991, the new Mazda 626 was almost a completely new vehicle which was now based on the GE platform, similar to other models manufactured during the ’90s, including Mazda Cronos, Ford Telstar, Ford Probe or Mazda MX-6.
The Wheels magazine voted the revised Mazda 626 the Car of the Year in 1992 for the second time (the original model received the same award in 1983 along with Fold Telstar). The 1991 626 was available in four engine configurations, starting with a 1.9- and ending with 2.5-liter V6, with maximum outputs ranging between 76 and 165 horsepower.