  This 98 626 has never reqired any 
repairs except an ABS sensor @30K. It 
is a 5 speed manual which seems to be 
more reliable than the automatics. I 
change the oil every 3000 miles and 
keep up with scheduled services and 
have yet to have a hint of a problem. 
I'm a little worried about the Ford 
connection as my well cared for 
Windstar's engine blew up after 61,000 
miles. The car has plenty of pep with 
the 5 speed and appears to be utterly 
reliable...more trouble free than my 
Honda accord which puts it in good 
company. It also handles well in snow 
and ice but will bog down in the 
really deep stuff.