The 1987 Mazda 626 sits in the heart of the front-wheel-drive midsize sedan era, when Japanese family cars were gaining a reputation for smart packaging, balanced road manners, and everyday durability. Buyers looking at this exact model year often find that tire selection depends less on broad 626 history and more on the car’s specific trim and wheel setup. The 1987 Mazda 626 uses radial tires only, with 14-inch and 15-inch fitments depending on sub-model. That opens up meaningful choices in classic-style blackwall tires, whitewall treatments, redlines, and raised white letter designs. The right pick comes down to trim level, rim diameter, appearance goals, and how the car will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Mazda 626
Three tire sizes apply to the 1987 Mazda 626, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes use a 14-inch rim, while the GT moves to a 15-inch fitment, so the first step is confirming both the trim level and the wheels currently on the car before comparing tire styles, brands, or series.
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 14 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Mazda 626, this is a traditional radial fitment used on certain DX applications and it reflects an older sizing convention than modern aspect-ratio-marked tires. Available choices include blackwall offerings from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Cinturato CA67, XAS, and Sprint Classic. It is a useful size for owners who want to stay close to an earlier radial presentation while still selecting among well-known vintage-oriented tire lines.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size that identifies a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. For the 1987 Mazda 626, this size appears on DX and LX configurations and represents a more modern metric format than 165R14 while keeping the same rim diameter. Product choices span blackwall and wide whitewall designs, with available series including BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, Avon CR6ZZ, Dunlop Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Vredestein Sprint Classic. This size is the one to evaluate when the car uses 14-inch wheels but calls for a broader range of appearance and product-character options.
195/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1987 Mazda 626, this fitment belongs to the GT and should be treated separately from the 14-inch tire sizes used on other trims. Available options include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles, with BFGoodrich and Michelin offerings in series such as Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, and Primacy 3. This is the size to focus on when preserving the GT’s distinct wheel setup and choosing between a sportier look, a traditional sidewall treatment, or a more understated radial presentation.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Mazda 626 because tire size is not the same across the full lineup. The DX can use two 14-inch radial sizes, the LX uses one 14-inch size, and the GT moves to a 15-inch radial fitment, so trim identification should come before tire selection.
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1987 Mazda 626 DX
The 1987 Mazda 626 DX uses 14-inch radial fitments, but it is the one sub-model here with more than one applicable tire size. That makes wheel verification especially important before choosing between a more traditional Euro-metric presentation and a later-style metric radial option.
The 1987 Mazda 626 GT uses its own 15-inch radial tire fitment rather than sharing the 14-inch setup found on the other trims. Tire selection here centers on confirming the GT wheel diameter first, then comparing sidewall style and tire series to match the car’s intended appearance and use.
The 1987 Mazda 626 LX uses a single 14-inch metric radial size, which makes fitment more straightforward than the DX. Once the wheel size is confirmed, the main decision becomes choosing among the available blackwall and whitewall-style products rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1987 Mazda 626 Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Mazda 626 tire choices span Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop, with differences in tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter radial options.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1987 Mazda 626, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to consider when comparing radial styles, wheel sizes, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Mazda 626?
A 1987 Mazda 626 can use 165R14, 185/70R14, or 195/60R15, depending on the sub-model. The DX uses 165R14 or 185/70R14, the LX uses 185/70R14, and the GT uses 195/60R15. All three are radial tire fitments, but they do not apply interchangeably across the whole 626 lineup.
The practical step is to identify the trim and verify the wheels currently on the car before ordering tires. A 14-inch 626 and a 15-inch 626 require different fitment paths, and the DX adds another layer because it can use two different 14-inch sizes. If the car has replacement wheels, always confirm the actual rim diameter before comparing tire choices.
What size rim does a 1987 Mazda 626 use?
The 1987 Mazda 626 uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. Both 165R14 and 185/70R14 are 14-inch fitments, while 195/60R15 uses a 15-inch rim. Rim diameter is the key measurement because the tire’s bead must match the wheel exactly.
Checking the wheel itself is important on any older car that may have been changed over the years. The GT uses the 15-inch setup, while DX and LX models stay with 14-inch wheels. Once rim diameter is confirmed, compare the tire’s recommended rim-width range against the wheels on the car, especially if they are not the original style.
Why does the 1987 Mazda 626 have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Mazda 626 has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The DX can use two 14-inch radial sizes, the LX uses one 14-inch radial size, and the GT uses a separate 15-inch radial size. That means tire selection is tied to the exact trim and wheel package rather than to the model name alone.
This matters because two Mazda 626 cars from the same year can need different tires even if they appear similar at a glance. Buyers should confirm the sub-model, then verify the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. On a DX, it is especially wise to read the existing tire size and wheel markings instead of assuming all 14-inch 626 fitments are the same.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Mazda 626 tire?
Start with the correct primary tire size for the exact 1987 Mazda 626 sub-model, then compare the available radial options within that fitment. Beyond size, the biggest differences are rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style look or driven more regularly on modern roads.
A DX owner may be deciding between two 14-inch size paths, while an LX or GT owner is choosing among products in one established size. Blackwall tires keep the look understated, while wide whitewall, redline, or raised white letter options change the visual character significantly. Wheel measurements and the car’s intended use should guide the final choice more than appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Mazda 626 tires?
Sidewall styles available for the 1987 Mazda 626 include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter, depending on tire size. Blackwall choices appear across all three primary sizes, while the broader appearance-driven options are concentrated in 185/70R14 and 195/60R15. Not every sidewall treatment is offered in every fitment.
That makes sidewall choice a second-step decision after confirming the correct size and wheel diameter. A GT owner using 195/60R15 has access to a noticeably wider appearance range than someone staying with 165R14. For a cleaner, more restrained look, blackwall is the natural place to start; for a more customized or period-inspired presentation, the specialty sidewalls deserve closer comparison.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Mazda 626?
Tires for the 1987 Mazda 626 are available from Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop, depending on size. Brand availability is tied closely to the fitment itself, so one size may have a very different brand mix from another. The 14-inch and 15-inch options do not share the exact same product lineup.
Brand choice should be compared alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility instead of treated as the only decision. For example, some sizes lean toward classic blackwall touring-style options, while others include stronger visual alternatives such as wide whitewalls or raised white letters. Once the correct size is confirmed, the product grid becomes the best place to compare those brand-specific differences.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Mazda 626?
A period-style 1987 Mazda 626 tire choice starts with using the correct size for the exact trim and wheel diameter, then selecting a radial with an appearance that suits the car’s presentation. Blackwall options are the most natural fit for an understated late-1980s look, while 165R14 can also appeal to owners who want an older Euro-metric sizing convention.
A careful restoration-oriented approach means separating fitment from visual preference. The GT’s 195/60R15 and the LX’s 185/70R14 create different starting points, and the DX can require an extra wheel check before appearance choices begin. If strict originality matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Mazda 626?
On the 1987 Mazda 626, construction does not create a bias-ply versus radial decision because all primary fitments are radial. Appearance is shaped more by the size format and sidewall treatment than by construction type itself. A 165R14 blackwall gives a different visual impression from a 195/60R15 redline or raised white letter radial, even though all are radial tires.
That means a restoration-oriented buyer should think about the overall look the car is meant to project. A simple blackwall tends to preserve a cleaner factory-era feel, while whitewall, redline, or RWL treatments add a more customized or specialty presentation. The wheel diameter must still stay consistent with the trim, since appearance changes do not override basic fitment requirements.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mazda 626?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mazda 626. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork differences can change the space available for the tire even when the size looks close on paper. That matters especially here because the car already has both 14-inch and 15-inch factory fitment paths.
A modified 626 should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, strut, and steering range before any tire is selected. The GT’s 15-inch fitment should not be assumed to match a DX or LX simply because the overall car is the same model. Tire choice should follow the car’s current physical setup, not assumptions based on trim badges alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Mazda 626 on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Mazda 626 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that lug hardware seats properly, and check that the tires clear suspension and body components at full steering lock. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the valve stems should be in good condition with no obvious signs of leakage.
A road-ready inspection should also include the rest of the car, especially on an older driver that may have sat for long periods. Look over brake condition, alignment behavior, shocks or struts, and any unusual rubbing marks left by previous tires. A short test drive followed by a second visual check can catch contact issues early before they become a larger problem.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 1987 Mazda 626?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 Mazda 626, check tire pressure, tread condition, sidewall condition, and any signs of irregular wear or slow air loss. Confirm that all four tires match the intended fitment for the car’s wheel setup, and make sure there are no cuts, bulges, or cracking that could compromise road use.
Longer trips put more heat and sustained load into a tire than local use, so consistency matters. An older 626 that has been stored should also have its wheels, suspension, and alignment reviewed if the car feels unstable or pulls under braking. Even with new tires, basic roadworthiness still depends on the condition of the vehicle around them.
