It was the horn on this car that first caught my attention. (Yes, yes, I know, being a "horn man" leaves me in something of a minority; but we all have our little quirks.) One listen to that sexy honker, and I just had to learn more about her.

Oh, sure, eventually I noticed her gorgeous butt, too -- I'm not entirely unconventional -- but on the way from the nose to the tail, I found much in between to admire. Solid craftsmanship throughout, and a feel on the road of a much heavier vehicle. Quiet in which I could meditate upon the mysteries of quibble architecture whilst driving. Power that surprised me into a speeding ticket.

And just plain quality and character. A nice honker is one thing -- it gets your blood rushing for that initial flush of enticement -- but it's the overall quality and enduring character of a car that makes you want to build a lasting relationship... something I can definitely see in the cards for me and the 626. We're just made for each other.

Alas, though, there is a problem, here. I tend to, uh, shall we say, drive both ways? And I have my 1985 Mazda pickup, tooling along fit as the day we met, so dear to my heart and still unrusted... how could I ever give up a vehicle so entrenched in my most tender affections?

Maybe there is a way... the glimmer of possibility presents itself to me...

Mazda's are generous, intelligent vehicles. Just perhaps, maybe in time, the two can learn to share me.