Faults:

Leaked oil at 62000.

Died completely at 65000.

General Comments:

I suspect that Mazda does make a good car from all that I have read, but my experience with the Mazda 323 doesn't seem to support that. I put very little miles on the car before it completely died on me. I'm pretty sure the car dealer turned back the odometer on me, so it can't all be the fault of the car. Still, even at 165000 miles a decent car should be able to hold its ground for a while longer.

The '90 323 is not an incredibly attractive car. It is also not a very powerful car. The reason I chose this car was for its reliability, which I expected to be high from my research. The car died completely, and with a small amount of miles, so I can't say anything good for it other than the miles per gallon.

Mazda's 323 is probably better than my experience, I may have just gotten a lemon, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Faults:

CV joint, but who doesn't get that in a front wheel drive car?

Thermostat about every 5th year.

Foam in the horn degraded making the horn sound without being pushed. Fixed with some weather stripping.

General Comments:

This car was perfect. I don't know why Mazda didn't put power windows on it. It is definitely the best car I've ever owned as far as reliability. The name of the engine is the B6E. Mechanics like it because it's easy to work on and super reliable.

Faults:

The radiator cracked, CV Joints, automatic seatbelt motor (recall item).

General Comments:

I was broadsided on the drivers side by a full size truck going 60mph... totaled the Mazda, I didn't even break a bone.

Faults:

2 mufflers, timing belt, all general maintenance. Very, very reliable, always starts in Canadian Winters.

General Comments:

I bought this car four years ago with the hope of it lasting two years. It has been by far the best car I have owned. It is small and the seats are not very comfortable after four or five hours. After all this there is economy and it delivers. It is fun to drive with the five speed and does 'scoot'. It delivers about 40 to 45 mpg (imperial gallon). I am an accountant and understand value for money. It would be hard to consider buying another car when this continues to be a gem.