Faults:

My air conditioning went out at about 150,000 miles. I've had to keep replacing tires. I had to get spark plugs put on, fan relay put in and a tune up (all in 1 year). I've only had the car 1 year.

General Comments:

This car rides a little rough. It also needs a paint job.

Faults:

I had to have the Ford transmission replaced at about 63000 miles. It was replaced free of charge (except for labor).

I finally had the original front struts replace at 361000 miles. I have a bit of play in the control arm of the right front wheel.

General Comments:

This car is the most reliable car I have ever had. The engine is excellent and still purrs like a kitten (it does have a lifter that sticks sometimes). I have always had the required maintenance done and I change the oil every 3000 miles. This car has never broken down on me. I never had this type of performance with the prior cars that I owned.

Faults:

* Am on 3rd set of tires.

* Had all CV axle joints, etc. replaced - still do not feel they are correct.

* Breaks replaced.

* Oil leaks repaired.

* Major problems with Mazda's paint for this model and years around my 1995 - Mazda has admitted the problems, but will not help in cost to have car repainted. Personally, I don't feel this is right. The paint is peeling / wearing away, and not by any abuse to the car. I have driven the car a bit more in-town vs. highway driving, but definitely not in any type of harsh environment to warranty the embarrassing sight my car displays now. I've been quoted an estimate of $1,750 to properly re-paint my vehicle. Ridiculous!

* My clutch will not release (began 2 days ago) and I fear I'll be saddled with another huge cost when I phone Mazda tomorrow morning. Aside from that, I must also have another $1,800 worth of work done to complete repair of the oil leaks, etc.

General Comments:

The Good News:

* My car looks brand new inside, I have taken great care of it (even my Mazda dealer has commented on it)

* It has been a great car up until the mechanical failures began.

* Great on gas mileage.

Faults:

Transmission rebuilt at 120,00 miles.

Struts and strut bearings replaced.

All five engine mounts replaced at 141,000 miles to fix vibration.

Drive axles replaced twice.

Water pump leaked at 125,00.

Oxygen and airflow sensors.

General Comments:

Car has been reliable with a few big exceptions. I feel 626 owners pain.

O/D light started flashing, $1500 to fix transmission.

Car was vibrating at stops. Just replaced all engine mounts for $900. The mounts were $600 just for the parts.

Motor is running good at 141,00 miles.

Have used synthetic oils since we bought it.

I will not buy another Mazda. There has to be a better made car out there.

Faults:

5 engine mounts cracked and broke, causing engine to tilt inward.

Had to replace line between gear shift and engine 2 days after purchase.

Replaced water pump at 92000 miles.

Axle, cv boot and all 4 brakes 92000 miles.

Engine mounts cracked again (3 months later)

Now stalling (5+times a day) 143000 miles.

General Comments:

I knew this car was a piece of crap as soon as my husband brought it home. He bought it with the help of our friend, from a used car lot, as is no warranty. 2 days later the cable that runs from the gear shift to the engine snapped, had to have it towed to a shop. The car soon after started vibrating while at a stop light. At 92000 miles about 6 months later we had to replace the water pump, axle and cv boot along with the brake pads which now squeek continuously, but the mechanic said that was normal. 3 months ago we replaced 5 cracked and broken engine mounts (the engine was tilting to the right side). Now they are cracked again. The mechanic said this is a problem with Mazdas. I am ready to call a car wrecking company and try my hands at another car company. With a warranty! And no friends!