Faults:

My engine had gone bad at about 170,000 miles, and the alternator finally failed. I expected a few minor problems, but the engine going bad was a bummer. The great thing about that now is that I put a JDM 2.5 liter V6 in its place. The interior is still in great shape.

General Comments:

This car is a great all around performer. Even in stock conditions the car handles well and has plenty of power.

The cars styling is what won me over, and so I purchased the car right out.

So far I have no complaints about the car. You have to expect a few minor problems here and there, but the car is a great bargain.

The interior is very comfortable and driver friendly.

Not to mention the aftermarket parts for the car are readily available. You just have to know where to look.

I've only had one bad set back with the car, and that was a blown engine. Not to mention that it was after 170,000 miles were put on the car. Which gave the a great excuse to install the Japan 2.5 V6 version in its place.

Now I just have to replace the ECU to take full advantage of the extra horses. And like I said there are plenty of aftermarket parts to help with that also.

I don't know if this is a trend for mazda, but my paint is fading. Then again the car is 12 years old at this point. I was looking at a few body kits to give it a more aggressive look. Don't get me wrong the car has a very good design. I'm just looking to give it a more sporty appearance.

Overall I'm very pleased with the car. I was almost at one time about junk the car (Blown engine time),but I soon realized the car was definately worth keeping. And I have big plans for the car yet.

Faults:

3rd gear was blown when I purchased the car. It took the transmission shop 3 different times to get it right.

Mirrors and wing have faded, and the paint is chipping minimally all over the place.

The exhaust dropped completely off after the cat at about 98,000 miles.

Headlights became really hazy and are very difficult to get clean.

General Comments:

For such a small displacement engine it revs some serious power.

Going up against my dads 318 Dodge and my friends 3.8 5 speed mustang, neither of them had a chance.

Aftermarket exhaust from Magnaflow Performance Exhaust, and 2.5 inch pipes help the air get out and an aftermarket intake helps the air get in.

I love how it handles and can take corners easily at 45 mph.

The inside is very comfortable except for the back seat and everything inside is very user friendly. I really love how the seats kind of suck you in and hold you when taking corners.

The look and comments I get from people are the best, because you don't see too many of these on the road. The dissapointing look from guys with Honda's and other imports is what gets me going the most.

Faults:

Distributor module replaced $800.

Calipers seized on the disc brakes.

Tires had wobble issues / flat spots, two had to be replaced.

Rack and pinion had to be replaced $2000.

General Comments:

Car had power and handled well.

Repair costs were large, even general maintenance was costly.

Difficult time getting dealer to fix problems, sometimes had to go back multiple times before they would.

Sold car upon extended warranty expiry.