Faults:

Had to get the alternator and the battery changed at 105000.

Front Right Axle broke at 106000.

Oxygen Sensor at around 107000 because it failed the inspection twice.

Had to get the leaks fixed at 107000 just before deciding to get rid of it because it failed to inspection twice and I found out that it wasn't the oxygen sensor.

General Comments:

Alright, my decision to buy this car was to some extent influenced by the good reviews it got on this site. So I felt it my responsibility to do this review. When I bought this car, it felt like the alternator was dying so I guess I already saw that coming. But during the 9 months I had the car, it perfectly dawned on me that may be this Mazda has completed its natural life and is falling apart.

I hate to disappoint all the Mazda lovers on this page, but I won't go near a Mazda again!

The only thing worth commending about this is that it lived upto Mazda's reputation of being fast! With a tiny 1.5 litre 92 HP engine I had never had going fast though acceleration was pretty poor.

Faults:

I have gone through 4 alternator belts this past winter, after all that I ended up having to replace the alternator. Belts just need to be adjusted. Right now I am in the process of having to replace my whole exhaust system from the manifold back. Besides that it has only been normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

I find that my Mazda is not the most comfortable on long drives. This car has served me well since I have had it. I would definitly buy another Mazda as I would recommend anyone to buy one if they are ever looking to buy a great car. This car was absolutely worth the money spent on it!

Faults:

Not a single thing.

General Comments:

If you are looking for a used car that is unbelievably reliable, fun to drive, and with good looks (or a compact) you have to get this car.

I've put about 100,000 miles on this thing (bought it at 24,000 miles) in 4 years, and I swear not a SINGLE thing has gone wrong with it. It's a pretty amazing little car, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm at 123,000 miles and it drives and sounds like a brand new car.

This thing is fun to drive. Sure, it's a DX with an automatic transmission (so you're not blowing anyone's doors off from a stop), but once you're up and running (especially on highways), it's a joy to drive. It handles like a dream.

As far as gas mileage - don't even get me started. It costs me $13 to fill it up, and that lasts me about a week.

It's also a comfortable car (except on long drives, where your back will ache from the seats). It seats 4 VERY comfortably and stylishly (for a compact).

The only thing I don't like about the car is the noise. You get a lot of wind and road noise.