Faults:

After getting a new timing belt at 90K miles the car began to misfire (run rough followed by check engine light). This issue is very likely to have been caused by the technician who performed the timing belt change. The solution to the problem was to get both ignition coil packs replaced.

General Comments:

This is a great car. I docked it a few points on performance because it is a 4 cylinder and lacks some acceleration; however this car handles great, and the 35mpg I get on the highway is well worth it. My only other complaint is that it is not very insulated from road noise - especially the rear wheels.

Other good things about this car include:

Very easy to fit a mountain bike in the back (with seats down).

Handles well in snowy and icy conditions.

A/C works very well.

Very decent sound system.

Interior has held up very well to wear.

Faults:

Engine started to fall apart at around 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car was great until it reached its 4 yr. birthday. Then the engine started giving me trouble. It spent a year going to the dealer every few months. The dealer could not figure out how to fix it!!! They replaced the intake manifold, the EGR coil and the catalytic converter. The car still does not work and I am told to get a new one. It is now 5 years old with only 63,000 miles. It amazes me that the dealer has even told me this is a faulty car through Mazda. I am very angry and unhappy and will never purchase another Mazda again.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Since I had the car at 53,000 miles I haven't had a single problem with the car. The transmission shifts fine and the engine runs great.

I am a mechanic and I love this car. I don't know what has gone wrong with the car before I had it, but I know it has been a great car for me.

I do regular maintenance and I do a lot of city driving. I do go through a lot of brake pads, but that doesn't bother me. The one thing I did find about this car that I didn't like is that it's a little difficult to work on, but what isn't these days. I have definitely considered trading this in for a newer Mazda 3. I wouldn't be surprised if I can get way over 200,000 miles on this car with minimal repairs.

All of my suspension and steering parts are in great working order too. I bought an extended warranty when I got the car, but I feel I have wasted my money because nothing broke.

If you're looking for reliability and affordability and fuel economy this is the way to go. Just remember this isn't a 40,000 dollar BMW so options and comfort may be lacking. I do agree that it is noisy.

Faults:

The only problem I have had with the car is the headlights burn out. Both sides burnt out with in a month at 42,000 miles. It is an easy fix. I bought a new light bulb at the local auto parts and replaced it myself.

General Comments:

I bought this used car with 16,000 miles and have had no major maintenance problems. I am very satisfied with the car.

It handles well and drives smooth.

The one thing I would change on the car is how the transmission is geared. I feel the RPMs are too high at highway speeds.