Faults:

Needed general maintenance, such as:

Spark plugs replaced at around 83k.

Tires replaced around 83.5k.

Interior was a bit worn (thanks to previous owner).

General Comments:

Great car.

Saves me so much on gas it's not even funny, I can drive and drive for miles and not worry about gas like I used to with my Blazer.

This is a great car, and the clutch has lasted me for a while, considering it's still original and I learned on it =).

The drive-train of this car has lasted me through thick and thin. This is an excellent car for anyone looking for it. It may be Ford built, but I believe I got the jewel of the pile.

I recommend this car to anyone looking for a cheap, gas efficient car, and it makes it fun that it's a five speed =D.

Very classy car, looks sleek and "presidential".

Faults:

The EGR valve, the expansion tank was leaking, Crapy and I mean crapy transmission, the thermostat was messed up.

General Comments:

This car was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I almost filed for bankruptcy. Oooh I hate this car. I will never buy a MAZDA ever.

Faults:

I had it less than a week and it ran hot. The dealer took it in for repair and gave me a car to drive. They ended up replacing the thermostat. About 3 week later it happened again. They said there was a leak in the gasket and the replace it. About 3 week later the engine blew and they put in a new engine.

All this was related to the pin hole in the gasket.

The car has performed OK. The carpet on the drivers side wore out quickly and was replaced under warranty. It wore out again rather quickly. Most other stuff was probably normal wear and tear. Have replaced both boots, belts, getting ready to replace all the struts. Have done work on the AC with the fan breaking. Will probably keep until it will run no more. Will never buy a MAZDA again. For the money, you can get a much better car. My initial experiences have soured me. Performance OK.

General Comments:

Seems to sit really low. Handles OK.

Faults:

All four door panels are separating. I tried to glue them, but they are literally falling off of the door.

The radio's volume and Cd player only work when it wants to.

The leather seats are wearing out.

General Comments:

Overall, this car has been more than dependable for myself and my family. I do not have any negative comments regarding my Mazda other than the facts listed below.

For one thing, my radio volume button and Cd player work only when it wants to. This can be very annoying when turning the volume up because it has a tendency to go down instead of up. So I have to then turn the radio off and then on again for it to work properly.

My door panels leather on all four doors is completely coming off!! I have tried every glue, adhesive out there, but they simply will not stay in place. I did contact Mazda, but they said they have never heard of this problem before. I don't know what to do, but it is something I cannot overlook anymore, or afford to buy new ones!!

The last, but least... The leather seats don't seem to be holding up well. I pity myself when it's time to trade this car in (which will probably be soon) I won't get anything for trade value. Especially when they look inside and see the interior falling apart, literally :) PLEASE if anyone has had similar problems, especially with the door panels and have found a resolution for them, please email me with what has worked for you. That would be greatly appreciated.

Delacruzs@sbcglobal.net.