Faults:

Transmission has a million electrical issues, hold light blinks.

Front 2 windows don't work.

Radio turns off randomly.

Idle speed is erratic.

Left rear door won't open from either side.

Leaks a little oil.

Rear shocks are bad.

General Comments:

I love this car, even though it seems to hate me. The body has been through 26 winters and still looks almost flawless. There are only 2 rust spots on the whole car! The interior is extremely comfy, and the sunroof even works still.

The transmissions are known to be bad and this one is no exception, it shifts (sometimes) and when it does it's rough. Every problem I've had is electrical; mechanically it's very solid. In short, if you are going to buy one of these, know that it is a very wonderful, fast, luxurious car... when it works. Parts are not the most plentiful as it's a very rare car (but I guess that's why I bought it).

Faults:

It was gas and go from the first day I bought the car which gave me no trouble for the first 15 years.

Replaced Radiator 2007,Rear shocks 2005, Replaced Water pump 2007 and 1998,Rebuilt Transmission 2006,Replaced Alternator 2005, Replaced Steering Rack 2005, Replaced Timing belt, head gaskets and Lifters 1998, rotors 2000. normal tune up and brake replacement. Most windows slowed down in 2004 but rear window stopped working 2006

First Muffler 1998 rest every three years.

Heater core leak, broken driver door handle and antenna lifting rod cost to much to replace or could not be found by Mazda or part shops.

General Comments:

Best car I have owned yet. Would keep and rebuild if I could find parts. Not good for cold locations. Locks in rear doors freeze open starting 1994. was never left stranded. Ran 3 days once after alternator died. Computer stopped fan motors or shut down options, but kept the car running and lights on. Gave me indications all three days to take in for repair that were ignored. Same for water pump and radiator. I always received a warning time before failure. Ac still runs very well with no service needed. No rust. Even where under coat is showing from a paint scratch in 1992. Good power and nice ride. working digital dash which includes the AC rotating vent.

Faults:

The door handles are prone to breaking and are expensive to replace.

The head had an oil leak which was not cost effective to repair.

The driver side power window needed fixing.

The transmission would slip on the kick down under hard acceleration, but I learned to drive around it.

General Comments:

Apart from some minor problems the car never skipped a beat and never broke down.

Fuel economy was lousy with the 3 litre engine, but it's a heavy car.

Great for long trips and very comfortable.

Faults:

Timing belt ailed twice in a row.

Various sensors including airflow meter failed.

Carbon fouled plugs repeatedly and in a hurry.

Leakage past valve seals.

Exhaust is loud (leaking)

Fuel leakage near fuel rail.

Water pump went out.

All of the above occurred in the 3000 miles I used the car.

General Comments:

I loved the car... considering it was my first. however, considering it's 10 MPG city or highway, its notorious nature of stranding me in various places with little warning, and it's poor interior condition, I let the car go to a wrecking yard for 100 bucks. considering I got the car for free from my friend, and I got 3000 miles of high school memories out of the car, it has more sentimental value and I wish Mazda could have kept it simple. and it would've been a success.