1980 Mazda GLC 1.4 from North America

Summary:

Good little car!

Faults:

Recalled to replace the catalytic converter and distributor.

Loss of power during acceleration in 1985; carburetor overhauled by the dealership, which failed to correct the problem. The dealer needed to repeat the overhaul to correct the power loss.

Engine overheating at over 50 mph in 1985; radiator clogged and was replaced.

Despite purchasing "rustproofing", the car rusted extensively in the door sills and rear hatch.

Starter replaced with defective part, which the dealer replaced with a good unit at no extra charge.

Finally, at 120,000 miles the head gasket blew, and the engine was worn out and burned a quart of oil every 500 miles.

Repairs and replacement parts were rather expensive for small economy car.

General Comments:

Nice economy car that gave me good transportation for the most part.

Good brakes, easy handling, and a smooth-shifting four on the floor tranny.

Comfortable seating and good visibility.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th May, 2013

1981 Mazda GLC Sport 2 Dr. Hatchback 1.5L E5 I-4 from North America

Summary:

GLC = Great Little Car!

Faults:

Nothing! Just your regular maintenance and things like the battery and suspension parts (ball joints etc.)

Our GLC also has some performance parts including:

- Mikuni carbs (dual)

- HKS intake manifold

- Rings, bearings, valves & valve guides

- Headers & Borla cat-back exhaust system

- Weight reduction (A/C celetion and removal of unnecessary parts)

We also have Enkei Aeronautics rims (13")

No clue on power, but it's fast!

We love our Mazda and we don't plan on selling it, but we would buy another Mazda anytime!

GLC = Great Little Car!

General Comments:

Amazing handling and performance!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2008

1981 Mazda GLC Custom L 1.5 Liter from North America

Summary:

Very dependable car

Faults:

The whole exhaust system was poorly designed. Part of the piping that connects to the catalytic converter is always getting holes in it that creates exhaust leaks, forcing my dad to weld the holes shut.

General Comments:

My parents bought the car brand new in 1981. They gave the car to me when I turned 16 so I would have something to drive.

The car gets very good gas mileage (25+ mpg city) even as old as it is. Although it is burning a lot more oil than it has in the past. It also has been leaking a bit of oil for quite some time.

The car is still running on the original engine and transmission and still has the original clutch with 215,800 miles on it. This is after numerous people, including myself, have learned to drive a stick on with car.

Like I mentioned above, there has not been a lot go wrong with this car. Just the typical things that wear out that we have had replace like the radiator, heater core (which I do not recommend doing), air pump, water pump, catalytic converter and muffler.

Overall it has been a great car, I guess that's why they called it a GLC (Great Little Car). Although not the best-looking car out there, it has provided reliable transportation for my family and myself. I wish it had more power, but what can you expect from a 1.5-liter back in 1981? I'd say the $7,000 investment my parents made when they bought the car was a worthwhile one.

This year will probably be the last year I have the car though, I'm looking for something a lot newer so I won't have to worry about replacing the clutch on this car! It's definitely served me well!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2003

25th Apr 2004, 23:58

I had one from 1990 to 2000. It averaged 33 mpg overall before the speed limit went to 70. I ended up putting over 300000 miles on it, only replacing the water pump (before I got it) at 85000, one ball joint, shocks, distributor at 140000. AC stopped working (leaked). Exhaust system was terrible--couldn't afford to fix it for inspection so I donated it to the salvation army. It was only using a quart of oil every 2000 miles at the time. Never even left drops on the driveway, but it was a rust bucket. Still had the original clutch, starter, radiator and I ran it hard, driving 75 to 80mph (floored) and changing the oil only every 7 to 8k after it hit 200000. Couldn't kill the thing. I even boiled all of the coolant out (dirty oil filter) and had to fill it with pond water and drive home without the air filter.

1982 Mazda GLC 2.0 from North America

Summary:

This car was crap!

Faults:

Everything!!! This car was complete junk. It was a cute and fun little car, but it spent more time in the garage being fixed than being driven by me.

General Comments:

I'll never buy another Mazda. The upkeep is expensive at best and they just don't stand up to cars like a Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th May, 2001

12th Jun 2002, 18:59

I don't know what you are talking about. My father had a 1982 GLC that he kept for 242,000 miles and it ran fine. It was a well built subcompact and I am surprised and disturbed that you call it junk. Maybe somebody messed it up before you bought it. It should be known that the person to whom we sold it still has it running well and the car now has over 250,000 miles!

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