Faults:

Had to replace/retune the 3rd gear detent; it was driven in town a lot before I got it, so that probably explains why.

A few instrument knobs and switches have broken off on the dash, (interior parts are made of cheap plastic), but they were easily and cheaply replaced.

Stock stereo and speakers are disappointing, but can be easily replaced or exchanged with little or no hassle -- also, no CD player, obviously.

Needs to have a serious exhaust upgrade if you want to take full advantage of the engine's power...

General Comments:

Generally an awesome car to just get around in...

Typically very cheap to buy used, so these cars are great for college students (like myself).

Not exactly a car I'd like to race without serious modification, but this thing packs torque like no little rally car you've ever seen, and acceleration is a dream; 0-60 faster than a civic, escort, or any of the other popular little "quick" cars.

Redlines in 5th (and starts to feel like it's falling apart) at about 120-130mph... which is not bad for such a small car/engine - though the RX7 packed awesome power for it's engine, as well.

Upgrade the exhaust, install a turbocharger/intake and a nice suspension system, upgrade or install a new stereo and satellites, and you've got yourself a nice-looking, great sounding, quick/fast car that you could rally with success...

Seats are super comfortable and come with pretty cool looking stock seat covers (optional, of course).

AC and heat both work perfectly, which is amazing for such an old car.

Mazdas are famous for their 300k+ (miles) engine lives... this car is no exception.

Not a bad looking car, especially after some repainting and accessories... looks great with a (trimmed) body kit, professional paint job and matching exhaust/intake.

Faults:

Exhaust replaced from the Catlytic Converter, back.

Rear axle bearings replaced at 177,000

Changed the original fuel filter! 177,000

Tune up as well at 177,000.

General Comments:

I can't believe how well this car runs with 179,000 miles on the odometer.

This car has all the power options and they all work properly.

The air conditioning blows as cold as my brothers brand new Subaru!

If you can find a 323 in good shape for under 1600.00, jump on it.

These are reliable cars and they are pretty quick to boot!

Faults:

Complete exhaust system replacement twice.

Paint protection on hood flaking off.

Misfire around 100,000km.

Timing belt replacement at 80,000km.

Rear hatchback lid pistons useless.

General Comments:

Excellent power to weight ratio.

Very reliable engine & transmission.

Driven very hard under highway conditions and at altitude (6,500ft) and even surpassed vehicles with V-8 engines!

Not comfortable - but what do you expect from a 323 - leather seats???

Great positive handling.

Only paid $4,200 for it in 1994 and it is still going strong.

The only complaint is an intermittent misfire problem during city driving. Annoying, but acceptable considering it is a 13 year old car.

Faults:

Minor maintenance-type problems (brakes, thermostat, clutch, etc.)

Struts were shot when I bought it. Never had them replaced.

General Comments:

Good gas mileage. Engine still had good compression. Would still peel out on pavement.

Light and easy to maneuver.

Started right up every time, even in sub-zero weather.

Everything, including AC and heat still worked great, even after I rear-ended a pickup and totalled it.

Surprisingly had a lot of cargo and back seat room for its size.

Faults:

- The heating-core is useless (so no hot air available)...

- The engine overheats sometimes...

- Had to replace the cap & rotor once...

- Trunk lining is very flimsy.

General Comments:

It's not the most comfortable car, but does its job of getting you from one place to another.

After putting in $1000 in stereo equipment, it's a decent form of transportation. Not a "chick magnet" and not something you can race, but it holds 4 (LARGE) people (or 5 medium people), has enough space to fit an entire drum set & bass equipment with the passenger seat to spare, and gets pretty damn decent gas mileage...

Faults:

170,000 miles and the only thing that ever went wrong is the starter went out at 125,000 miles.

General Comments:

Nothing exciting but I love the car. It is by far the most well-built automobile I have ever owned.