1997 Mazda 323 Venetian 1.5 petrol

Summary:

Superb - I will probably keep this machine until it drops dead

Faults:

Headlamp bulbs blow regularly.

General Comments:

Excellent, absolutely reliable, economical, family hatchback, with sporty looks.

After 115,000 miles everything (apart from consumables) is still original, including the exhaust.

Why did Mazda stop producing this wondrous vehicle?

Service and parts are expensive. This is reflected in slightly higher insurance premiums. But well worth every penny.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th August, 2004

11th Jul 2005, 03:14

Just bought the exact same model. Lovely looking car. Only thing so far is, very occasionally, when approaching a roundabout or lights in neutral it nearly, or does, cut out. Is this a common problem/fault?Any feedback would be most welcome. Apart from that well pleased.Thanks.

1997 Mazda 323 ZXi 2.0 V6

Summary:

A wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

As of yet no problems have occurred with the car.

Mazda alloy wheels are now six years old and will have to be refurbished soon.

General Comments:

The car is one of the fastest four door hatchbacks on the market. The V6 engine pulls away at an alarming rate, but still is steady and firm to drive. The gearbox is smooth and easy to use, but first gear is only used to start moving, put it into second and put your foot down, see how it goes.

The engine is so quiet on tick-over and makes a superb roar when opened up.

The ZXi comes with electric everything so driving it is a real pleasure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2003

1997 Mazda 323 Estoril 1.5i petrol

Summary:

Drives well and looks good - fantastic!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Mine's in metallic blue and looks fantastic. Don't see many about and most people think it's a sports car or a coupe (not a 5 door small family hatchback). Very desirable.

Hardly depreciates and I could easily get well above market value for it - if I wanted to sell it ;)

Solid build quality. Great to have frameless doors as you don't see them on any other car in this class, though the driver's window does tend to rattle a little when the car's been sitting in the sun. Excellent equipment levels including low profile alloys, CD changer, electric mirrors and sunroof, etc, etc.

Handling is superb and can be chucked around corners without any problems. Great performance for a 1.5. Could do with better brakes and the engine needs to be kept over 3000 rpm to get good acceleration out of it.

Group 9 insurance is a bit higher and pricier than rivals (though it's worth every penny). Great on fuel even when driven hard.

Parts apparently are a bit expensive, but it doesn't break down so it doesn't bother me! Servicing charges are a bit expensive (but then aren't all main dealers) so I go to a local mechanic instead.

Why, oh why, did they change the styling of the latest model to look like every other car??? They were onto a winner with the 94-98 model!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2002

5th Nov 2007, 19:32

I totally agree, new Astinas aren't that attractive like the older models.

Astinas should of kept with the extremely sexy look.

People always comment on how hot my car looks, & this car I love to death.

I haven't had any problems, just usual wear and tear every car has, & I've owned it for over 2 years.

I recommend this car to anyone, young/old people... affordable, reliable & SOOOO SEXY.

1997 Mazda 323 Executive 1.8

Summary:

A sporty looking clean car

Faults:

New clutch fitted at 45600 miles by the garage prior to purchase.

Front brake disc pads fitted at the 63000 mile service.

The exhaust back box mounting bracket corroded at 66000 miles.

Nothing else has gone wrong.

General Comments:

Changing the standard 14 inch steel wheels for a set of 17 inch alloys has changed the whole look of the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2001

1997 Mazda 323 Executive 1.8i 16v

Summary:

Fast, reliable, well equipped, superb

Faults:

Nothing at all - just standard stuff, two front tyres... and that's it.

Oh, poor security - my stereo was nicked, and there was not standard alarm.

General Comments:

This is easily the best car I've owned. It's quick. It's reliable. It's comfortable.

The only reason I'm getting rid of it is that I can't afford the monthly repayments anymore, otherwise I would have absolutely no hesitation in buying another one.

It's badged "Executive", but there's no alloys and no spoiler, a pity, but they're only aesthetic. If only I could win the lottery.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2000

29th Jan 2008, 10:02

I recently bought a 323F executive and can't find anything wrong with the car.

Nothing wrong with the rear visibility and has more room in the back than my old escort.

Very comfy, the ride is fantastic and the car is nice and quick.

Really can't find anything bad to say about the car, honestly I can't. Well tell a lie, mine came with stupid fake wood around central console etc (Which I removed).

So if your thinking about getting one, stop thinking and buy it!

1997 Mazda 323 GXI 1.5 16v

Summary:

High performance for a low insurance car

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car is excellent for a 1.5, the pick up is great, you have a comfortable ride even on bumpy country roads.

The car seems well manufactured and solid, there are no annoying squeaks and rattles, all in all it is the best car I have ever driven.

I will be looking to buy the Mazda 323 2.0 V6 next.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th November, 2000

1997 Mazda 323 F GXI 1.5 petrol

Summary:

Affordable style

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Lovely car.

Comfortable ride, smooth engine.

Gearchange can be a bit notchy.

Great looking car and seems to be well built although I've only had it a few months.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2000

1997 Mazda 323 F Executive 1.8 16V

Summary:

Simply the best car I have owned

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Best car I have had. Highly reliable, and sporty to look at and drive. Handling is excellent, smooth engine and gear change. Packed with extras. Holds value very well. Only down points, the rear is cramped and trying to get a rear facing baby seat in, is impossible. Visibility is poor at the back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2000

24th Jul 2002, 05:21

What is this guy talking about? The visibility when looking towards the rear of the vehicle is amazing. You can see the whole road, that's why the rear window is so big.

8th Apr 2004, 05:00

You must have some size of baby, I have a rear facing baby seat in mine and there is no problem whatsoever. I thought visibility from rear window was a bit poor when reversing at first, but you soon adapt to it.