1989 Mazda 323 SE from North America

Summary:

Very reliable, good commuter 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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2001

16th May 2001, 20:04

My husband's parents gave us a 1989 Mazda 323 in 1994 right after the birth of our new baby. So far, we have put over 200,000 miles on it, only having to replace the muffler, the front axle and the radiator. It always started, it always performed well, and was very very reliable.

I would still be driving this car had it not been totaled in an accident. Of all the cars I have ever driven, this car has been the absolute best.

29th Aug 2007, 15:20

I have been given a 1989 Mazda 323 Se after my car was written off in an accedent. I have driven it from Cornwall to Wales on several occasions and for a car that is approximately 18 years old it has never let me down. so I thought I would put a new mot on it. so I put it through without touching it and it passed only needing a wind screen wiper and a petrol cap. It is now my pride and joy and I will be spending a little money on it and get her back to mint condition GOOD OLD MAZDA...

1989 Mazda 323 SE 1.6 L from North America

Summary:

A good college student car for under $3000... reliable, cheap and well built

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...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th March, 2001

5th Apr 2004, 13:14

Replace your thermostat!

5th Apr 2004, 13:56

I agree, no heat, overheats, your thermostat is probably shot.

1989 Mazda 323 SE 1.6 liter from North America

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 1998

9th Feb 2001, 20:35

I have a 323 LX 1.6L, it runs real good, I live in Canada and it's reliability that I was looking for. I found it right in that car.

It's only problem is coming from a little lack of rust proofing!... besides the Mercury Tracer is better on that matter... same engine, almost same design, but Ford had it better for the rust... almost perfect, but still my best car ever. 176,896 kilometers and going on.

Jean-Philippe, Canada