1990 Mazda 323 Hatchback review from North America
"A 10-year+ love affair!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I'd had only a few very, very tiny complaints/problems in more than 10 years...
The foam that holds apart the horn contacts went bad, and the horn thus went off all by itself, as happened to another reviewer (fixed that easily with some foam from a shipping carton!).
The design of the windows/doors/roof means that water pours inside if you have the window down a little for ventilation, or to help defog, when it's raining.
The defog system for the windshield isn't the greatest; I often have to open the window, too.
General comments?
The things I listed above are such minor points! I've never, ever put any money into my 323 Hatchback, other than routine maintenance, and it sips gas.
I've had this car since it was new, and I love it. I'm sorry that it will one day have to go to the great car lot in the sky, and that I can't buy the same model all over again.
I'm pretty small. The car probably wouldn't be all that comfortable for a six-footer!
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| Reliable little fortress |
|
| The best combo of price, speed, looks, comfort, and economy you'll find in a long-lasting commuter |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 liter 4 cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 16 miles |
| Most recent distance | 134000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Vega |
| Date of Entry | 26th January, 2002 |