User Reviews

1.6 GXI

Dave Gillett

Overall Rating

Basically a mini-estate the 323 is a cracking medium sized car. It has bags of space, is stylish to look at, is very reliable, and has about average running costs although Mazda servicing is very pricey (over £500 for the 54k miles service). I find the 1.6 both enjoyable and economical: it certainly has enough power to keep up with the flow of traffic. My only complaint: my GXI looks fantastic from the front and back but the sides look very bland without side skirts. Apart from that it's a very good car and highly recommended.

1.6 GXI 2002

Dave Gillett

Overall Rating

Having had the car for a year I can safely says it's the worst Japanese car I've owned (also had Nissan & Mitsubishi), as it's easily the least reliable, the engine's lively, the room in the cabin and boot is good and it's a practical car, but the reliability & that damn CEL (check engine light), definetly count against the car, and mines only done 27k.

1.5 LXI hatchback

F Gambling

Overall Rating

Bought car from new-51 model. Good until guarantee expired. Then series of disasters all up to 69,000 miles. 2004-Radiator leak & replacement (£370), 2005-Head gasket blew (£740), 2006-ABS sensors faulty (£180), 2006-Air mass sensor faulty (£340), 2007-Engine management & oil pump problem (£460). A real 'lemon' leaving a very bitter after taste.

1.6 GSi

Janice Jones

Overall Rating

A sporty model. The 1.6 engine is good, has a sporting exhaust rasp. The tyres are too low profile (195/55 R15) so the steering over bumps and when braking on bumpy roads fidgets around. Very good quality interior, it may not look as classy as a Golf, but from the JD Power survey, the quality and reliability leave the Golf trailing. Body dents easily, due to the crumple zones and decent pedestrian safety. Good looking and smart, cruises well, but the revs are very high. 4000rpm at 80mph, discourages faster driving. Nice touches for the price - leather steering wheel/gear lever, exterior temp gauge (something the new 2004- Golf does not have) and attractive alloys. The gearbox is absolutely fabulous, one of the best around. Slick, well weighted and easy to use. Highly recommended. The engine should last to 200,000 miles.