1990-1994 Mazda 323: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Mazda 323 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Handling/roadholding
- Passenger room (front)
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
- Acceleration (automatic transmission)
Vehicle Highlights
Two distinct models resulted from the redesign of Mazda's front-drive subcompact for 1990: a 2-door hatchback, again called 323; and a longer, more costly 4-door sedan named Protege. Though similar in front-end appearance, the two shared no sheetmetal. An 82-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine again powered the 323. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard; 4-speed automatic optional. Base and SE editions went on sale. The latter got cloth upholstery instead of vinyl, as well as tinted glass and upgraded interior trim. Motorized front shoulder belts and manual lap belts were installed.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda 323 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Mazda 323. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Mazda 323.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mazda 323:
Only minor standard-equipment changes were initiated for the 1991 model year.
1992 Mazda 323:
New taillight lenses were installed in this season's 323, but that was about the only change in Mazda's subcompact hatchback.
1993 Mazda 323:
Once again, changes were few, led by installation of a new corporate logo to identify the smallest Mazda model.
1994 Mazda 323:
Unaltered yet again, the slow-selling 323 was in its final season, still devoid of antilock braking or an airbag. All 323s came in the same base price level.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Mazda 323 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Mazda 323 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Mazda 323 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Automatic transmissions cut rather deeply into performance and mileage, but the 323's acceleration and economy are impressive with the 5-speed manual shift. The only way to drive the 323 with automatic is to keep your foot to the floorboard much of the time. Even though you have to rev the engine for all it's worth, the 323 gives good fuel economy, but engine and road noise can grow annoying at highway speeds. For a subcompact, the 323 offers nimble handling and a stable ride. However, the small tires and short wheelbase do little for cornering power, and the tall hatchback leans over heavily in tight bends. Small size really pays off in around-town driving, of course, where the 323 feels capable and agile. Interior room is impressive up front, with plenty of head and leg space. The back seat is short of both, and hard to get into. Luggage space is of decent size, and the split rear seats fold down to increase cargo capacity.
Value for the Money
All told, Mazda's smallest model ranks as a solid entry in the competitive econocar category. Before buying, though, be sure to check out the Toyota Tercel, Honda Civic, Geo Prizm, and Nissan Sentra, among other subcompacts.
All told, Mazda's smallest model ranks as a solid entry in the competitive econocar category. Before buying, though, be sure to check out the Toyota Tercel, Honda Civic, Geo Prizm, and Nissan Sentra, among other subcompacts.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda 323 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda 323 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda 323 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The A/C may gradually stop working because refrigerant may leak from pinholes in the plumbing. (1990)
Brakes:
Original equipment brakes are prone to squealing and/or pedal pulsations. (1990-93)
Clutch:
The original clutch may make a squealing noise due to a problem with the springs on the disc. (1990-94)
Steering problems:
Vibration in the steering wheel is due to bad motor mounts and radiator mounts. (1990-91)
Steering problems:
The steering wheel may be off-center necessitating repositioning or adjusting the tie rods. (1990-94)
Water leak:
Water enters the passenger compartment because of a lack of sealing material on the heater pipes. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $390 |
| Alternator | $210 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,400 |
| Brakes | $200 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $445 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $830 |
| Exhaust System | $495 |
| Radiator | $500 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $500 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda 323 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| 323 | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| 323 | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1992 | |||
| 323 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1991 | |||
| 323 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1990 | |||
| 323 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda 323 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 96.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 163.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2238 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only two powertrain choices were available for the 323: a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, driving either 5-speed manual shift or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The overhead-camshaft engine developed 82 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 82 | 92 | 5-speed manual: 29/36 4-speed automatic: 26/33 |
5-speed manual: 28.7 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda 323 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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