1988 Mazda 323 SE Hatchback
All photo credits
- Photo: 1987 Mazda 323 Formule 4 1.6i Turbo 4WD front by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1989 Mazda 323 sedan 1.3 LX Finish Automatic (15909815039) by Rutger van der Maar from Leiden, The Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1989 Mazda 323 sedan 1.3 LX Finish Automatic (15909806109) by Rutger van der Maar from Leiden, The Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Mazda 323 (15330117900) by Charlie from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1988 Mazda 323 sedan 1.3 Envoy rear by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1988 Mazda 323 SE Hatchback is an 82-hp 1.6-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 4-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $7,408 MSRP.
It makes 82 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 92 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The 323 measures 161.0 inches long on a 94.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,106 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Hatchback |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $7,408 ($20,352 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.6L SOHC 8-valve I4 |
| Displacement | 1.6 L |
| Horsepower | 82 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 92 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Injection Type | Fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 23 MPG |
| Highway | 27 MPG |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 161 in |
| Width | 64 in |
| Height | 54 in |
| Wheelbase | 94.4 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,106 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38 in |
| Legroom Front | 41 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1988 Mazda 323 SE Hatchback with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1988 Mazda 323. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
May 24, 1995 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
NHTSA campaign 95V103005
35 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Mazda 323
Owner Complaints
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Mazda 323 (2 mention a crash, 3 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Seat Belts | 28 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 4 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Parking Brake | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1988 MAZDA 323. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.