The complaints are organized into groups with data published by vehicle, vehicle component, and specific problem. Still, considering the overall performance, quality, and modest pricing of the whole package, I'm glad I bought it, and to me the Protege ES is the most appealing small car of the late 90s, rivaled only by Nissan's 200SX SE-R and Sentra SE. ® is an online automotive complaint resource that uses graphs to show automotive defect patterns, based on complaint data submitted by visitors to the site. Like most cars of the time, the engine uses a timing belt, a $600 item that needs changing at 105,000 miles (at the time, the exceptions were the Corolla, Sentra, and Saturn, which use timing chains). Engine isn't very efficient, averaging only 27 MPG in mixed driving (Corollas get 30). Has the hardest ride, and is raucously noisy above 50 MPH (road & wind noise, plus engine noise due to short gearing). Of the Japanese entries, only the Mitsubishi Mirage is cheaper on the used car market. Unlike the Michigan-made Mazdas (626, MX-6), the Protege is reliable. Its automatic transmission is far smarter than the confused, constantly downshifting shifting trannies in most 80s/90s Mazdas. Clean, high-quality interior, especially on 1999 models (later years have a more flashy/garish instrument panel). Best stereo: big 6x8 front speakers and even bigger 6x9 Pioneer rear speakers mean huge-ass bass. The Civic of the time was OK, but the Sentra, Mirage, and Corolla were all cramped. Best driver's seat: all-day comfortable, and unlike the seat in most of the Protege's competitors, its backrest goes upright enough for us long-legged types. Best handling in its class, thanks to quick steering and a hard suspension that make it fun to drive. I picked the Protege over the others for its several advantages: Still, 3 problems over 90,000 miles ain't a bad showing. set it at 70 MPH and it'll bounce between 68 and 72 every 5 seconds, which totally murders your gas mileage.Īlso, the owner before me had to replace the oxygen sensor at one point. Then when it's on, it constantly wavers above/below the set speed, i.e. When initially set, the system lets the speed fall about 4 MPH before actually engaging. Engine mounts seem to be shot, causing annoying buzzing/vibration at exactly 1,800 RPM, usually in low-speed acceleration.Ģ. Pretty reliable overall, but my example came with two problems (bought it used):ġ. It's not fast, it's not sporty, but it's well worth the money for the unquestionable reliability. Our 2003 Mazda has more rust than this car. It has been driven every day by my wife, my son and I, sometimes multiple trips per day, sometimes close to a thousand miles in a week. This car has required very little in maintenance and repairs. This car does not like hills at all, so gather some speed if you see a hill up ahead. It still pulls hard for a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine when you're the only one in the car. The car has always handled extremely well, and it is relatively fun to drive, although not quite as fast as it once was. It has held together well and been extremely reliable throughout my twelve year ownership. It never failed to start up in the winter, it never left any of us stranded anywhere, and it has very little rust on it - in fact, it has less rust than any Japanese car of its age I've ever seen. The abuse my family and I put it through would have destroyed lesser cars. The radio stopped working at around 110,000 miles.Īcceleration began to decline at around 120,000 miles. Absolutely no need to slow down for corners.Īir conditioning stopped working long ago, and we never had it fixed.Ĭheck engine light came on frequently, but this never affected performance as far as I could tell. Zoom Zoom indeed!ĬD AND tape player with impressive sound. Very good acceleration particularly from rest. Turning circle is huge, unlike the rear wheel drive Mazdas of the 70s that turned on a dime. Dash is an awful grey with a hole in the middle for a (?) CD player, but actually there is a CD stacker in the boot and it works well.Ī bit hard to get in and out of from the front seats, and your hands slide on the velour fabric if you hang onto the seat. The car is very plain looking, apparently to appeal to a wide range of buyers as I believe Mazda as a company weren't doing too well in the late 90s. ![]() Reversing the car is very difficult as you sit too low, and the rear parcel shelf is high, so rear visibility is rubbish. The car was bought from an elderly gentleman and has had an easy life. The car is serviced by an independent mechanic who is great! General Comments:
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