Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Nice Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Jake36 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice car to have and i only had one small problem with the car. Mazda sent me a recall letter saying that i have a defected coil ignition.

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  Reliability Problems! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jdwilkin - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I had hoped that the good looks and performance of the Protege would be matched by Japanese reliability. No such luck. Had to replace engine (rod bearing)at 80k. Transmission repair at 81k. Have done rear brakes 3 times and rear links twice already - fronts once. (@ 94k now)Strut failed at 85k. Dealer and Mazda have both avoided any/all responsibility for problems...even while under warranty. Very dissappointing purchase.

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  Best Small Car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By RLT - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had no major problems. Interior may seem cheap, but really is more simple and meant to hold up for a long time. On the highway the road noise can be loud, But the 6 way stereo is great. A lot of options on this car for the money and still was cheaper than the Civic. Its the best car for the money.

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  asdf - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By big_ben - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the greatest buys you can get. This car is a blast to drive.

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  Excellent - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Tony - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a life saver in the past it is so affordable and very reliable. I love it. Over all A great car.

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  fun fun fun - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By mike b - November 7 - 10:00 am

  best car in its class, hands down. the engine isnt going to win any awards for refinement and there are a few more interior rattles than id prefer (although that may be due to autoXing), but in terms of styling, handling, braking and overall driving experience, this car has it all over Civics, Corollas, Sentras and the like.

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  Reliable little workhorse - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By 99ProtegeOwner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 99 Protege DX (used for only 5 months - repoed) in 1/00 for my wife. I have had to invest no money in this car other than for gas and oil. No electrical problems, no mechanical problems. Comfortable for our family of four. Adequate acceleration for a 1.6 auto; dont expect to be pushed back into your seat. Good fuel economy - high 20s to low 30s in mostly urban driving. Nice, conservative styling. Could use more sound insulation, though. I recently acquired a Montero for my wife, and plan to use the Protege myself - itll make a good substitute for my 96 VW Jetta money pit.

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  Good buy... - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By chrisfenl - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my Protege and am glad I decided to purchase it. It has more power than other small sedans that Ive driven, has very reponsive gas and break input, and handles incredibly well. The suspension is fairly tight, so you feel bumps more, but this also makes turning feel more stable. Its a great car, and I plan on holding onto mine for a long time.

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  After 6 years its still fun to drive! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By JimmyJam - October 18 - 2:46 am

  I have owned this car new since I just got out of college. I have revved the engine to redline on a regular basis (I have a stick), and maxed out at a top speed of over 140 mph (on the way to Vegas - note the throttle just shuts out till your speed drops down). I have to say that this is probably the best car I have ever owned for the price! I have only done quasi regular oil changes, one set of breaks, one set of tires, and a fluid/transmission flush, oh and a battery replacement, thats it! No lights or fuses have been replaced, I have never even replaced the batteries in my remote keyless! The spare set still looks brand new! She is paid off, and I am keeping her and getting a CX7!

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  My Second Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Motorhead - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The first "Protee" I had got 240,000 on it before the trannie blew...rebuilt it, and and original engine has 300,000 on it. But it had become a little cranky over the years, so I thought it was time for a new one. (I sure got my dough out of the first!) Its a great little urban runabout, ultra-reliable and I get about 25 MPG city, 31 HWY. Seems to have enough pep with the 2.0 for Southern California freeways. The rides a little stiff, and it transmits a bit of noise on rough freeways (which is nealy all of the local decrepit Caltrans freeways), but overall a very nice handling machine.