2003 Mazda Protege LX review from North America

Vibrations of engine (or transmission?) during cold weather (i mean, canadian winter ;-) ).

Stock tires vibrated when new (Bridgestone <3000 km).

Let the Civics far behind at the green lights. Tires don't even scream. Love it.

Engine growls during strong accelerations, but is quiet at highway speed.

Pleasant and powerful brakes.

Very precise steering, beautiful wheel (Miata's) but a little harsh for those who suffer carpian tunnel syndrome.

Handles like a go-kart. Strong safety feeling.

Seats are harder than Toyota's or Honda's, but comfortable for long distances.

Plastics are nice looking, though they are easily scratched.

An electric remote controlled trunk would have been useful.

This car drinks a lot, 10 litres every 100 km in town.

My Protegé looks and feel like a German car (I owned a '90 VW Golf (made in germany, not in Mexico) and I loooooved her), with the Japanese overall quality and reliability. Unlike Hondas and Toyotas, this car is absolutely not overestimated.