1999 Mazda Protege LX review from North America
"Great car if you don't mind getting your hands dirty"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
- Intake manifold gasket cracked/leaking at 100 000km
- Battery died at 120 000km,
- Mass Airflow Sensor needed cleaning at 100 000km,
- Water leaks into trunk from rear bumper mounts at 80 000km
- Exhaust pipe flange failure at 130 000km
- Front anti-sway bar links failure at 75 000km (passenger) and 100 000km (driver)
- front engine mount failure at 90 000km
- EGR Valve needed lubricating at 120 000km
- Alternator failed at 130 000km
- Cold front strut noise (over bumps) starting at 80 000km.
General comments?
A few things have failed, but gives me an excuse to replace with upgraded parts (in many cases the Mazda part itself has been strengthened as in the engine mount and intake manifold gasket).
Performs very well, and has never let me down. With the right tires, handles amazingly.
Acceleration isn't great with the A/C on (when it cycles can cause the transmission to shift unexpectedly if you are on the threshold of a shift), but accelerates great when cold.
Recommended reviews
  | A good responsive car overall. |
| 1998 - Protege LX (same as US ES) 1.8 Great, if you don't mind getting your hands dirty |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 70000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 140000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Audi 4000 |
| Date of Entry | 10th August, 2005 |