1994 Mazda Protege

Summary:

Great little car

Faults:

Feels like the struts may need to be replaced.

Transmission is beginning to slip slightly.

General Comments:

Other than normal routine, we have had no major problems.

Things are just starting to happen, but with over 135k miles it is expected.

It starts up everyday and has great pick-up. The seat belts are uncomfortable in their positioning.

This car is one thing my 1996 Kia Sephia (review posted) wasn't, "RELIABLE".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2002

19th Aug 2003, 19:17

You *do* realize that the Kia Sephia and the Mazda Protege are almost exactly the same cars, right? Exact same engines and transmissions, to start... Although interior may differ slightly (much like how other "twin" cars differ). So it's strange that one is unreliable while the other is... I have a Kia Sephia 1.8L and it's been reliable and dependable. Only had to change brake pads once, and tires once, and regular oil changes: nothing else, but that! It's about 6 years old and still going strong... It's cheaper than a Mazda Protege b/c you pay for the "Mazda" name, although it's basically the same car...

1994 Mazda Protege DX 1.8L SOHC

Summary:

Good reliable and fun transportation

Faults:

Requires new exhaust every 90000km.

Still on original rear brake drums, but had to replace the front discs once.

Now requires new struts & springs front and rear.

Replaced clutch at about 220000km.

Broke front stabilizer bar twice.

General Comments:

Has proven to be reliable within reason.

Once new suspension is fitted I expect to see 300000km without major problems.

With hindsight I feel I should have replaced the exhaust system with a stainless steel unit and saved $$$ in the long run.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2002

1994 Mazda Protege DX 1.8L SOHC

Summary:

A great buy

Faults:

I have not really had a major problem with this little car. When I first bought it I did a tune up, Plugs, Wires, Distributor cap and Rotor, Battery, and Rotors, and a New C.D. Player. And my circuit breaker used to flip, but I fixed it, the button wouldn't pop back in.

General Comments:

For a 4 cylinder, this car kicks butt, I get great gas mileage, good acceleration and it doesn't struggle to get up to 70 MPH on the interstate, though the seats aren't as comfy as they look I still like this great performer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2002

1st Oct 2002, 02:11

Hello, I have a 1994 protege it runs good, I've had it for two years. I do have one problem that no one can figure out why, that is my temperature gage stays on over heated. But it is a good car for being close to 10 years old.

27th May 2004, 07:33

Temperature gauge... I recently had this problem... well actually I had it for 2 years... You should be careful with this.. the car may actually be running hot, but it shows no signs until it gets really bad... My problem was fixed with a $20 part. There is a coolant temperature switch just above the distributor cap that had dry rotted... I changed the part myself.. (I'm a girl) so that should tell you how easy it is to fix lol. All you need is a good pair of plyers.. the part screws in. Hope this helps... I've had my 94 protege for a little over 3 years and love it... Unfortunately when one thing went wrong everything went wrong lol.. The lower main radiator hose busted, I got that replaced and the sudden onset of fluid pressure blew the water pump... I had to change the thermostat, sensor switch and radiator cap all within one week in order to fix an overheating problem.. thankfully I have an ex-fiance who did most of the work so I only paid for parts, but I've had no problems before or since..

1994 Mazda Protege LX 1.8 DOHC

Summary:

A nice starter car with good take off, but needs help with cosmetics

Faults:

Well, when I first got this car at the dealership it ran fine. Great take off and easy on gas.

I drove the car 35 miles from the dealer and had just got the car inspected, when all of a sudden the car lost all its power. After having 2 dealers come and look at it they had discovered that it had blown a head gasket.

After a week I got my car back. The dealership had replaced the clutch because that was bad also. I drove the car home just to notice that half way home that the driver's side power window made really funny sounds when going up, and it hops and skips up, making sounds that make you kinda lean away in case it blows up.

General Comments:

I really like this car and it runs fine, but I have checked in every web-site and book from here to Mexico and I have not been able to find any parts for better performance besides an air filter.

It is nearly impossible to even find the 1.8 DOHC engine general parts (ext: head-gasket, oil pan, upgrades for fuel injection, or even a set of spark plug wires).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2002