Faults:

This Mazda Protege has had a hiccup in its acceleration since I bought it. Three mechanics have found no cure; however, my regular mechanic has taped up a worn air intake hose and that seems to help a lot with this problem -- temporarily. Within a couple of weeks it is back to its old, stuttering self.

Parts prices are high, and parts are generally unavailable from anybody other than Mazda. I paid $600 for an exhaust system. This included everything from the manifold to the rear bumper, except for the converter. I later spent another $180 replacing the converter, again using a Mazda part.

General Comments:

This is a fast, good handling small car. I think it would outrun any Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla of the same vintage.

The suspension is a real treat for anyone who's been driving lesser economy cars, particularly American models such as the Cavalier.

I regard this car as a real bargain, considering its full package of options, compared to the extra amount one would pay for a Honda or Toyota just because of the nameplate.

Faults:

The Water pump had to be replaced at 122,000 miles.

The horn, which started blowing by itself in one cold night, because of the horn switch was stuck.

The speakers, all four of which have been blown.

And lately a small oil leak from the gasket between the oilsump an the crankcase.

Minor, but audible wind noise at speeds above 70 MPH. Becomes pretty loud above 90 MPH.

The paint has started chipping.

General Comments:

Wonderful acceleration, excellent sporty handling.

Hard suspension, though a tad bumpy, offers gun-sight steering.

And the best brakes, I have ever seen, which could possibly outsmart cars with ABS.

While some may comment on the engine being a bit noisy, I love it, especially with the windows lowered in narrow city lanes. It purrs like a kitten.

The interior real estate is very roomy for car of it class and is comparable to mid range cars.

The cabin is bright and the controls are placed where they should be.

In short a cheap BMW.

Faults:

I needed two new CV joints at approximately 95,000 miles.

I got a new radiator at 170,000 miles.

I changed the timing belt at 65,000 miles and 130,000 miles.

I have had intermittent trouble with the blinker for the last 50,000 miles or so. (Never with a mechanic present!)

The driver seat-belt guide/track broke at around 60,000 miles.

My horn connections melted while it parked in 120 degree F heat!

The paint job is terribly faded and the bumper paint peels and chips. This is the most annoying thing about my car.

Other than the above, I have only gone through lots of tires and brakes (I lived in the country,) 2 batteries and lots of oil changes.

General Comments:

Despite all the negative comments above, I love this car. In respect for her age, I call her grandma.

She has never let me down, nor abandoned me on the side of the road.

She handles well, has tight steering, and is very comfortable to drive.

The interior looks great for her age, but the exterior has been terrible since year 2. The bumper paint started chipping, even before the rest of the paint started fading.

This is a great car for the price. I hope to keep her for another 171,000 miles.

Faults:

The only real problems I have had with the car are the CV joints and ball joints.

Otherwise, I have only had to do routine maintenance.

General Comments:

The Mazda Protege really is a typical '90s Japanese car- reliable, very comfortable, and boring to look at!

However, the LX model has much to write home about- standard 4- wheel disc brakes, 14" wheels with H- rated tires (DX model has 13" wheels) a nice 1.8L DOHC engine that has lots of power, tight suspension, and all the power trimmings!

The Protege LX is a pretty quick car, although all the power is up in the higher RPM ranges- typical of a free- breathing, small- displacement engine. It handles very well, and the brakes bring it to a halt faster than any other car I have driven.

The seats are comfortable, and the controls are well- placed and clearly labeled.

My only complaints:

1.The noise- at higher speeds, there is quite a bit of engine noise. This is because the car has such low gearing- a plus for performance, but I will say that 3500 RPM at 70 MPH is a little high. This car screams for a 6th gear!

2.This car could be a little less serious. I realize it's a four- door sedan, but its general nature is just a little too buttoned down for a car that performs this well. Give it the spirit of a VW Jetta, and it would be perfect.