1999 Mazda Protege LX review from North America
"Best car I've owned in 30 years"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Mass Airflow Sensor failed around 40K miles. Check engine light went on. I replaced the sensor myself. No problems since.
Replaced front calipers and pads at 120K miles. No problems.
General comments?
Best car I've owned in over 30 years. Absolutely no problems except the mass airflow sensor failure at 40K miles.
I liked my 1990 Mazda Protege DX, so bought this 2000 model LX in March of 2000. Gets even better mpg than the earlier one. Averages 38mpg with 20% local, 80% highway driving.
Could use more horses when accelerating on a hill or entering an interstate, but livable. The 1.8 engine would probably have been a better choice for power - but wouldn't have given the great mpg I get with the 1.6.
So far (knock wood!) no mechanical, electrical, a/c, instrument problems.
Five speed transmission still tight.
Interior seems spacious, well appointed, and more comfortable than I expected in the Protege.
Only recommendation I'd make is that the cruise control be on the steering wheel (horn pad) itself, not on a stick on the column. But can't be done as the horn pad is the crash bag cover.
Highly recommended car!
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? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 50 miles |
| Most recent distance | 121000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda Protege |
| Date of Entry | 2nd July, 2008 |