1991 Mazda Protege LX review from North America
"Rock solid dependability"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Seat belt warning light and beep go on while driving due to the contact in the center console wearing through on the driver's shoulder-belt retractor. Fixed three times before disconnecting it.
Power windows very weak going up at times.
Three mufflers (Midas), but the latest Mazda brand muffler seems to last.
General comments?
Other than the above few faults, the car has started every time in the ten years I have owned it. I drive it year after year and put very little money into it. It drives, runs, and looks like a new car.
It is surprisingly fast for the size of it; being able to "chirp" the tires in third gear. On the highway, it can push you back in your seat without shifting out of 5th gear, even at 85 MPH.
It has almost no blind spots. At 115K miles it still handles like it is on rails. I have since bought a new vehicle from the Chrysler Corporation and I have had more problems with it in the year I have owned it than I have ever had with my Mazda. I would definitely recommend Mazda to anyone who is looking for reliability and low ownership costs.
Recommended reviews
| The car has been a reliable, efficient, and economical means of transportation since I've owned it |
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| Smart buy, great value, quality car for economy price |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 1991 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 DOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 3 miles |
| Most recent distance | 115000 miles |
| Previous car | Plymouth Horizon |
| Date of Entry | 17th April, 2001 |