1997 Mazda Protege SE review from North America
"As cool as a civic"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The two catalytic converters went one after another, but were readily replaced by the mazda dealership, which overlooked the fact that warranty for them was done.
General comments?
This is the best car I could have possibly gotten (under my circumstances - student) I got it from an older couple, and with some improvements transformed it into a sweet looking car. Tinted windows, strut tower bar, cd player, 3 way speakers, bra, and foglamps.
Dependability - I've driven it across ontario on many occasions and it has never let me down.
I think its as cool as a civic, and is cheaper to buy. of course, I care about my car and have never missed an oil change.
Interior - Its best feature is the roominess almost everyone who gets into this compact for the first time makes a comment about how much space there is. Far roomier then my parents contour, and almost as spacious as my old lumina, a hefty sized chevy.
Power - When I drive alone, it has more than enough.
One last word: if you don't like the front end of the car, put a bra on it - it'll cover the small grille and look almost like a passat!
Recommended reviews
| Great car for the price |
| Maybe I just got one that was manufactured on a Friday? |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 99000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 145000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Lumina |
| Date of Entry | 4th August, 2002 |