1992 Mazda Protege LX review from North America

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.

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.