1999 Mazda Protege DX review from North America
"The car is overall a good car, just not happy with the check engine light thing"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought the Protege on Jan. 20, 2003. Two days later the check engine light came on. I took the car to the Mazda dealership and they "fixed" the problem. They said the air flow handler was bad. The same day I picked it up from getting fixed the check engine light came back on. I took the car back the next day and they supposedly "fixed" it again. They said it was another problem that was actually on recall. Ok, the next day the light came back on. It has been in the shop six times for the same problem. Each time the light comes on the problem is always the same and it gets "fixed". The last time it came on the dealership kept the car for one week and ordered a new computer for it. The problem has not re-occurred.
General comments?
The car handles well on tight curves and accommodates me and my family well. The trunk is enormous.
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 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 47300 miles |
| Most recent distance | 48253 miles |
| Previous car | Honda CRX |
| Date of Entry | 21st February, 2003 |