1991 Mazda Protege DX review from North America

The first thing to go was the clutch, only due to the fact that it was misused and over abused.

The seat belt indicator beeping sound had to be disconnected, the light always stays on.

The timing belt broke at 80k miles (previous owner, see below) and had to be replaced.

The radiator, thermostat and exhaust system (from the manifold on down) were replaced at 140k miles. Exhaust rust started at 130k miles.

Right front axle bearing assembly had to be replaced at 130k miles (due to broken boot).

Currently there is some shaking during hard braking. Front disk rotors are getting warped.

This was a hand me down from my brother, so I have had a relationship with this car since 1999, and I absolutely love the car!

Great gas mileage, at around 30mpg!

Most of the faults of this car are due to the poor thing being beaten to death my my crazy brother and myself (emergency brake spin outs, snow bank ramming, peel outs at every light). However, there was a reason to our insanity...

Superb engine performance (manual transmission). Capable of spinning the tires in second gear every time, can pass anything on the highway in seconds. Car has great handling, however the rear is starting to slip.

Have gotten compliments from friends borrowing the car: "I can't believe this thing has such pickup!" "I had a great time zipping around the city."

Interior comfort is great, the rear fold down seats make moving anything possible. However, windows fog up in the rain and can be an annoyance sometimes.

The car's age and hard life is starting to show. I would recommend this car to anyone (as long as it was taken care of), and I'm thinking of getting a newer model!