1997 Mazda Protege DX review from North America
"Buy it if you come across one!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Not a single thing.
General comments?
If you are looking for a used car that is unbelievably reliable, fun to drive, and with good looks (or a compact) you have to get this car.
I've put about 100,000 miles on this thing (bought it at 24,000 miles) in 4 years, and I swear not a SINGLE thing has gone wrong with it. It's a pretty amazing little car, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm at 123,000 miles and it drives and sounds like a brand new car.
This thing is fun to drive. Sure, it's a DX with an automatic transmission (so you're not blowing anyone's doors off from a stop), but once you're up and running (especially on highways), it's a joy to drive. It handles like a dream.
As far as gas mileage - don't even get me started. It costs me $13 to fill it up, and that lasts me about a week.
It's also a comfortable car (except on long drives, where your back will ache from the seats). It seats 4 VERY comfortably and stylishly (for a compact).
The only thing I don't like about the car is the noise. You get a lot of wind and road noise.
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 | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | DX Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 24000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 122000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Altima |
| Date of Entry | 17th April, 2004 |