1998 Mazda Protege DX review from North America
"Solid reliable economical transportation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
An exhaust bracket came loose in the engine compartment and rattled in a specific RPM range at 50000 miles and had to be tightened back down.
The windshield wipers drive belt rotted away around 70000 miles and had to be replaced.
The air compressor clutch seized up, and eventually the compressor itself did too. At 90000 miles the belt that drives the compressor and power steering gave out. I chose not to replace it as highway mileage increased; the car now gets an incredible 44 miles per gallon at 75 MPH.
General comments?
The 1.5L engine doesn't produce a whole lot of power, but coupled with a manual transmission and decent tires, respectable acceleration can be had if desired.
Unless, that is, your 6'4" 320# brother-in-law is riding shotgun.
I'm 6'2" myself, and any air fresheners had to be hung in the back seat because they were just too close and overpowering off the rear-view mirror.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5L transverse 4 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 400 miles |
| Most recent distance | 103000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Lancer |
| Date of Entry | 1st August, 2004 |