1997 Mazda Protege LX review from North America
"Was the 1997 Civic any better? Was the 1997 Saturn any worse?"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced oxygen sensor 3 times.
Airbag light blinks 7 times, pauses one second and then flashes 7X. I am hoping it will burn out sometime in the fifth year of flashing.
Blown speakers? I listen to talk radio and classical music.
Cracked exhaust manifold replaced at 80,000 miles. Replaced for $1000 usd.
Replaced upper cat converter at 140,000 miles, probably contributed to cracked manifold.
Radio weak, cassette player broken.
Cracked windshield.
Replaced leaking shocks.
90 hp seems weak.
Spastic idle, ranging from 2000 to 250 rpm.
General comments?
Good gas mileage, 34 in mixed driving, 42 on highway.
Handling excellent.
Carried a dishwasher in trunk once.
Skipped all major maintenence until 135000 miles, only big problem was oxygen sensor.
Car is fun to drive. Comfortable.
In 1997 concidered Civic, Saturn and Altima. Mazda was less expensive to get in at time. Probably spent $4000 in repairs in 8 years of ownership.
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? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 150000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda Protege |
| Date of Entry | 5th July, 2005 |