1997 Mazda Protege LX from North America - Comments

Had to get the alternator and the battery changed at 105000.

Front Right Axle broke at 106000.

Oxygen Sensor at around 107000 because it failed the inspection twice.

Had to get the leaks fixed at 107000 just before deciding to get rid of it because it failed to inspection twice and I found out that it wasn't the oxygen sensor.

Alright, my decision to buy this car was to some extent influenced by the good reviews it got on this site. So I felt it my responsibility to do this review. When I bought this car, it felt like the alternator was dying so I guess I already saw that coming. But during the 9 months I had the car, it perfectly dawned on me that may be this Mazda has completed its natural life and is falling apart.

I hate to disappoint all the Mazda lovers on this page, but I won't go near a Mazda again!

The only thing worth commending about this is that it lived upto Mazda's reputation of being fast! With a tiny 1.5 litre 92 HP engine I had never had going fast though acceleration was pretty poor.

What can you expect from a car with over 100,000 miles? (Relative of Ford or not?)

CV joints, alternators, and batteries are normal wear and tear parts of a car. It's not unreasonable for any of those parts to require replacement at 100k+ miles, whether it's a Toyota, Ford, or Mazda. You can't have a car with over 100 thousand miles and expect no problems.

My '97 Protege' has been a good, reliable car. So far, I have over 170,000 miles on it and no problems with the drive train. We did have a mechanic do something to the O2 sensors which caused us to have to replace them, but otherwise the car has proved to be reliable. I do agree with your comments about the acceleration. It can go fast, but the lack of power means that you have to plan lane changes carefully. While I am happy with my Mazda, I am concerned that there are quite a few people that have had bad experiences with them. I would like to see Mazda do well and if Ford's relationship with Mazda is part of the problem, I hope that the company will re-evaluate the way it operates and enjoy the benefits of an improved Mazda product.

I think I have to agree with the 2nd responder. CV Joints and an Alternator on a car of over 100k miles isn't bad at all. All totaled it sounds like you've put maybe $200-$400 worth of parts into the car plus labor (assuming you can't do the repairs yourself).

You didn't mention any drive train problems (trans or engine) so I'm guessing they're still holding up well.

Truthfully, I think most people would be thankful if that was all the problems they've had with their car.

I concur about O2 sensor and battery, but Alternator and CV joint are wear and tear parts?? I think you sell Mazda in your spare time. Anyway, I guess I expected a higher quality from a Japanese product just because I have seen higher quality Japanese products.

I have been lucky (and I know it) with my Protege LX. It has 180,000kms or 112,500 miles on it, and I am the original owner.

I am a rather spirited driver who doesn't kill the car, but push it! Its highway passing power is a little short, especially in the crazy Toronto Highway, you Toronto people know what I mean!!! But otherwise, it is a great reliable, cool little car that barely even sips gas, which is great with the prices now!

I have had timing belts (2), went into a ditch once, and ran into a shed with my car, and it's still holding together well considering, except the paint due to the accident (s)!!!

If you can get a hold on one, do it, treat yourself!!! It would be a great car for a small family, single person or even a student... it's cool and cheap, what more could you want???

"Relative of Ford or not?"

Barely; Ford owns a 33.4% share in Mazda, but Ford seems to be borrowing from Mazda rather than the other way around.

I really love the way the car looks and when it does pick up after slow acceleration it has a very smooth rigde. my problem is that the tranny should have been a lot stronger. the check engine light blinks and now is solid.. the mechanics told me that I need a rebuild on the transmission. roughly 895.00 I am wondering should I even waist the money or just add about 1500 and pick up a 95-97 used civic that I know will run no problem.. mazda made this car a lot better then the 626 but still.. they need to seriously stop messing with ford!! it aint worth dumping 1500.00 for fixing stuff. the car is great on gas though!! about 27.5 miles per gallon when its running well.

My Mazda seems to shake all around at 75-80mph

Personally, I find my '97 Protege with the manual transmission seems to make a world of difference as far as power goes... boo to automatics!! Otherwise it got tonnes of miles on her and still going... Bravo Mazda!