1994 Mazda Protege DX from North America - Comments

The CV boot had to be replaced after 15000

miles.

The paint was peeling off for no apparent reason.

Beyond this it was all simple routine maintenance.

Overall this car is excellent in terms of fuel economy, maintenance, and performance. This car is a work horse, I have driven it cross country and back with no detrimental effects. The drawbacks in this car are the looks, comfort and the paint job. The most annoying is the paint job, which peels off easily and quickly for no apparent reason. This issue is something which Mazda still haven't rectified completely.

First off, I love my car it is a 94'Mazda Protege DX original. I bought it early in 2007 as my first car the only things that went wrong while having it is:

1.Replaced muffler

2.Changed engine belts

3.Replaced water pump

4.Brake pads.

Of course you have to begin replacing things when your mileage is 168,000 and you need to have a car. I can't believe my car has an alarm on it which is great!Other than those four things besides oil changes every three months, I haven't had any problems with my car. It is excellent when you have to pass the car in front of you. My car still revve up like new and I'm on my original engine and clutch. My five speed has been known to pass up new model cars. The car has only put me on side of the road once and yes it was because I didn't have any gas in it. The gas gage is still working of course. If I have to buy another car it would be a Mazda Protege or the new M3.

I've owned my 1994 Mazda Protege DX since 1997. Purchased as a lease return with 36k miles. As of today, April 7th, 2008, the car has 268K miles and still runs like a top! I have replaced: starter, alternator, radiator, water pump/timing belt, along with typical maintenance type replacements such as oil, brakes and exhaust. I must comment that when I replaced the timing belt at 168K (original), it was in absolute pristine condition. Only complaint with this vehicle is the need to frequently repair the CV boots... much too frequent. Other replacements such as shocks/struts and one brake line are attributable to age, wear and tear. Remarkable performance from this 1.8L V4 with a lot of pep!