1992 Mazda Protege LX 1.8 DOHC

Summary:

Reliable, cheap, and fast

Faults:

One of the things that I have found to be a problem with this car is the seat belt buzzer. When I'm drive the buzzer keeps going off, it gets pretty annoying.

Another thing I have noticed is the dome light. The dome light has a mind of it own. Seriously, When I open the door sometime it comes on and other times it does not. This can drive one crazy if they need a light on.

Finally, Only 2 of the power windows work, which is a bummer in the summer time.

General Comments:

All-in-All, this is a great car. I get 30 mpg (road miles) and about 25 in town. Since I have owned it, nothing to major has really happened to it. I think this is a great car for someone who doesn't want to spend to much money on a car, but wants to look sporty at the same time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2005

4th Mar 2005, 09:49

I have 91 Mazda protege And it has 205354 miles on it the seatbelt buzzer goes off constantly and my light some times does not come on, but other than that the transmission is the worst thing that has gone bad on it (1100$).It's An automatic, but I raced my friends Manual Honda CRX And beat him by like 10 or 15ft so it's still pretty fast. I have also yet to race civic that beat it. Over all I love my car and don't plan on getting rid of it. p.s. It is my first car.

M.Parks.

30th Aug 2005, 19:01

I am looking at a 91 Protege with about 80k on it... Wondering if you think its worth it, they are asking 2k for it. Looks in good shape and runs well. Manual transmition as well. I would apreciate some feedback on what you think. Thanks guys, PEACE.

9th Jan 2006, 12:30

My 1991 Mazda protege has about 156k on it. one of my back seat windows don't go up or down and the driver's side, the window has a hard time going back up. The seat belt buzzer does go off a lot. The engine sounds pretty strong when I rev it. Over all I think it's a pretty good car.

An sering Question: I think it's worth 2,000 if everything work's on the car, but you should ask him to lower the price a little bit.

2nd May 2006, 22:30

I had forgotten about the seat belt buzzer. Most annoying feature ever.

19th May 2007, 15:13

How is the '89 prelude aws prelude more of a sleeper than a protege? it's a 2 door (less sleeper) and it only has 10 more hp, but weighs over 200lbs more. Plus the name prelude already has sporty connotations. The protege has a 7000 rpm redline. Stock. will be cheaper to buy, maintain, insure, are reliable have very capable rally heritage chassis and can comfortably fit 4 people. And to make it a real sleeper, these cars are very akin to turbos and stock internals can take very high psi. has been done many many times.

Bottom line, don't knock on a car when you know nothing about it.

1992 Mazda Protege LX 1.8

Summary:

An excellent used car buy, if it's been maintained.

Faults:

I have replaced the usual wear items plus front shocks, rear wheel cylinders, radiator, lower ball joints and 3 or 4 front axle half shafts.

General Comments:

There were about 4 good compact cars available to choose from when I bought the Protege.

The Mazda had the best combination of the things I really wanted.

It handles well.

The 1.8 liter engine is strong.

It's pretty roomy and very reliable.

I have abused this car and it just keeps coming back for more!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2005

1992 Mazda Protege DX

Faults:

Man, I can't believe it...203,000!

This car still has the factory clutch in it. It runs like a charm.

The only problem I have had is the seat belt buzzer. It kept buzzing even when all seatbelts were fastened. I fixed it though... I looked under the dash and found the buzzer and smashed it several times with a screwdriver.

I guess I do have another problem. I can't find the A/C fuse.

I have replaced both drive axles since I purchased the car. It is currently lowered and has an aluminum wing on the back... (fast and the furious style). I want to upgrade the exhaust and install a cone air filter. I'm afraid to put too much money in it with all the miles it has. But you only live once. All in all, I love my little Pro. - Later!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2003

3rd Feb 2004, 19:38

I guess that's one way to fix the seatbelt warning buzzer. I have a different suggestion. Lift the center console out and clean the grease from the seatbelt electric connectors on the rotating plate. It took me about 20 minutes. Also, if you want better performance and fuel economy, try a K&N filter assembly, low resistance resonator, 2.25 exhaust and aftermarket ignition assembly. Most parts are available on ebay.