1999 Mazda Protege ES 1.8

Summary:

A medium performance bargain

Faults:

The ingnition coil had to be replaced. Left front shock had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This has not given me any major problems other than the normal maintenance. The ingnition coil was replaced free of charge due to a recall which damaged the catalytic converter which was also at Mazda's expense. I only payed for labor. That was OK.

I live in LA, CA. I have driven it to Texas, Salt Lake City (twice), Las Vegas (4), and San Diego (10).

I have not changed the timing belt and I know it needs it at 115,000 miles. I will be expecting to replace the battery, alternator, and starter soon due to years and mileage.

Would I buy another Mazda? Yes, but only for work transportation since it gives excellent gas mileage with todays gas prices. Mt dream car is a BMW.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2003

1999 Mazda Protege 1.6L

Summary:

A reliable slug that will make you loathe winter

Faults:

This car has not required any work beyond routine servicing and some accident repairs.

General Comments:

This is a six cylinder sized car run on a 4 cylinder engine. It is very roomy and comfortable, but not very responsive for passing or mountain ascents.

The heating system in the car is absolutely worthless at temperatures below -20 C. We have been unable to drive distances more than 50 km in winter because our feet get too cold. The dealer says that nothing can be done about this!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th March, 2003

1st Nov 2004, 22:42

Yeah, heat's been a problem with my protege as well...

If you wanted more power, why didn't you get the 1.8L? Yes the 1.6 model is underpowered, but the car isn't big enough for a V6 to be practical.

1999 Mazda Protege DX 1.6L

Summary:

The car is overall a good car, just not happy with the check engine light thing

Faults:

I bought the Protege on Jan. 20, 2003. Two days later the check engine light came on. I took the car to the Mazda dealership and they "fixed" the problem. They said the air flow handler was bad. The same day I picked it up from getting fixed the check engine light came back on. I took the car back the next day and they supposedly "fixed" it again. They said it was another problem that was actually on recall. Ok, the next day the light came back on. It has been in the shop six times for the same problem. Each time the light comes on the problem is always the same and it gets "fixed". The last time it came on the dealership kept the car for one week and ordered a new computer for it. The problem has not re-occurred.

General Comments:

The car handles well on tight curves and accommodates me and my family well. The trunk is enormous.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st February, 2003

2nd Jun 2003, 21:44

Hey man, my name is Kevin and I've looked at buying this car, and I have two 15" subs in a bandpass box, the box is 36 inches across, 19 high, and 18 deep... would this fit in the trunk??? Also, is this car reliable, and how is it on gas??? Please, let me know if this car is worth the buy... I need a car for college commute.. thanks.

14th Nov 2003, 09:54

The check engine light problem is weird in Mazdas. My mom has a '93 Protege. At 30k, the light came on. She was told by an independent shop that they all do that and that there is no problem. 70K now and no problems. I just wonder if those lights are set to come on at different times just to get you in the shop.

Worth a thought...

24th Mar 2007, 14:12

I have a '99 Protege LX. Yes, the check engine light is annoying, but it's most likely the mass air flow sensor. It gets dirty VERY easily. It's a prob that a lot of Fords have. But it doesn't affect the car any; it just annoys you with that stupid light.