Faults:

At 40,000 km the automatic transmission went. The brakes wore prematurely at 30,000km. The head gasket blew, cracked cylinder head at 120,000km and the replaced transmission blew again last week.

General Comments:

Horrible reliability... wondering if I got a lemon. To the cars defence, between 40,000 and 120,000kms I had no problems.. just when I DO have problems..They're big ones!

Faults:

I had the car for one month and the air intake valve cost me 500.00 to replace.

Bought new pads and rotors (back brakes) after two months.

Tires were worn out in the middle--did alignment job.

Front brakes were inspected and found to be good, but the squealing is unbearable so I made an appointment to get all new brakes.

Lost fuel performance, loud knocking noise from engine when highway driving--switched to supreme gas and seems somewhat better, but still only getting about 8 km. to the litre.

General Comments:

I thought I was buying a good quality car and I'm not sure if what I am experiencing is just regular wear or if I got an inferior model. Many Mazda owners are happy and I would be too if I thought these things were normal for owning a car. I haven't owned a car in a long time and I'm wondering what's normal?

Faults:

My rear (left) passenger side door lock failed twice, luckily they happened within the warranty.

Squeaking and clunking noises.

Soon after my second maintenance inspection, my front brakes were replaced, costing me well over $300 taking into consideration labor hours of $70.00 per hour.

At my 48km inspection, dishing out another $234.00+ for this mandatory inspection and my back brakes were to be replaced, but Mazda suggested a cheaper alternative to change the pads, and turn the discs, costing me $240.61 before any applicable taxes... I walked out of the dealership costing me over $500.00.

At 68,000kms Constant squealing of front brakes, front pads were changed, back brakes need to be changed again, pads, this one year since last, and calipers too.

General Comments:

Although maintenance of brakes has been too repetitive in the past 4 years of owning car, it is a pleasure to drive.

It is roomy both front and back.

Have had no other major problems thus far.

My next car will not be a protege.

Faults:

My rear passenger side door lock failed twice, luckily they happened within the warranty.

When I first got the car, it pulled to the right for no reason. They had everything checked, but it was still pulling like hell. Then about 20K, the tires were almost shot. Can you believe it?

The worst thing was, the key barrel locked my key suddenly. They ended up changing the whole lock under warranty.

Around 40k, I started hearing squeaking and clunking noises underneath. They were so annoying. It was actually about the premature worn sway bar and end links bushings. You either replace them, (cost you about $200), or to live with it.

Remember to do the brake service at the recommended interval. The brakes on this car (sticky piston and messy caliper) easily fail and seize without any warning. I ended up paying $460 to do the rotor and new brake pads.

General Comments:

Very good looking inside outside; classy and sporty. Handled like a true sports car before the sway bar bushing failed. That is it!