1990 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews

Great little car

Written by: Silazius on 05/19/2005

Vehicle

1990 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

While the 1.8L DOHC is rated by Mazda at 125 horses, I am convinced that the output on this outstanding engine was at least 10 HP higher. With aggressive tires this car could give other more expensive sporty cars a run for their money. The fit and finish was superb inside and out. The trunk swallowed enormous amounts of luggage. The rear seating was not compromised by the spacious trunk. Very peppy acceleration.

Favorite Features

Acceleration, handling and great trunk space.

Suggested Improvements

A little more head room up front.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good car

Written by: blonde619 on 07/12/2004

Vehicle

1990 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

This car has not only been my families car, but now belongs to me. We have kept up with the maintnence and it has lasted us this long and keeps on going! I will be selling it only because i want to buy a brand new car. I would recommend it to any parents looking for a first car for their teens!

Favorite Features

No fav. features its just an easy to drive car!

Suggested Improvements

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Long term relationship

Written by: jjf03 on 01/05/2004

Vehicle

1990 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

This is one of the best handling front drive cars that were built around this time. Bought it brand new, now with 208k. Very reliable, only one unscheduled trip to dealer in 14 years for transmission inhibitor switch. Automatic transmission not as strong as when new, but still feels pretty healthy. Plastic radiator tanks are a problem. Still have the original water pump, but I would change it every other timing belt change. This car gets great gas milage, has lots of features and convenience for a compact, adequate power, responsive brakes, and outstanding handling capability for its class.

Favorite Features

Handling, performance, reliability

Suggested Improvements

If you can find them, I would get 195/55/14 tires to fit the stock rims.

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This car is good

Written by: motoki on 07/28/2002

Vehicle

1990 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

My girlfriend bought this car for $1100, and I thought it was too cheap to expect any adequate performance. However, although it had almost 200,000 miles! on it, it runs really strong and accelerates quick. (By the way, I had 2000 Celica GT-S, and I didn't feel much of difference upto 30 mph.) The exterior is pretty dated, but what else do you expect from such a cheap car other than reliability and performance?

Favorite Features

Reliability; Light weight which gives me a feeling of control

Suggested Improvements

Nothing can be done on used cars...

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ME AND MY PROTEGE

Written by: DON on 05/09/2002

Vehicle

1990 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

THE DESIGN OF THIS CAR IS NOTHING TO WRITE ABOUT BUT THE PERFORAMNCE AND AMENITIES ARE TO BE ADMIRED FROM A 13YR OLD CAR THAT HAS LUXURIOUS FEATURES AND KICK BUT PERFORMANCE. THE 5 PEED MANUAL IS INCREDIBLE!!!!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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