1993 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews

CANT BREAK IT

Written by: Reikoshea on 06/12/2005

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I have put about 80,000 miles on this car and I bought it with 150,000 on it. I have nothing but good things to say about it. I drive my cars harder than anyone. I cannot break this thing. I have had to replace a tie rod and an alternator in 4 years. I have run this car into a mailbox, bottomed it out countless times and e-braked around corners more times than i can count, and it still runs. The only thing holding this car back is the look. It looks just like every other import of the year and truth be told it isn't that appealing, but it'll still get up and go with the best of them. If you need a daily driver with little maintenance, I'd recommend buying my Protege when I sell it.

Favorite Features

All Ii can say is wow about this car. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but if you drive it right (hard) you'll make some Miata's look. I love the car, but I need something with better paint. It's hard to get a date with a sunburned car.

Suggested Improvements

Style and paint. The car is very ugly in my humble opinion. Also the paint fades and burns very quickly.

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Forever new

Written by: Mark on 03/16/2005

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I've had my '93 DX since July 1994 and I still drive it everyday 70 miles round trip to work and back, through snowstorms and blazing summer heat. This is one well built car. I have 170,000 on it so far; replaced the usual - front axles at 95,000, timing belt at 110,000 (really didnt need it but I got nervous), ball joints just this summer and then the usual maintenance. Haven't had a car payment in 9 years which makes me smile everyday and the car still drives like it did the day we bought it. I can tell the crankshaft seals are deteriorating as is the seal around the distributor (smell oil burning and can see buildup of oil in these areas) but if I have to sink even $500 into it still rocks!

Favorite Features

5 speed tranny and build quality. Interior materials are great for a car this cheap.

Suggested Improvements

Really can't think of anything seriously wrong with the car.

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Very Happy..

Written by: grover738 on 03/28/2004

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Bought for only $2850 from auto auction with 61,000 miles in 1998. Now have 111,000. I've replaced brakes, battery, tires, both CV joints, exhaust system, air intake hose. Only CV joints and intake were "non consumables". I've never been stranded by the car. Very happy with 1.8L DOHC engine, 30 mpg and fun to rev. Clutch is original. Bad: both CV joints failed, one at 105k and the other at 110k. Air intake hose cracked and went at 100k. Rear doors now "stiff" to close. Sways more than it should in corners. No ABS, no airbags. Good: Reliable, economical, roomier than it looks.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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good car

Written by: stefo on 01/18/2004

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I have bought my Protege in December 99. Some rusts problems, I had to change exhausts, I have some problems with rear breaks blocking during winter teime. A good car overall, I recommend the Protege, especially with 1.8l DOCH 16-valve.

Favorite Features

Good engine. Very good seats.

Suggested Improvements

Protection against corrosion.

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Excellent Used Car

Written by: miggitymazda on 12/30/2003

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought this car in 2000 with about 48,000 miles on it. I haven't worried about it since. Aside from common upkeep and maintanance, I've had to replace the rotors/calipers and the front axel. This is probably largely due to the amount of salt that's used here in the winter. The interior has some issues. The A/C no longer works and the temp. gauge is stuck near hot. Overall, it's a great little car for little money. Peppy engine and nice handling. I like its performance more than our 2001 corolla.

Favorite Features

Peppy engine, very reliable, great gas mileage for a 93 car.

Suggested Improvements

A few annoyances with interior. Exterior engine parts don't stand up well against salt.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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a good little car

Written by: mazdalx on 08/21/2003

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Bought it brand new, now have 155K on it, no real problems other than the a/c. New water pump at 135K, CV shafts at 105K...ended up replacing virtually the entire a/c unit back in 2000, compressor corroded right through, has a slow leak in it again just this week, will not be replacing the compressor again. Car has never been garaged, maybe that has something to do with it, still get 27-8 mpg going to work everyday, can't beat that, get the 5 speed for better performance, am on original clutch, shifts are still great, quick little car, overall have been happy, would buy another one, but am moving up to a big car.

Favorite Features

good driver's seat, smooth shifts, good gas mileage, trunk is big for a small car,lx power features, high redline, wind the gears out and it moves

Suggested Improvements

Better a/c components

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I love my car

Written by: StellaTbird on 06/29/2003

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I bought this car new in 1993. I have totally enjoyed it. I have not had anything I would call major go wrong with it. Normal maintance and just plain worn out is about it. Like timming belt & cv boot etc. I did blow a spark plug and had a leak in the ratiator. It does burn a little oil now. After 10 years and 120,000 miles you would be tired too. I once had a problem with the selt belt light coming on and staying on. I took it to the Mazda dealer and they fixed it for free. They told me Mazda does not mess around with problems with the belts. I would buy Mazda again for sure.

Favorite Features

The trunk is big and the back seat spilt fold. (I put a 6 ft christmas tree in that trunk.) The passing power is the best, when passing up a hill other cars are starting to slow and I just breeze on by. Millage is really good. Even as the car starts to age.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders are in the way of the radio. Seats are not the best for long trips.

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It Gets Me There... And Back!

Written by: lifeskills on 02/27/2003

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I bought it with 119,000K and now have 147,000K in nearly 4 years. Do the math and see that many people do that in just one year. With such low mileage, I expect the muffler to rust out at least every 18 months (as any car would, under the same conditions) And the engine is starting to 'sweat' a little oil, giving the car a constant burned-oil smell. My wife has left the lights on a few times, but a boost brings this old timer right back to life. When I need it, this car gets me there... and gets me back!

Favorite Features

Back seats fold down giving lots of versatility to haul stuff. Not exactly a hatch back, but almost as handy.

Suggested Improvements

the previous owner put in a cheap radio with only front speakers. Give me a CD player with a nice sound system, and I'll get another 10 years out of this pack animal.

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Zoom, Zoom, Zoom.....

Written by: DCMAHAAN on 01/27/2003

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought my 5 speed '93 protege in winter 2000 @ 135,000 miles for $1500 with some exterior paint damages. i thought it was too high miles & took the risk, totally based on what the previous first owner told me, since i trusted him! had some fixing like fan belt, brakes & mufflers done besides regular 3500 mile oil change. but i am still driving it with 177,000 miles now. i would recommend to anyone to buy a used mazda protege, probably the best alternative to honda & toyota i can think off!!!

Favorite Features

this car is fabulous. great handling, fun to drive with 5 speed & great fuel economy 28 mpg mixed @ 177K miles!!

Suggested Improvements

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Guess it is a reliable car

Written by: jxc328 on 01/09/2003

Vehicle

1993 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought this car at 54000 miles in 1998 and I spent thousands $$ to repair it: 4 breaks, alternators, mufflers/pipes, one hose. There sounds a little transmission problem but it is still OK if you do not want to repair it and it generates about 30mpg/highway and 24mpg/city. The electric system and AC may suck your $$$.

Favorite Features

roomy. body rust-free

Suggested Improvements

Transmission. Electric systems

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