Used 1997 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
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Still Going After 15 Years
cjh1948, 07/10/2011
1997 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
OK, so this is not a sexy looking car with super electronics. But, it is still going strong after 15 years, gets good mpg, and does not cost a lot to own/maintain. It's not comfortable enough for long hauls, but I only use it for short, around town trips, so it meets my needs. Paint is still holding up, as is the upholstry. Water pump replacement is about the most major repair the car has had.
Just won't die
mochica, 04/19/2014
updated 11/04/2016
1997 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Best reliable car I 've ever bought. After 17 years, car runs strong. I drive 120 miles daily average. Everything works. Mpg @33mpg. Mayor repairs: timing belt/ radiator change / front axles. Minor: Upstream O2 sensor / EGR valve clean up. Car is easy to repair. Done it myself except timing belt. Total $ amount of repairs + tires= $4,300. Walmart brand synthetic oil keeps this car well lubed all these years.
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GREAT LITTLE CAR
HAPPY WITH THE ES MO, 06/12/2004
1997 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
IF ALL THE PEOPLE THAT BOUGHT LX MODELS AND SAID THEY WERE "UNDERPOWERED" , WHY DIDN'T THEY BUY THE ES MODEL WITH THE BIGGER MOTOR ?? I BOUGHT AN ES MODEL WHICH NOW HAS 210,000 MILES ON IT AS OF JUNE OF 2004, AND IT STILL GETS UP AND GOES JUST LIKE IT DID WHEN IT WAS NEW. I WOULD DEFINITELY BUY ANOTHER ONE. MAYBE MAZDA HEARD THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT POWER, I BELIEVE THE 2004 MODELS HAVE A 2.2 LITER MOTOR IN THEM ....
Great fuel economy and reliable too.
jbaggins, 07/22/2012
1997 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Simply the best little car you could ask for. 5 speed shifts great, has sporty handling, has been super reliable (only a water pump in 5 years). Best gas mileage of any small car of its vintage with the 1.5L engine. Great for short trips but seating is not comfortable for me or the kids. Good layout of controls (It's a Mazda). No A/C and the car is super hot in summer due to non-tinted glass. Ours has manual windows but no problems with interior hardware to date. Everything still works. Engine was been great, passes emission test every 2 years. Not good in snow due to low sports-car like ground clearance.
'97 Mazda Protege LX
DJ Wheel, 08/21/2009
1997 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
One owner, regular maintenance,timing chain replaced at 85,000, new tires, 90,000+ miles, exterior white paint flaws.
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