1998 Mazda Protege Review
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Worst car I ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
This is the worst car I have ever owned. The front end vibrated all the time, and no mechanic could figure out why. It idled rough and couldn't be fixed. The front brake pads needed to be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. The transmission stuck and when it did finally shift, it really jolted me. One of the four engine cylinders was low in pressure. The car had too small of an engine for the size of the car. All of this was from the beginning of ownership. It had only 40 miles on it when I bought it in Dec, 1998. I think I got a lemon.
Favorite Features
Locking door to the gas cap. Cruise control. Tilt steering wheel.
Suggested Improvements
More powerful engine. Better transmission. Something to keep the car from vibrating. Better brakes.
10 years and still delivering
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan
Review
Bought the car new in 1998. Outside of normal maintenance, the car has been a joy to own. Since the car is ten years old, when I'm in the market for a new car, I will revisit Mazda first, as I like many of the newer cars.
Favorite Features
Dependability and mileage. Just took a road trip over 1400 miles and averaged 40 m.p.g. I know it's highway miles, but with gas prices being what they are, who could ask for more?
Suggested Improvements
Protege review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
It is ok for a little car but the transmission starts to slow down after 98000 miles on the car.
Favorite Features
The radio, the fuel mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Better tranny, and a body that won't rust as much.
Mazda Protege review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
This has been a nice car for a high school grad. Very safe and easy to maintain car. It has all the features and the compact size is the winner.
Favorite Features
Solid construction and reliable car. Low or no maintenance!
Suggested Improvements
Improve fuel efficiency. For the size of the engine and body, Mazda could have done a better job.
I love my mazda
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan
Review
I bought my protege with 109k. I love my car and I am upgrading the motor to the larger motor found in the ES version, same motor as in the miata. This vehicle is still strong and loving everything i throw at it, has 143k on it now!
Favorite Features
Styling is smooth and very sexy, especially the rear end, with my fat rims on it of course! The interior is simple but well made and still up to date even now, although the radio was disappointing but arn't they all like that!
Suggested Improvements
Mazda designed a beautifully well made economy car with the 1.5 engine, the 1.8 is still economical but with a more sporty side to it! I think they should have brought the hatchback and AWD platform to the states
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