1998 Mazda Protege Review
Fuel Economy
25 - 29 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Timex Tin Can
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr ES Sedan
Review
The car has been very reliable as others have mentioned, however this is transportation at it's most basic level. This car is a noisy tin can on wheels. Radio must be cranked in order to overcome excessive road noise. Car lacks power even with the larger 1.8L engine and is really not that great on gas. I rarely take it on highways and my wife refuses to drive it at all because of the "Tin Can" feel. With that said, it is a reliable beater for local commutes but would not take this car on long trips.
Favorite Features
Dependability, smooth running 4 cylinder
Suggested Improvements
Improve body panels and insulation. Improve power and gas mileage. Improve interior material quality.
11 Years and Still A Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan
Review
I have owned my Mazda for eleven years. Purchased it from the showroom floor. After 150k mi it is still running strong. I am still getting 34 mpg, that is fantastic! I am just bumped they no longer make these cars! I can only hope the Mazda 6 is as reliable as my trusty Protege has been!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Protege
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan
Review
Had this car for over 2 years. Put many miles on it, but now its leaking oil and a bunch of other problems. I needed to replace the serpentine belt 3 times in 2 years. Had to replace the battery once too. Don't buy this car if it's got more than 150,000 miles on it. Everything seems to go wrong with it when it reaches that mark.
Favorite Features
It's good on gas millage. That's the only good thing about it.
Suggested Improvements
The drive train always has issues,constantly squealing belts, bad head gasket cover, leaky oil and everything else. It's a maintenance hog pretty much.
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
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Mazda Protege
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- 1999 Mazda Protege
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