1999 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews

Some work, but very reliable

Written by: satisfied owner on 08/30/2008

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

Been very happy. Did all my own work, and yes, had to replace things, but to be expected with 210,000 kms. I find the car takes care of you if you take care of it. Brakes, battery, intake manifold gasket, alternator, engine mounts (front and back), as well as transmission pulse generator, front exhaust pipe, radiator were needed repairs. Regular maintenance (i.e., timing belt, even oil pan gasket, and trans gasket/filter) relatively easy for mechanical types. Apart from a bit of a combustion chamber carbon-buildup issue (think it is a flaky EGR valve), it is running beautifully, hitting 35 MPG on a recent trip.

Favorite Features

Build quality good. Adding a line-in to the OEM stereo was easy (can be found on the internet). Quite peppy - reliable, even at -25C, or +35C. Lots of aftermarket improvements (i.e., struts, exhaust, etc). good power to weight ratio.

Suggested Improvements

Transmission (j39a, aka FN4a-el) sometimes shifts roughly - thanks to the CPU trying to interpret the inputs (i.e., upshift downhill usually rough), but later trans designs in the Mazda 3 supposedly improved. Engine oil seals start to give out a bit early (around 200,000kms). Carbon buildup is chronic.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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626 sedan

Written by: Oundle on 07/30/2008

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

So reliable, I've been the only owner and driver to date. 8 yrs of trouble free motoring.

Favorite Features

Great fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Good car for the money

Written by: mjones78 on 04/25/2007

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

I bought this car used with 36k on it, today I have 185k on it. Its starting to run rough, but I have driven it very hard! I have changed all the belts, hoses, radiator, and some small things. The AC just went out last fall. (radiator only went because of the thermostat). In the 6 years, it's broken down 3 times, and its been through an accident where I t-boned someone, so I would say this car has definitely given me all it could!!! Great car for the money.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

CD player is picky about what it wants to play.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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"Maybe this is just a bad one"

Written by: Ryan on 01/11/2007

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

This car has been nothing but problems. Bad brakes, transmission, spark plug, speakers, and etc. It is the slowest car on the road! It also handles bad and shakes at high speeds.

Favorite Features

It looks good.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability. IT IS SO SLOW!

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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good reliable car

Written by: Maline Johnney on 04/19/2006

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

When I purchased this vehicle it was used with 24,000. The only major expense was the 02 sensor and a oil leak from the transmission after traveling 159,000 miles. This vehicle has traveled from Wyoming to North Carolina numerous times and continues to allow me to travel to another state bimonthly to take care of my mother. Would recommend this to anyone who is looking for an economical value and a reliable car. Looking to purchase another Mazda along the lines of the new CX-7. Just have to save up for it.

Favorite Features

Roomy interior; spacious trunk; good gas mileage and just an all around good car.

Suggested Improvements

Sunroof, better noise control from the tires.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Lots of Car for Little Cash

Written by: MM on 02/26/2006

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr ES Sedan

Review

Picked up a used 99 ES in the local paper with 74k on it. This car is unreal for the money. A much better value than Civic, Corolla or Sentra. The ES model with its 122hp and 15in wheels sometimes make you for get that this is an econobox. Build quality and materials are 1st rate. Eight years on the road and the car is still tighter than many new cars.

Favorite Features

All. Engine, interior, wheels, fit and finish.

Suggested Improvements

None.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The worst car I ever had

Written by: Mariya Gromyko on 11/05/2004

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

A lot of noise from the road. Transmission failed after 46,000 miles. Bad customer service.

Favorite Features

Fuel use

Suggested Improvements

Everything

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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My Car

Written by: Mavis Gardner on 07/13/2004

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr DX Sedan

Review

My Mazda has given me good service. It has never stopped on the road nor caused me any concern. I always take good care and get maintenance when necessry,

Favorite Features

cruise control

Suggested Improvements

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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protege

Written by: manda on 06/24/2004

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I love my Protege

Favorite Features

When I hit the gas, it goes and it goes good.

Suggested Improvements

Moonroof, I don't have one, not sure if they were available because I bought mine used.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Katie's Review

Written by: Katiemarie791 on 02/29/2004

Vehicle

1999 Mazda Protege 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Great Car! i am a 17 year old who just needed some wheels to get me to school, work, etc. and the mazda is perfect for me!

Favorite Features

it has great pick up and is very fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

none...just more perks...like a cd player..sun roof...etc.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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