Used 1993 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
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Mazda Protege 1993
Selx1, 08/14/2008
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car three years ago with 273,000 kms on it. Replaced the exhaust, replaced water pump and timing belt. Body work etc. Almost 80,000 kms added to the total... sitting at 358,000 kms now. Does not burn oil. Still has lots of power, great on the highway. Would buy another in a heart beat.
Good Car Overall
Arjay Jones, 04/20/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Kind of on the light side, but it is a good car, only took it to the shop two times in 9 years, still works great
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DRM, 05/04/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it new - only car at the time (worth buying) for under $10 grand with AC and a stereo. No major complaints. Typical Mazda mediocre paint. Cheap to fix, when it rarely needs it. Gets 32 mpg no matter how it's driven. Great alternative to a Civic or Corolla for a lot less money.
Very Dependable Car
tjsd, 12/12/2008
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car in June of 1993. Was my first brand new car. Had the recommended maintainence. In the 15 yrs. I've had it never and any major repairs on it that I had to pay out of pocket. I have drove it from NY to WA to CA replaced the clutch 3 times first time at over 100k. I keep it clean and have kept all maint. record since owning it. I paid it off in 1997 and 10 yrs of no payments is very nice. Plan on keeping it for quite some time. My one complaint about it is that the power windows are on the slow side and is in need od a new driverside window unit. She still looks great at 15 yrs old!
185,000 Miles and Still Going
WeatherNinja, 06/09/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it brand new in June of 1993 and never had a single regret. The only mechanical work was new CV boots & joints at 150,000 miles and all new seals in the upper half of the engine at 175,000 miles. I've kept the oil changed between 3,000 and 4,000 miles and kept the engine tuned up. I've got the 5-speed and it's still working on the original clutch. I get 40 miles to the gallon on the highway and I drive it 80 miles to and from work each day. I've got my $8,000 worth.
Best car I have ever owned
rex, 07/23/2009
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i needed a car to hold me over for a few months. i bought it off a little old lady that literally just drove it to church on sundays. i asked if she had any problems with it, she said never. i have had it for nearly 4 years and the only thing that i have done to it is new tires, brakes, and a battery. it always starts. i was out of town for several months through the dead of the winter and when i got back, i got in and started it... you would never have known that it had just been sitting outside for that long in all the elements. i now have 130k on it and it is still strong... my mechanic said i should get 200k before i will have to do anything to it. i recommend the 93 protege very highly!
I really loved this car.
Best Old Car., 11/08/2009
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was given to me by my dad, who ended up moving up to a SUV. It has never had any problems in the years I've had it. I got it with 150 thousand miles on it and since I've had it it now reads 264 thousand! I am sadly going to have to let it go, not due to the car giving up, just that I'm unsure about how many more miles it really has in it. I plan on passing the car along to another person in the family. The reliability is unmatched among my friends and I was always the one chosen to drive on long trips because of the gas mileage. I had the manual and it really had that vroom- vroom that just makes you feel good. Plus the space was great for camping, could fit everything plus a Lab!
Great Small Car
rkbe, 06/29/2002
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had very few problems with our Protege.
Mr. Incredible
J-Wall, 10/13/2010
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first car and doesn't look so hot on the outside. For a guy that's 6'5'' and 200 lbs it isn't the v8 truck i was hoping for. But this car handles well and somehow i fit in it everyday. Its fun to drive and it races well (surprisingly) the color looks like faded puke and the ac totally went out last winter (which means heater too) but other than self maintenance on that and the usual stuff this thing has packed 7 people in it at one time, helped us move from one house to another, and gets me into trouble because its so light weight and the rwd makes it easier to drift around corners ;) also the trunk fits an air tight box that has two 12' sub woofers. GREAT car and I'm going to keep it!
Mymazda
DAN, 07/19/2002
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We just bought this car used. The car was take as is. We had it since July 3.Every time we park the car we see oil on the ground. What could be the problem
Nice Car
Hemant K. Joshi, 07/20/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hi. This car is very reliable. It has so far given a very good performance.
The little engine that could
Matt Morgan, 08/10/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car just goes and goes and goes. I have not been the best at maintaining it, yet it continues to run great. I got it used with 43,100 miles on it and now it has 218,000. The only major repair I have had in 5 years was replacement of the front axle. Otherwise, this care has been virtually trouble-free. Wish this car was more comfortable and quiet, though.
Excellent 'runner'
MNMatt, 08/15/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought in '95 with 19K, now has 131,000 miles and runs great! 5-sp has better pickup than my wife's 94 Geo Prism, even at higher speeds. Fun to drive and gets 30 mpg. A/C went out 3 years ago, one front speaker 2 years ago, but otherwise no major problems. Original clutch still works great.
bought it yesterday
jess05, 08/16/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just bought a 1993 protege yesterday. I haven't driven it yet (it'll be delivered tomorrow) except for being a passenger on the test drive. It's my first car, but the ride was smooth, the sound quality on the radio was great, aqnd it will be a perfect first car!
good for 2 years, then many repairs
fud, 09/24/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first 2 years I owned it (1998- 2000), I had virtually no problems. But these last 2 years, I have had several replacements including brake pads, brake calipers, struts, CV boots, water pump, engine timing belt, muffler, & battery (my fault on the battery; killed it too many times). This week I'm getting the fuel filter replaced. It has about 220,000 KM (140,000 miles). Other reviewers have given their Proteges glowing endorsements, but I cannot say the same for mine. Peformance & mileage is great, but the repairs are sucking me dry.
Abused but still winner
Borec Morusovy, 10/18/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased mine quite badly abused (but very cheap), but except for a leaky engine, dirty interior and exhaust ratle this car runs like a champ. It is quick and has been very dependable so far.
just got the car
shaggy , 11/03/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a mitsubishi eclipse before this i totaled it ....I was sad and only got 2000 for the old car...And after nightmare after nightmare looking for a car for 2000 i found a mazda protage and i am very satasfied....Runs like new and gets good gas milage... I could have found a beter car for me... PS and there good cars but not over priced like honda....
Best value around
A. Tutter, 11/10/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used in 1996 with 54,000 miles. Now have 132,000. Only major problems have been the front axles (one replaced under warranty, the other was out of warranty and cost $300), the radiator ($400), and a component of the ignition system ($200). Definitely not bad for six years and 78,000 miles of use! Another point: the proteges seem to be much more rust-resistant than some other Japanese cars of the same age...
Great first car
enubis16, 10/27/2002
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good Car, very reliable. I just bought this car with only 89,000 miles on it. Good stereo,good gas mileage. I'm happy.
Fun Fun Fun
Coachmilici, 12/03/2002
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My protege is a great and reliable car. I have replaced the radiator, and that is it! I cannot stress enough that this car is reliable. The 1.8L engine is an excelent combination with the cars weight and size. I highly recomend this car over a Honda Civic any day!
Resilient Little Four Banger
MADMAN409, 01/02/2003
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car in '99, it gets more miles put on it than some cars get in three years. It's a great little car, It hasn't had real bad problems except a minor fiasco with the radiator. I get a combined City and Highway mlilage of about 35 mpg (HOW MANY CARS WITH 270,000 MILES CAN SAY THAT!!). The car is surprisingly zippy for having only 125 horsepower. I would highly recomend a 93-95 vintage Protege to anyone who wants a very reliable, durable, and reasonably sporty little car but doesn't have a lot of money (Basiclly anyone like me).
Guess it is a reliable car
jxc328, 01/09/2003
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car at 54000 miles in 1998 and I spent thousands $$ to repair it: 4 breaks, alternators, mufflers/pipes, one hose. There sounds a little transmission problem but it is still OK if you do not want to repair it and it generates about 30mpg/highway and 24mpg/city. The electric system and AC may suck your $$$.
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom.....
DCMAHAAN, 01/27/2003
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!!
a good little car
mazdalx, 08/21/2003
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
CANT BREAK IT
Reikoshea, 06/12/2005
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Excellent Used Car
miggitymazda, 12/30/2003
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
good car
stefo, 01/18/2004
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Very Happy..
grover738, 03/28/2004
1993 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Forever new
Mark, 03/16/2005
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
It Gets Me There... And Back!
lifeskills, 02/27/2003
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
I love my car
StellaTbird, 06/29/2003
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Chitty-chitty Bang-bang
Ronald, 12/19/2018
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ok, so they wanted a catchy title. Anyway, these are very uninspired cars, but they last forever. Handling was poor with a lot of body flex. This surprised me because I came from an '89 323 which handled very well. Like the 323 which ran like it didn't have the claimed 85hp, the Protogé also didn't seem to have the 100 or so hp it claimed. I had had an 85HP 1985 Honda Civic and compared to it the Mazda engines were rough and unrefined. But, except for the driveshaft boots which tore easily, nothing on either Mazda broke and after 15 midwest winters there wasn't a speck of rust on the Protogé. I could always rely on it.
- Safety
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Bufeaw
Angel Castro, 01/05/2024
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nunca me ha fallado hace lo que se hizo para llevar a cabo desde punto A hasta punto B poco poder y algo incomodo sobre 30 años en la calle y sigue como nuevo y saben que NO SE VENDE
- Safety
- Technology
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- Comfort
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93 Protege
rgjbolin, 05/25/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 93 Protege has been outstanding. I have 116K miles on it and have never had to make any repairs other than normal maintenance.
Perfectly relaible car - with some zip
munchman, 05/27/2002
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a very reliable car and I didn't get much fixed in the years that I owned it. Would have been nice to have airbags ut other than that it is a great car to have.
Review of 1993 Mazda Protege Over 12 Yrs
TurtleLady, 03/01/2006
1993 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this teal 1993 Mazda Protege DX 4Dr new off the lot in 1993. I've had it for 12 years now, and it's been a very dependable car. The fabric on the ceiling is beginning to tear, and the drivers side seat has a small wear- through. The paint is peeling. But in terms of mechanical reliability I couldn't be happier! It has had 3 major replacements of the steering system, but all were within 5 year warranty period. I was driving 55 down the highway when I had a rear blowout. I only knew it because I smelled rubber and saw pieces of tire flying up in the rear view mirror. The handling of the car did not change! I'd buy another one without hesitation!