Used 1994 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
Used Protege for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Love this car
bmc412, 10/30/2009
1994 Mazda Protege Special 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the best little car EVER! I've had it for 11 years, and never had to do any work on it - just brakes, A/C, tires, etc. Now it has 245,000 miles with the original clutch! You can't beat that. And it's still fun to drive - the manual transmission makes it feel zippy, even though its 103 horses must be Very Tired by now.
The Best Of MAZDA!
Mazda1, 10/01/2010
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this superb car in 1998. It was 4 years old with just around 48,000 miles. This is the second Protege LX I have owned, the first one being a '93 with a 5 speed, this car is an 4sp. automatic. This car is perfect in reliability and very mechanically sound. Only normal repairs and scheduled services have been done,so far nothing major. The good news is that this car has 215,500 miles on it. It uses no oil, leaks no fluids of any kind. The transmission has been flawless all those miles. If your looking for a reliable vehicle and your lucky to find one in decent shape. BUY IT! 1994 MAZDA PROTEGE LX 1.8 DOHC
1994 Mazda Protege for sale near you
Showing 0 of 0 listings
Sorry, there are no 1994 Mazda Protege vehicles for sale in our network.
See all 0 listingsBest car in the whole world!!!
Heather, 02/27/2009
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when I was 15 for $800. and I am now 20 and it still runs perfectly. a/c is still running perfectly, and I have had to replace the clutch, that only cost me $300,i've got a great mechanic. Other than that, this car is sooo great. It's a DX, 1.8 DOHC, manual 5 spd trans., My muffler fell off a couple months ago, probably b/c there was a big hole. The car has always been loud, now it's just super loud. It never had a pass. side mirror, but i lived. This is the best car ever, I just bought a new Mazda 3 because it was a really good deal, not b/c i needed a new car. I will keep my protege forever it has 230,000 miles now, and i will NEVER get rid of this car.
Back from the dead...
MDCruiser, 03/18/2009
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from someone who was gonna junk it for $300. It needed a speedo cable, front/rear rotors, new CV axles, and new front struts. I got it on the road for a total of $1200 including buying the car. I also put a new set of tires on. That was 2 years and 20k miles ago, and it's still going! All my friends make fun of it, it looks pretty beat down. But it starts every time, and even runs good in snow.
32 MPG
lastlink, 11/29/2006
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car! I have a rarer half-year model (a 93-and-a-half) sold as a DX -- includes the larger 1.8 liter DOHC engine paired with the outstanding manual Mazda transmission and lightweight DX options (plus A/C). I average 34 MPG on the highways, and 30 in the city. Real fun to drive. Repair costs are ok: yearly exhaust problems (thankfully Midas has a lifetime warranty for free parts and labor). I changed out my spark plug wires with higher-end Bosch wires which blew out a spark plug sensor -- $800 repair. DO NOT USE BOSCH WIRES WITH THIS CAR! I bought the car with 72k miles in '97 and I'm close to 150k now. I'm planning on keeping the car 'till it's an antique!
Love it
trish, 08/12/2008
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove this car off the show room floor 14 years ago brand new. My first new car and I am very sad to part with it. It is very good on gas, and original AC still works, some rust and regular repairs, nothing major. It is fun to drive and a very comfortable ride. I have enjoyed it very much.
My Mazda
Alex Von Hensley, 04/20/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for six years. I bought it used with 21,000 miles on the odometer. It's never needed any repairs. It's an excellent vehicle for driving around town, but a bit too small trips of several hours duration. Fuel economy is excellent. It is peppy and very responsive. All in all, it's been an excellent car.
The BEST Purchase!!!
dayvis28, 09/13/2008
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car right off the lot BRAND NEW in Oct. of 1994. I am STILL driving it today with almost 300,000 miles on it!!! I haven't had a lot of repair work on it throughout most of it's life, mostly exhaust and regular maintenance until 3 years ago when the engine started to go. I love this car so much I had the engine rebuilt and brought it out to Los Angeles with me when I moved. I can't believe I am approaching 300,000 miles very soon! When it comes time to finally break down and buy a new car, TRUST ME, I WILL buy the same thing!!! The best and most reliable car in the world.
My Mazda Never Let Me Down.
Emisanboo, 04/25/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Logging 101K miles, my '94 Mazda Protege never had a sick day in its life - until, of course, I totalled it. Up until then, I didn't maintain it as well as recommended, yet it never let me down. I had two complaints: A clacking sound when idling at 500rpm, which was due to a loose bracket, and that the seatbelt sensor alarm sounded randomly. The seatbelt began its behavior in 1998. The mechanics weren't too surprised, so this may be a common bug. At 300 bucks to fix it, I decided I could live with the occasional random beeping noise. All in all, I have nothing but praise for the little car that could.
Best car i've ever owned (R.I.P.)
Damien, 10/10/2008
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Mazda Protege for 7 years now. Bought it with 98000 miles on it. 5spd DX 4door no power anything. I would drive this like a bat out of hell sometimes and normal the next. It now has 270,000 miles on it. Replaced alternator once, battery once, radiator hoses twice. I think the first set was faulty. Simple problems, simple fixes, standard. Nothing else has gone wrong with this car other than than that. I was t-boned in a wreck few months ago and bashed my doors in. Car looks half pinched in middle. I still drive it around town for the hell of it before my insurance runs out. Still does 120 mph. 30 mpg and will not die. I will miss it. Damn good car!
Great Car
mazdkid, 07/15/2009
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car for $400 from my dad with about 112K mi. Have had few problems with the car the automatic seatbelt on the drivers side didn't work when i got the car due to a bad wiring connection in the door jam. it wont pass MD emissions due to a bad catalytic converter. Very reliable car. Runs like a top. it has the 1.8 SOHC with the 5-speed trans. couple mods custom cold air intake, free flowing exhaust, short shifter. with a little tweaking of the fuel pressure regulator i got 40mpg. but it kills the performance. usually gets around 30- 35mpg. Ill never get rid of this car
DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE CAR
Donis, 08/09/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I brought my Mazda in fall of 94. Other than routine maintenance. I never had any real problems. As my mileage increased so did my fuel efficiency. I own a standard transmission and did have to have that replaced at about 90K.
Hard to Beat
joellein, 09/11/2002
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in late '94. Has 5 sp and dual cam engine. Very spunky and generally fun to drive, even now with 106K. Air cond. had to be replaced this year---quite expensive. Both axles been replaced. Other than that, just brakes, tires and oil changes. Never has used a drop of oil between changes. A Great Car!!
What I think...
Punjabi Balla, 10/15/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mazda Protege is a great car. I bought mines used and I love it! It;s fun to drive, great on fuel! It's very comfortable also! I would recommend this car to anyone but especially teenagers out there who are buying their first car. It's really worth it. -Punjabi Balla!
Loved my Protege right to the end
Eric G, 10/19/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got a great deal when I bought my '94 DX. It really took some abuse as it was my pizza delivery car and personal speed machine for 2 1/2 years. Pros aren't fast, but the chassis, suspension, and low weight make for fun driving. Interior space and trunk room was voluminous for it's size. If I packed it right, I could fit over 60 XL pizzas in it! All this at 40 mpg on the highway. Last, but not least is safety. I learned this the hard way, I hit a Mustang at 40 mph and it crushed the front of my poor car, but my friend and I got out with only sore necks. I'd buy one again in a second after the experience I've had with mine.
the ultimate car to drive
lashay45, 10/31/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the way my mazda protege drives, I had it for a year with minor adjustments needed and also it cheap on the gas and it's a reliable dependable car.
Good Car
ALA, 11/05/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have not had too many problems with my car other then the exhaust pipe breaks at lot i have had to get a new one at least once a year from 98-to present. Other than that the transmission and engine work well and have not had any problems with it. I got it as a freshmen in high school now im a freshmen in college and it is still running well. Although the body dents very very easy. And i dont know about the guy above getting 40 mpg but mine only gets like 25 on highway and like 20 in town. Also when it is windy out the car is hard to control and its loud when you drive in the wind. The windows arent seeled good.
Little Red BMW 320 Sleeper
Bryan :o), 08/14/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned many Japanese, German & American cars and this one has been the most reliable of them all! After about 130K of miles, I decided today to change the spark plug wires for the first time. I also changed the orig tail half of the exhaust last month. I don't know of any other car that holds together like this one has. Hat's off to ya Mazda! Mucho car for only $10K in '94.
I am very disappointed in this car
ProtegeOwner, 10/02/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 1994 and i have performed every maintenence thing possible on this car. Everything was fine on this car until it his 65,000 when the fuel pump and fuel sensor blew and now the radiator. As well, i had to get the axels rebuilt and i needed all new wheel barrings. This car ended up being a peice of junk! This car should have lasted much longer. Now i went out and bought a 2002 Nissan Sentra! Nissan knows how to build a car, not Mazda!
Dependable car
Christina M, 12/04/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My parents bought this car for me when I was a senior in high school and it had 40000 miles. I am now out of college and it has 108,000 miles and still runs great. The problems I have had are minimal: the seat belt light goes off all the time, the horn was worn and needed to be replaced and the antifreeze was leaking and I needed to replace the water pump (that is a big chunk of change). But those repairs are worth it because I have abused it and I know it will be around for at least 2 more years. Overall, it was definitely a smart purchase on my parent's part because it has been very reliable and problems have been minor.
Short life
teresphere, 12/20/2002
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car ran great until 105,000 miles. Then i had to replace few things...like Belts, Alternator, header Pipe etc. I have driven this car into the ground..i am now at 126K and i am getting ready to junk it. The exhaust is all rusted out. The rear brakes dont work..i suppose the brake cable is rusted out. The Doors are rusted out with holes. The suspension needs replacing, Brake rotors need replacing, pads etc...bearings and probably more! But it runs great..still!
Love IT!!!!
hanger1111, 02/22/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new. Love the gas mileage!! Had to replace CV Joints. 2 times but thats goes with any front wheel drive car.. Replaced timing belt at 65000 not that it was broke. Now my car has 110000 mi and just now replaced the spark plugs. To improve gas miles put in some Mystery Oil 6oz. Im back up to 40 mpg even with 110grand. Mind you I live in Florida . The steepest hill is about 5ft high.
Over 150,000 miles
Sam Vasan, 07/03/2003
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought Mazda Protege - LX in 1994. It did meet with 2 accidents due to driver fault. It now has over 150,000 miles and still drives good.
Great alternative to leasing
zionbob1, 07/30/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful gas mileage...better than the same model in later years (how does that happen?). Very roomy up front. 107,000 miles and interior still has no flaws. A lot of trunk space. Fast to heat in winter and cool in summer. Ugly blue/green color, though. I never would have selected that color if buying new.
mother in law
tj43055, 09/24/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car has good get up and go it will start in the winter and go up hills covered in snow the interior could use some appeal but other then that it is a good reliable car that i would recomened to any one
Over all, Solid
Mike B, 01/07/2005
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think it's a great little car. Very peppy. I live in Rochester NY and it's murder on most cars in the winter but my Protege never seems to get any rust on it. I've had a few things go wrong -- belt broke, thermostat, AC. Those are all normal things that need fixing after 100,000 miles. I enjoy working on the car myself. No matter what I do to it, it just keeps going. I've know some other people who own them and they say that the engine will go to 200k, no problem. I love the car and wouldn't trade it for anything.
A reliable car
KPVN, 12/22/2003
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Mazda for 10 years. It has overall been really reliable. I'm glad to know though that I'm not the only one to have the seatbelt buzzer problem. It drove me NUTS for about 3 years until I finally had the mechanic disable the buzzer.When I first got my car I heard a highpitched noise from the window seal on the driver side, at highway speeds.This problem went away by itself after a few years.I had to have the air conditioner replaced (expensive..it was around $1200) and I've also had the cv joints and most of the exhaust system replaced. The horn always went out recently.
It won't die!
Steve, 09/13/2005
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a repo from a bank in Tennessee. It was only 2 years old, but the people had been living in the car when they found it. It was cockroach infested and had one of the windows broken, (possibly from the repo). We completely disassembled the interior and washed it with a hot water pressure washer and it came out brand new. We ended up setting off 5 bug bombs to kill off the roaches and they never came back. The car has been given up dead by my daughter three times now, the last time she brought it to my house with the title and left it. When gas went up so bad I went out and resurrected the car again. It has 185,000 miles and runs like a sewing machine, cold A/C and all.
GLC Definitely Not Gone Away
keylargoken, 11/14/2004
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought little white auto Mazda Protege in Oct 94. Has been used regularly by wife and self. Consistently gets 30- 32 MPG; runs very strongly; given regular maintenance (oil & filter every 5000 mi)(air filters every 20000 mi) and major services per Mazda manual (ie, timing belt replacement, etc). No special help otherwise. It's a little limp on acceleration due to 100 HP and auto trans, but once you've got it moving, keeping your foot in it will help stay with the traffic (Miami expressways). Runs like a champ; next best pick after a Honda in my book. Just a nice basic car that is extremely dependable.
Great First Car
Bill, 01/16/2005
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this for my daughter at the beginning of 11th grade (who is now a frosh in college). $2K. It had 85K (now 101K). Came with a new clutch, custom alloys and new Yoko's, 4 good mounted snow's, Thule rack, new axles,custom stereo/CD (even this geezer is impresed), new brakes all around, K&N filter, factory manual (big 3-ring binder, factory wiring book, and lots more. Extremely reliable. Could use more low end torque, but is still fun to drive. Uses no oil. All I've had to do was replace front struts last July. Otherwise, it just keeps on ticking. Great car, maybe my next one will be a Mazda.
A nice little car.
Mike Barone, 06/20/2005
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a great reliable car. Ive had very little problems with it, but the stuff that did go wrong was pricy. The engine is very strong, I have had no problems with the motor.
pretty good
jmcali, 01/17/2006
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used and have had it for over 3 years; overall it's been a good commuter car. I would recommend, however, a manual transmission. I had to rebuild/replace my automatic twice within the first two years (over $2000 in repair) and it is needing work a third time. I was told by both mechanics that these cars tend to be given very poor automatic transmissions and that the Mazdas with manuals do much better. Expected at its age, I have had other minor repairs needed, but this was the only major issue.
Value
HuskerLover, 03/17/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I feel that I've gotten very good use out of my Mazda. No, it's not flashy and full of comforts. But it was a very dependable car and I could always rely on it. I was proactive with my maintenance and the car rewarded me for it. Yes, things broke like on any car but nothing that would catch you off guard. Car seats were not comfortable for long drives.
A Workhorse
Claire, 04/04/2006
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car almost-new in 1994 with about 13,000 miles on it; now have 192,000. Aside from frequent brake work and multiple A/C repairs, it has not needed major repairs, just what one would expect on a car with this many miles. Still gets over 25 miles a gallon. I hate the thought of parting with it but now that my teenager is going to start driving we really need something with airbags.
overall satisfied
A Mazda Driver, 03/28/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I also experienced the seat belt light and buzzer problem. I found a mechanic who unhooked the buzzer and made the car much more tolerable. This has been a great little car for me and my young child. Reliable transportation with a bit of sporty look. The upholstery held up well, and only developed a small tear in the past year.
Good reliable car
Joe Vivian, 04/07/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as my very first car with 119,000 miles it now has 140,000 and it still runs like a champ. The only repairs i have had were alternator, timing belt, and the clutch
Execellent first time car
looseylou, 04/20/2003
1994 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its an excellent car ofr first time drivers or car owners. Its the first car i got to call my own and i love it!
Nothing can stop my Mazda
Amy, 10/09/2007
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven my 1994 Mazda Protege for 13 yrs now. It has over 220,000 miles on it. My dad tried to give me his 1995 Toyota Corolla last month, which has a lot less miles on it. But I said, no thanks. It doesn't ride as well as my Mazda. It still has a very solid engine and great pick up.
My Mazda Gus
mob, 06/16/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
when i fist bought this car i was in love it save's me money on gas and after passing 163,000 miles it starts up like new. I have a nice color on it too and i dont see it on other mazda's that i see around town. This car overall is a small package with a lot of surprises
still on my first car
fundriver, 06/26/2003
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my DX for almost 9 years now and it still runs very well. Saves on gas. I've been trying to buy a new car but this one won't quit. I drive it really hard and as long as you maintenance well it stays in good condition.
A Timex!
Jeff, 04/07/2008
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from my cousin a couple years ago. It had 179k when I got it, it's now at 205k. I had to replace the headgasket due to a stupid $12 coolant bypass hose. Other than that, it runs great. I drive it around town and mileage is only about 22, but I drive it 150 miles once a week to class and consistently pull 32-33 mpg. Now with the cost of gas, I wouldn't trade it for anything!!
Very reliable Japanese one
Prash, 05/26/2008
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 6 yrs ago, used. Runs like a charm. Very reliable, good fuel economy. Just give it timely oil changes and that's all it asks for. This has been our family car and it has delivered what I thought it would. It has hauled large loads, of course, with some effort, due to 4cyl engine, but it didn't give up. Except some minor repairs here and there, this is a very solid car. Roomy trunk, 60/40 foldable rear seats, very functional design, great sporty handling, responsive and reasonably comfortable. Just give it a quick wash, and the excellent coloring finish shows through.
Best first car I could ask for
Solid car, 06/30/2017
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got this car when I was 16 and drove it for 6 years. It had about 160k on it, I drove it another 40k. Replaced the starter once, plus regular maintance and it was incredibly reliable. Passenger room was decent, put my own speakers in, paint never really faded. I paid under 1500 for it and got a solid 6 years of driving. Not bad a deal at all.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Don't compare it to a Toyota
Annie Reneer, 03/07/2006
1994 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our family has driven many Toyotas into the ground, so maybe it's not a fair comparison. Considering this car had 116,000 miles on it when we bought it, maybe I shouldn't expect too much. It would go many months without repairs, then several repairs all in a row ranging from exhaust problems to brakes to radiator etc. Put way more into this car than our 93 Plymouth Voyager. Body has held up very well. Engine burns a lot of oil. Mystery sounds and performance from a/c, fan and various other locations. Mileage okay for this size car, not great.