Used 1998 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews

Fun car

Bought the car at 71,000 miles. It's been trouble free with only preventive maintenance needed. The 1.5 is underpowered, but the 5-speed makes it fun to drive. This car also gets great mileage (30 mpg city/highway mix, 37 mpg all highway). Roomy car (I am 6'5"). Very very practical car.

Great Buy!

1998 Mazda Protege LX has been my best used car purchase ever. I got a great deal on a clean model and other than changing the timing belt as a preventative maintenance item, I have had no expenses other than gas and oil. Smooth ride, adequate performance (even with the 4-speed auto), and good handling have made me a happy owner.

Protege... Reliable, but Needs Care

As long as one follows the recommended severe service maintenance procedures and performs needed repairs before they become a problem, this little throw- away car is probably good for 150-200 K mi before an expensive repair makes repair an uneconomical choice. This has not been a maintenance-free car, but for it's price, it has shown good reliability when compared to most other makes. My wife drives this car all over the Dallas area and I find that I don't worry about her being stranded with this Protege.

It's an O.K. generic car

Wife bought this new in 1998. It was overpriced and underpowered, but has been extremely reliable. We had problems with the plactic breaking off into the door locks. The exhaust manifold cracked and had to replace. Has been a good all around, "plain jane" car. Not much styling to it - looks like a jellybean like most other sedans of that year. Overall, a decent car.

Time to move on