Used 1999 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
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glad i baught this car!
mazdafan, 02/20/2009
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought a new protege in 99, the car has always been really trustworthy! The car really hasn't had any real problems besides normal maint (alternator, oil changes, brakes etc.) I have always kept up maint on this car and has allowed this car to still run just like it did when I drove it off the lot even after 311,000 miles! I have never had to do any Major engine or trans work on this car and still trust it enough to make 3 400 mile trips a week! On the highway it gets about 35-40 mpg and citywise mid20s to lower 30s! One complaint is that the cupholders are to small and are placed too close to the dash and shifter. Also long trips the seats can get uncomfortable! But great car and value!
The most reliable/most boring car ever.
J. Victor, 11/24/2010
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've owned and driven this car going into my 3rd Michigan winter, and aside from routine oil changes and brake maintanence, have had ZERO problems with this car. It's been a rock solid little go-kart. It's also totally boring. I might think higher of it with a splash of color (as mine is silver with grey interior), and it has no fun toys to speak of (typical PW/PL/cruise) but I can count on it to run and run well. Engine still has some 'zoomzoom' even after 170K miles. Very impressed with this thing's longevity.
181k Miles, Still Strong No, Major Repairs
Chris M., 04/01/2016
updated 04/03/2017
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I drive the 5 speed a mannual. Inherited it from my dad who put 90k on it. I love this car. It's pretty basic in terms of style and mechanics. To me that's the beauty in it all. It was perfect for a college kid. Easy to maintain. I have hand no major problems with this car. Just normal wear and tear. The biggest issue I ever had was replacing the intake manifold two times. It failed due to rust. Luckily, I have access to a great junkyard & got parts for pennies. Car is so easy to service, I do it all by myself. (Oil changes, sparkplugs, filters, etc.) Interior is basic cloth, manual widows etc. But I have no rips in the seats and everything still works as it should. Oh and this car still has the original clutch & timing belt. Never had any leaks, the engine bay is dry. My car dosent burn oil. Would Def buy another or recommend.
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Superior Ride
tennesseejed, 02/15/2010
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Protege for almost 3 years and have very much enjoyed the experience! It now has 162k and everything, including the power windows and moonroof, is still working well.
Papa's rave
papa31, 03/01/2002
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great little car
1999 Mazda Protege
Edgar H, 02/10/2016
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is overall great! I bought it used Three years ago is is still running like new! Exterior can use a paint job but the engine not giving issues is the number priority ! Always do required maintenance to it, only issues it has given me was a faulty camshaft sensor,alternator and cv axles but thats just normal wear and tear nothing major, love this car saves me gas and money and dont plan to get rid of it anytime soon.
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Stylish, fun to drive daily commuter
zitro1987, 07/18/2010
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Background: My parents bought the car in 1999 and I got ownership by mid- 2005. The car is still doing well but starting to show its age. Despite being intended as an economical vehicle with great mileage, it looks beautiful in green and has above average handling for its class, making driving a more enjoyable experience. The fun is enhanced by its features such as cruise control. Driving on hilly roads can be a bit of issue due to small engine but it was a needed sacrifice for better mileage. Reliability is rather average as the car needed some costly repairs during these eleven years.
My Car
Mavis Gardner, 07/13/2004
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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,
1999 with 270,000 miles and going strong
MZDA DRVR, 08/14/2020
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a champ. I bought the car with about 80,000 miles on it. I have put almost 200K miles on this car. It has traveled everywhere. I have replaced the timing belt twice and had the clutch replaced at about 225,.000. Still gets 32 miles a gallon. Does not drip a drop. To be honest it burns a little bit of oil at start up on a really cold engine. But the car has well out lived it's expense. I paid $2,500 15 years ago. I see alot of these older ones still going. I would really consider it if the car looks to be in good shape.
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Good Daily Commuter
Protege-ing, 04/08/2002
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's a peppy little car, though I'd rather have the manual than the automatic that I have(passed down in family). Little rattles and noises here and there, but nothing major, 45,000 miles and still going strong!
a WONDERFUL car to own
jonette rorigas, 02/20/2004
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
most wonderful car i have ever own i would buy nothing but this ever again
Durable and reliable
redrobin, 12/23/2008
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it used, it came from a rental fleet. It has been absolutely trouble-free with routine maintenance even after a significant accident that needed major repair and another fender- bender (literally) once repairs were made, I have had years of trouble free use. Definitely would recommend, and would buy another if they still made them.
damn good car
hi ther, 02/20/2004
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
best car i have ever owned
Great little car
Pete, 02/25/2009
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have always been a truck person, but bought this car to limit my annual mileage on my truck. This has been a great car that I bought cheaply with 87K on it. I changed the timing belt, and change the oil every 6K with synthetic. I now have 143K on it, and it runs better than when I bought it. I use it like a truck, and even have hauled my jetski with it. It just has a little trouble pulling it out of the lake but manages. It gets between 30 and 34 MPG with a mix of freeway and town driving. It's not the fastest for sure, but it is sufficient, except on big hills.
good reliable car
Maline Johnney, 04/19/2006
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Love it.
mazdalove, 02/26/2009
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've been with this car for 10 years. My parents bought it brand new and now it's been in my ownership for a year now. It's been 10 years, and it is a great car. It's reliable and totally affordable. Fuel economy is great for the age of the car and it makes a great family car too. All in all, it is a nice car :)
My Valintine's Day Lover (its red)
BobbyHarrington, 02/09/2003
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Although The Cd Player is already broke it is still all in all a good car. It stops fast and I haven't rolled it yet. I have gone pretty fast around some of those turns.
Love it
TX, 07/21/2003
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Replaced O2 sensor 2 years ago (under warranty). Got new tires at 34000 miles. Oil changes every 3000 miles and that is it. Not bad at all for 63000 miles so far.
Reliable little workhorse
99ProtegeOwner, 12/26/2003
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 99 Protege DX (used for only 5 months - repo'ed) in 1/00 for my wife. I have had to invest no money in this car other than for gas and oil. No electrical problems, no mechanical problems. Comfortable for our family of four. Adequate acceleration for a 1.6 auto; don't expect to be pushed back into your seat. Good fuel economy - high 20s to low 30s in mostly urban driving. Nice, conservative styling. Could use more sound insulation, though. I recently acquired a Montero for my wife, and plan to use the Protege myself - it'll make a good substitute for my 96 VW Jetta money pit.
Loved my car
christuck, 10/02/2017
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car was my first car, I had it for 6 years and it never once broke down on me. Always got me where I needed to go. Not great on gas, and doesn't go all that fact. It's really not that great with traction either, but if you want a car for getting you point a to b this the car to get!
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good reliable car
dessert fysh, 02/06/2004
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
105000 miles on it and still drives like new. When replacing the timing belt you must replace the tensioner as well because the spring that pulls on the tensioner carves a groove through it with the of the engine vibrations. Also most auto parts store do not have the correct tensioner for the ES model. I had to buy mine online and searched for the 2.0 liter 2000 model to get the correct tensioner. Go figure??
Best car I've ever had
tamonet, 09/20/2010
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it new in 2000, only repairs have been new brakes, alternator, battery and rocker arm. I've only put 90,000 miles on it, luckily, but it just keeps on running. Gas mileage has consistently been 27-28. It's a little loud on the freeway, but not bad for an inexpensive small car. Only disappointment has been the radio.
Lots of Car for Little Cash
MM, 02/26/2006
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Very good car for the price
ben, 02/27/2004
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very spacious small car, engine a little small for its weight but excellent fuel economy, very good visibility from driver's seat, picks up a lot of noise from the road. Have not had any problems or expenses, other than regular oil changes, paint coat is too thin. Definitely meets my expectations.
Katie's Review
Katiemarie791, 02/29/2004
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Great Value
JMac, 03/07/2003
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Real supprised with the performance of this car. Gas milage as high as 38 mpg. Very good car for in town running around, not real comfortable on the highway and some road noise. No problems thus far...
protege
manda, 06/24/2004
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Protege
Nice Car
Jake36, 08/20/2002
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a nice car to have and i only had one small problem with the car. Mazda sent me a recall letter saying that i have a defected coil ignition.
The worst car I ever had
Mariya Gromyko, 11/06/2004
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A lot of noise from the road. Transmission failed after 46,000 miles. Bad customer service.
626 sedan
Oundle, 07/31/2008
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So reliable, I've been the only owner and driver to date. 8 yrs of trouble free motoring.
Watch out for Mazda Protege Transmission
Alicia60, 03/24/2003
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car new, ran great until just after warranty expired, then had one problem after another from O2 sensor, catalytic converter, and finally when out of warranty, transmission sensor went, and Schwartz Mazda in NJ misdiagnosed and repaired with a rebuilt trans. After 3 more visits, still having the same syptoms that originally brought me to the bring in the car, spedometer drop out, o/d off light flashing, and car revviing out of control, they finally replaced the speed sensor on the transmission. This is after a $2000 transmission. Let the buyer beware, when your 50k warranty runs out you are on your own.
great economy car
anony, 07/16/2002
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Been using the car for 3 1/2 years, no maintenance charges at all except the usual oil changes, and a battery that was was replaced recently. Performance is very good to go.
Still A "GLC" - Great Little Car
caneshooter, 05/25/2002
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No hype here, just the facts. Just passed the 3 year mark on ownership of this car. At 77k miles, besides oil changes and new tires, my first repair was a month ago, and that was just new front brakes. I think that speaks for itself. I've also owned a GLC and 323 in the past.
Some work, but very reliable
satisfied owner, 08/30/2008
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
A reliable car
Sundar Ramamoorthy, 03/25/2003
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a new 99 Mazda, march 1999. Till date I have travelled 62000 miles. All I changed are the tyres and brake pads.
Good car for the money
mjones78, 04/26/2007
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Engine pinging
Mili, 08/10/2002
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car overall, but I have been disappointed with the engine pinging, dealer replace MAF sensor and did not fixed it, I have to switch to high octane gas 89 or better and that took care of the pinging also the steering wheel is not sharp on center.
reliable commuting car
satisfied1999, 06/17/2003
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It keeps going and going. I had some transmission problems initially but warranty completely covered it, including my rental car. Other than that, it never lets me down. I commute 120 miles a day 5 days a week and no problems in performance. It's not a luxury or sports feel but I wasn't looking for that. I'll keep it and run it into the ground.
"Maybe this is just a bad one"
Ryan, 01/11/2007
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
great car
pro-fan, 02/16/2003
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great vehicle. Bought car in May 1999. Now have 134,000 miles. Car driven daily in Phila. and New Jersey. Only problems both rear door locks failed (Have not had fixed) and catalytic converter failed (under warranty).Also OEM tires are 195/55/15. These are expensive to replace recommend switching to much cheaper 195/60/15 size.
Solid, Economical Car
Shoegirl, 06/22/2003
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car, no problems, good gas mileage.
Reliable, Safe, Economical
Josh in Colorado, 08/04/2003
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been driving this car for almost 4 years. Other than the mass air flow sensor going out on me, I haven't had any problems whatsoever. I would definitely recommend the Protege to anyone looking for an inexpensive, comfortable car. I would definitely consider another Protege (albeit more power, like the Mazdaspeed version) when it comes time to buy another car.
Great Little Car
MikeyCinciC, 05/12/2003
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's been a great car to own and it's totally reliable. We've got 69K miles on it and it drives like it did the day we bought it. No noises, no rattling, no nothing. We liked this one so much that we bought a second one in 2001 and that's an even nicer model!! If you're looking at this for a used car, I would highly recommend it.
Good Car
cs2ba, 02/09/2003
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my protege in April of 2001 with 30,000 now it has 78,000 miles. I have racked the miles up fast but I have to say the car has ran great. I only had one problem with the car at about 45,000 and that is a seal when out on the trans. and all the fluid leaked out. I have also changed the oil every 3,000. It was fixed by mazda and the car is running great. I would have to say that I would buy another Mazda.
Perfect Protege
St. Denis, 04/11/2002
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been very impressed with the Mazda Protege's performance and quality. Everything seems solid and well-made. My mileage is in the high 30's and even though it only has the 1.6 liter engine, it is really peppy.
99 Protege ES
nickola, 05/01/2002
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is truely a great car. I purchased my 99 Mazda Protege used in March and love it. My dealership is full of lying pricks though. Nothing new. I have had to have the Catalytic converter changed on the car at 30,000 miles because the previous owners used it around here only in the winter. Otherwise I have not run across any problems at all. The Mazda Protege is worth a look.
Fun, safe car---saved my life!
ZackieLibro, 08/15/2003
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '99 Mazda Protege LX used in July of 2003. 3 weeks later, I had a horrible accident with it. The car was totalled, but I walked out with only bruised ribs. The seat belts, air bags, & crumple zones worked great! The cops said they couldn't believe I wasn't badly injured, given how severe the accident was. I loved my '99 Protege. It still drove great at 70K miles. I loved the car so much that I bought a used 2000 Protege to replace it. This is a great little car!
Great car overall
joep9536, 10/09/2003
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in '99 and have had little troubles since then. The car now has 95,000 miles on it and drives like new. I have never got as good of gas mpg as i would have hoped for this little car, but it's ok. The catalytic converter went out at around 70k, the power door locks and the cd player also both went out at arount the same time. I was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty to 100k, so I paid for none of the repairs. It's a nice little car to run around town in. On the highway it's not as comfortabel as i would have liked.
Still a great car!
LeiInSeattle, 06/26/2003
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new after graduation from college back in May, 1999. ES model I added powered sunroof. When I drove out of the dealer room, it's only 13 miles on its odometer, now it's almost 47000 miles. So far I had 3 problems, first happened in Twin Cities, MN in 2000, check sign was always on falsely, esp. during rainy and damp days, finally fixed it after several trips; Next happened in 2002 CD player didn't work, probably due to some scrached CD effect, changed a new player and another to make it work again. Both of above were under warranty. So I didn't pay a buck at all.
Frequently overlooked
status, 04/02/2002
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little car with personality that's also painless to own. Comfortable and roomy, great ergonomics, nice styling. I bought the car over a Civic because Mazda got all the basics right for $1500 less. It's a completely underrated car.