1999 Mazda Protege Review
1999 Mazda Protege Review





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Used Protege for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- A worthwhile alternative to the Honda Civic.
Cons
- Only comes in sedan form (no coupe or hatchback model).
What’s new
The Protege gets an extensive makeover for '99 that includes new exterior and interior styling, a more powerful engine lineup, additional luxury options and five new colors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$158/mo for Protege ES
Protege ES
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Looking to take a share of the Honda Civic's sales numbers, Mazda's new-for-'99 Protege offers substantial improvements this year. OK, so maybe the top-line ES brake system has gone from a four-wheel disc setup to a front disc/rear drum configuration, but since the new model is also lighter than previous Proteges, Mazda assures us that stopping distances haven't suffered.
Topping the list of improvements is a new base engine that grows from 1.5 to 1.6 liters. As you might expect, power is also up with the new base engine making 105 horsepower compared to only 92 for the old 1.5-liter mill. This engine is standard on the DX and LX models while the top-line ES features a new, 1.8-liter inline four capable of 122 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the Protege but an all-new, four-speed automatic can be ordered with either engine.
Exterior changes range from a new "626-like" grille to body-colored door handles and side moldings (on LX and ES models) to 15-inch alloy wheels (ES only). Inside there's a new driver's side vanity mirror, larger cloth door inserts, and three-point safety belts for the rear seat. LX and ES models get a larger center console but lose the previous front-seat side storage trays. All three models lose the locking glovebox door that was standard last year.
New options include an LX Premium Package that comes with ABS, moonroof, and remote keyless illuminated entry. The keyless entry is standard this year on ES models.We admire Mazda for going after Civic-like quality and performance with the new Protege. The Honda is a tough act to follow but this new Mazda has plenty to offer the buyer looking to separate from the Civic masses.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Mazda Protege.
5 star(63%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
55 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
glad i baught this car!
mazdafan, 02/20/2009
1999 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
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!
3.75 out of 5 stars
The most reliable/most boring car ever.
J. Victor, 11/24/2010
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
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.
5 out of 5 stars
181k Miles, Still Strong No, Major Repairs
Chris M., 04/01/2016
1999 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Superior Ride
tennesseejed, 02/15/2010
1999 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
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.
1999 Protege Highlights
ES
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $158/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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