1996
Mazda Protege

Starts at:
$12,695
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New 1996 Mazda Protege
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn DX Manual
    Starts at
    $12,695
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn DX Auto
    Starts at
    $12,695
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX Auto
    Starts at
    $14,095
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX Manual
    Starts at
    $14,095
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn ES Manual
    Starts at
    $15,695
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn ES Auto
    Starts at
    $15,695
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Consumer reviews

60% of drivers recommend this car
3.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
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Comfort 3.4
Interior 3.3
Performance 3.1
Value 4.2
Exterior 3.3
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • By Farmerandre from Florissant, Missouri
    Owns this car
    January 10, 2011

    Best 12K car I've ever owned!

    We bought a 96 LX for 12,000 dollars and kept it for 12 years and put 162,000 miles on it and never spent a dime over basic maintenance. That engine was as smooth at 162K as it was at 162 miles. With the 5-speed manual, we averaged in the low 40's on long trips and averaged mid 30's in city driving. It had a large trunk and a big backseat. It was the 3rd of 5 Mazda's that we have owned. I currently drive a 07 Mazda3 that is also a great car!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mazdaspeed from Santa Rosa, CA
    Owns this car
    January 1, 2010

    '96 Protege LX

    This little car has everything you need for a student, commuter, or small family car. I use it for all of the above and there is plenty of room for my kids two car seats in the back and the trunk holds alot for a car it's size. Mine has power everything and has had very few problems since it was new. Got a good deal out of a neighbor who bought it new and would tell anyone looking at similar small four door sedans to look no further.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By PatDaddyT from Wisconsin
    Owns this car
    July 10, 2009

    96'Protege ES

    This car has most options for the year Alloy wheels,Sunroof and 4 Wheel ABS. For how small the engine is this car should get better MPG All it gets is about 21-23 MPG Combined.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Commuter in the south from Cullman, AL
    Owns this car
    February 4, 2009

    Great Car

    I bought my Protege new. I currently have 260K miles and have done almost no work on it. I replaced the factory brakes at 150K and the belts at 210K. Aside from tires and oil changes, I have done no other work. While it is not the greatest ride, it gets great gas milage. Only problem I have had is that the cruise control has not worked in 7 years. Overall a great car for the price.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Zoom Zoom Zoom from North Andover, MA
    Owns this car
    May 26, 2006

    96 Protege DX

    Very basic car that gets good gas mileage. Almost no special features. A little speed, very slow acceleration. Not very well engineered. The kind of car that you are lucky to get 100k miles out of. Not recommeded that you spend over $3,000 on one of these.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Mazda Protege?

The 1996 Mazda Protege is available in 3 trim levels:

  • DX (2 styles)
  • ES (2 styles)
  • LX (2 styles)

Is the 1996 Mazda Protege reliable?

The 1996 Mazda Protege has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Mazda Protege owners.

Is the 1996 Mazda Protege a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Mazda Protege. 60.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.4
  • Interior: 3.3
  • Performance: 3.1
  • Value: 4.2
  • Exterior: 3.3
  • Reliability: 4.6
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