Worth every penny - handles like a dream
I purchased my car new, in 1997, it is now 2009 and the car is still on the road. With regular maintence, and oil changes this car still runs well. What I love about the Protege most is its handling. It takes the corners like a dream and a close second to its handling is the reliability; this car never fails to start and always gets me to my destination. I paid $13,500 and it was worth every penny. The car came loaded with power everything, replete with tape deck and CD player. I would definitely buy a Mazda again.
GREAT CAR FOR THE LAST 6 YEARS
I purchased my Mazda new in 03. Haven't had a minutes worth of trouble from it. Did have a tensioning spring for the seat belt replaced last year (no big deal) Typical care...brakes done, oil changes, tires,etc... Very reliable, great on gas, most comfortable/roomy of cars I test drove in it's class. Handles well, great gas mileage. Overall been a great car for me to scoot around town in.
Love It
This car is a great car and would recommend it to anyone interested in an inexpensive alternative to the civic for mods and upgrades.
NO BETTER HANDLING CAR FOR THE MONEY
WITH GAS PRICES GOING UP, IF UR THINKING SMALLER CAR ( THIS IS THE ONE, HANDS DOWN)GREAT MILEAGE, HANDLING, AND COMFORT, IV GOT AN '03 ES WITH SUNROOF , SPOILER AND AUTO-STICK. DECENT TRUNK SIZE. ADJ. SEATS, 16 INCH RIMS. PEPPY 2.0 ENGINE, AWSOME RADIO. WHAT MORE COULD U ASK FOR RIGHT? LEATHER SEATS,,,SRY DONT THINK IT COMES IN LEATHER,,,FANTASTIC CAR OVERALL!!
Decent first car
For a car thats worth $6000-$8000 this car would be a car that I would request. It's a nice 4-door car that can get you from point A to point B very well. The gas mileage is great getting sometimes over 350 miles, only problems being that the car is sometimes unrelible
Loved the car until the transmission went out!!!
As for handling and performance, the car is king, but a year and a half after I purchased the car, the transmission went out. I've replaced it a 2 times now. My dad didn't have to change the transmission in his Explorer for 15 years! I just believe the transmission in the protege is not of good quality. The car is in the shop right now. Though I love the ride, quietness of the engine, handling, interior design and zip/acceleration of this car, the reliability has not been there for me. I wish I would have gone with a more reliable civic or corolla for my first car instead of this protege.
Best Car I Drive
The Protege ES is a great car. Easy hull for mods and sporty in design. Too bad they quit making them!
What's not to Like?
This car has everything anyone needs. - turbo engine - stylish - cheaper than other Japanese Cars - reliable - great fuel economy - smooth ride - a dream car for all those stick shift lovers What's not to like about this car?
Great First Car
The car was good to drive. It handles great and has alot of speed in it. I never felt a car with so much speed and alot to offer all at once. A great car for teenagers to go to school and doesn't look bad too. I would highly recommend it to any one with kids.
Super fun to drive!
Don't want to drive a Honda Civic like everyone else? Take a look at the Protege - it'll smoke a Civic in the turns!