Owners' Stories

Over All my car runs good.

squeaking sounds in the back at low speeds is the only problem, my car is now at 160,000 miles and has no other problems though. really solid car. and great on gas =D

This is my second Madza Protege. I liked the first one so much that I got the second in 2003. I wanted one with a sun roof. The two things I am not happy with is the placement of the door lock as it interfers with the door opener (drivers side). The second is that there is not a smooth transition when down shifting from 5(overdrive) down to fourth. I often ground gears slipping toward reverse at 40 to 50 mph. Aside from those it has been a great vehicle and I would look at it again next time around.

What can i cay ... i love my little "Champ" . I own a 1994 protege , SOHC 1.8 , 5speed. I paid $50 !!!! for it and have only put about $100 into it. The previous owner didnt know (or want) to put a timing belt in it. So i saved it from the junk pile.....I have not had a single problem with it. it had 112,000 on it when i got it and now its well on its way to 200,000!!! LONG LIVE THE "CHAMP" !!

Really fun car to drive. Maintenance isn't tough. at 140 000 miles, and going strong. Get the upgraded EGR valve (cheaper at the dealer than at auto parts stores) to solve that problem with rough idle. Also causing rough idle was a leaking intake manifold gasket. Clean the MAF occasionally with electrical contact cleaner, and had to set the valve lash at 120 000 (much quieter at startup at -20 now). Use a synthetic ATF like Mobil1 or AMSOIL (otherwise it needs to be changed frequently to keep from slipping). Ok, engine mounts had to be replaced, and a control arm (bad ball joint). replaced the steering rack, but that was due to an accident the car was previously in. Brakes - not happy with any aftermarkets apart from the OEM Akebono (anything else warps the rotors and leads to vibration). Even non-OEM drums caused me vibration. Original muffler (but had to replace the front exhaust pipe). Do yourself a favor and upgrade tire size to a +1, and enjoy the grip! Directional signal switch and radio needed electrical contacts cleaned to keep running. Alternator failed, and replaced. Oh - sudden one-time 'shake' at speed has been identified on a few sites as a turbine speed sensor - a $30 part taking 10 minutes to replace. A failing throttle position sensor will prevent trans shifting - hit 7000 rpm, changed the $40 sensor (from dealer) and all was good. Dealer also gives me a better price on belts and spark plugs than auto shops. Happy with car!

Been a great little car with No big repairs yet at 110000 miles

i cant say enough good about my 97 Mazda Protege....Nick named the MAZDARATTI.....it`s a great little car that I commute in 63 miles around trip 4 days a week.... gets 33 mpg.. thats 335 miles on a tank of gas.my car has 153000 but now needs a new clutch,which is what brought me to this forum.I plan to put 50,000 more miles on it after the clutch repair at a asian only mechanic.low miatainance car but use good oil(valvoline maxlife,synthic/petrolium mix) after 75000.... 200,000 mile are possiable after that the smog inspector guy starts getting cranky...so its either new engine or scan AUTO TRADER far a new/used one....

Car runs great and great on gas mileage (about 35 mpg city). only problem ive had is with the speedometer quit working.

This is my wife's daily driver to haul the kids around. We bought it new in 2003 and now has 85000 miles on it. No major problems. One recall for the manifold that was done. Great on gas!