1990-1994 Mazda Protege: Road Test

The Protege's roomy interiors seat four comfortably, while the 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space is a little less than some, but about average for Japanese subcompacts of the early '90s. The instrument panel features a simple and logical design, with all controls located well within the driver's reach. On the downside, the Protege's automatic transmission does not shift all that well, and tends to reduce both the car's performance and fuel economy slightly. Despite that, acceleration and economy are fairly impressive, especially on Protege LX models. Economy ratings are pegged at 23 city/29 highway, while the base engine provides about the same city mileage, but 31 mpg on the highway. While the cars provide fairly nimble handling and a stable ride, engine and road noise levels are above average, especially at highway speeds. Only minor changes were made during the model's life cycle. Noticeably absent were airbags and antilock brakes.

Value for the Money
Generally, the Proteges sold for less than comparable models from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Therefore consumers can expect to find some real bargains when shopping for a preowned Protege.