1990-1994 Mazda Protege: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Mazda Protege and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger room
- Acceleration (LX)
- Handling
- Ride
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Road noise
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
- Engine noise
Vehicle Highlights
The redesign of Mazda's front-drive subcompact produced two models in 1990: a 2-door hatchback called 323, plus a larger, more expensive 4-door-sedan called Protege. It rode on a 98.4-inch wheelbase, nearly four inches longer than the old 323 sedan. The base Protege SE came with a 16-valve, 103-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Protege LX had a twin-cam version of the same engine that delivered 125 horsepower. All models came with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox. A 4-wheel-drive Protege appeared briefly in 1990, but was quickly discontinued halfway through the 1991 model year.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda Protege LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Mazda Protege. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Mazda Protege.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mazda Protege:
The Protege sedan gets only minor standard equipment changes for 1991. In addition, the base version switches names from SE to DX.
1992 Mazda Protege:
New taillight lenses are the only change made to the 1992 Mazda Protege.
1993 Mazda Protege:
Mazda adds its new corporate logo to the nose of the 1993 Protege and makes some mild revisions in certain equipment packages.
1994 Mazda Protege:
A minor facelift for the Protege sedan is the only change for '94. Added to the front of the compact sedan is a new front fascia, grille, hood, and new headlamps.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Mazda Protege includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Mazda Protege and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Mazda Protege is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda Protege LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 37 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda Protege includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda Protege .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brakes:
A squeal from the front brakes may be due to the compound of the friction material so different pads may correct the problem. (1990-94)
Brakes:
A knocking noise is usually caused by loose caliper main sleeves that must be replaced. (1990-93)
Clutch:
A squealing noise when releasing the clutch is probably due to mismatched springs in the cushioning plate of the clutch. (1990-93)
Engine noise:
A ticking noise from the top of the engine is likely due to inadequate hydraulic lash adjusters for the valves. (1990-93)
Timing belt:
There is a revised, more-robust timing-belt tensioner pulley to replace the original that often caused squealing. (1990-94)
Water leak:
Water on the front floor is probably coming in through the firewall at the liner around the heater pipes. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $365 |
| Alternator | $210 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,025 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $430 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $420 |
| Exhaust System | $450 |
| Radiator | $500 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $560 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $135 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda Protege details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Protege | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Protege | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1992 | |||
| Protege | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1991 | |||
| Protege | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1990 | |||
| Protege | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda Protege include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2359 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The Mazda Protege 4-door compact sedan was unveiled in 1990 with two 4-cylinder engines, a 16-valve, single-overhead cam, 1.8-liter unit and a twin-cam 1.8-liter version of the same engine. Unveiled in SE (later DX) and LX trim, the base SE/DX model delivers 103 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 111 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The twin-cam offered in the LX provides a lively 125 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 114 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional on all models.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 112 | 125 | 114 | 5-speed manual: 24/30 4-speed automatic: 23/29 |
5-speed manual: 26.7 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 1.8 / 112 | 102-103 | 111 | 5-speed manual: 28/36 4-speed automatic: 24/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda Protege include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Protege |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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