1995-1998 Mazda Protege: Road Test

Mazda obviously tuned the Protege's suspension more toward ride comfort than handling finesse, though steering response is good and the car reacts well in urban driving. Bumps are easily absorbed, though they often produce a loud "thump." Hard cornering brings lots of body lean, and the narrow 13-inch tires on DX and LX models start squealing early. The 14-inch ES tires have noticeably better cornering grip. Space inside is ample for four adults, with abundant front head and rear leg room. However, rear doors are narrow at the bottom, making it awkward to climb in and out. You get a good-sized trunk and an average-sized glovebox. The 1.5-liter engine in DX and LX models delivers adequate acceleration with a manual transmission, though it's sluggish with automatic. With a full load, the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder might be short on strength. Surprisingly, the 1.8-liter engine in the ES doesn't seem that much stronger, despite its 30-horsepower advantage. Highway passing and merging are notably easier, however. Both engines should return above-average fuel economy. A manual-shift LX averaged 30.2 mpg. The dashboard is well laid out, with clear gauges and stalk-mounted light and wiper controls. Until the 1997 model year, however, the radio sat too low. Small buttons require a long look away from the road to make any adjustments. The radio moved to the top of the dashboard in 1997. Visibility is fine in all directions.

Value for the Money
Exceptionally easy to drive, Protege provides a rewarding mixture of maneuverability, economy, and quietness, coupled with solid assembly quality.