1995-1998 Mazda Protege: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-1998 Mazda Protege and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Optional antilock brakes (LX, ES)
- Passenger room
- Fuel economy
- Ride
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Radio controls (1995-96)
- Handling
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 1995, Mazda's front-drive subcompact sedan grew more than four inches in wheelbase and three inches in overall length. Despite the size increase and the addition of dual airbags, the car's weight stayed about the same. Protege came as a 4-door sedan in three price levels. The base DX and midlevel LX were powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 92 horsepower. The top-line ES got a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, developing 122 horsepower. Both engines had dual-overhead camshafts and came with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Antilocking was optional on the LX, but not available on the DX Protege.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda Protege LX 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-1998 Mazda Protege. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-1998 Mazda Protege.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Mazda Protege:
For 1996, antilock braking dropped to an option--no longer standard on the ES edition, and again unavailable on the DX.
1997 Mazda Protege:
This year, Protege LX models got 14-inch tires, like the ES. Stereo units moved to a different location--at the top of the dashboard, therefore easier to operate. Otherwise, minor cosmetic freshening was the only modification. Proteges wore reshaped headlights, front fenders, front bumpers, and a new grille.
1998 Mazda Protege:
Protege saw no change for '98. An all-new model was waiting in the wings.
Our road test for the 1995-1998 Mazda Protege includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1998 Mazda Protege and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1998 Mazda Protege is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Exceptionally easy to drive, Protege provides a rewarding mixture of maneuverability, economy, and quietness, coupled with solid assembly quality.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda Protege LX 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
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.
Check-engine light:
Winter blend gasoline cause check-engine light to illuminate on the 1.5-liter engine. A vent kit can be installed to correct the problem. (1997-98)
Engine knock:
If engine knock occurs in hot weather, there is a revised engine-control computer that will correct the problem. (1995-96)
Exhaust system:
There is a new tailpipe tip available to eliminate a hooting noise from the exhaust. (1995-96)
Steering problems:
The steering wheel may be off center requiring adjustment of the alignment (tie rods). (1995)
Transaxle leak:
Transmission fluid may leak from the vent hole of automatic transmission. A revised vent tube is available. (1995-96)
Transmission problems:
Erratic shifting of automatic transmission and/or blinking of the "OD OFF" may be due to a broken or shorted transmission fluid temperature wire. (1995-98)
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 | $420 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,460 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $840 |
| Exhaust System | $555 |
| Radiator | $500 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $600 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 1998 | |||
| Protege | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1997 | |||
| Protege | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1996 | |||
| Protege | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Protege | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
|||
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. | 102.6 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2385 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only the top-line Protege LS was equipped with a 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine, making 122 horsepower and 117 pound-feet of torque. Both other models carried the smaller (1.5-liter) four, rated at 92 horsepower. Any model might have either 5-speed manual shift or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.5 / 91 | 92 | 96 | 5-speed manual: 32/39 4-speed automatic: 27/35 |
5-speed manual: 30.2 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 122 | 117 | 5-speed manual: 26/33 4-speed automatic: 23/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 24.8 |
|
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 | 1998 Protege |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-1998 Mazda Protege directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995 w/1.5-liter engine:
Valve springs can develop minute cracks and break; can cause engine chatter, piston damage, and stalling.
1995:
Headlight wire can fail, causing loss of headlights with or without prior warning.
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