Summary:
A sporty alternative to Honda. Mazda has delivered once again!
Faults:
Transmission work. No fifth gear when we bought it.
New struts and bushings in the front.
We’re fighting the rust. Keep it under control!
General Comments:
We have always been a Mazda family. We have trusted the Protege’s with our family for over 20 years, and Mazda has, once again, delivered.
This one is no exception when it comes to reliability. Bought at a repossession auction, we anticipated it would need some work to begin with, although it jumped right into becoming our daily driver after its repairs.
Vacation is ideal in this car. It seats all four of us comfortably, and it is fun on the highway. We thought the gas gauge was broken; it’s actually just that good on gas.
Be mindful, it WILL rust if you let it get out of hand. Keep a close eye on the wheel wells, and below the gas cap. That is the only problem with this vehicle.
While was haven’t owned it for very long, it has already become one more reliable Mazda for us. Fun to drive, reliable, and easy at the pump.
