1996 Mazda Protege Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
For 1996, the four-door Mazda Protege sedan was available in three versions. The entry-level Protege DX as well as the mid-range Protege LX...
For 1996, the four-door Mazda Protege sedan was available in three versions. The entry-level Protege DX as well as the mid-range Protege LX were powered by a 1.5-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that produced 92 horsepower. The high-end ES trim package received a 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that produced 122 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard for all models, while a four-speed automatic was optional. The DX was equipped with such features as power brakes, power steering, dual front airbags, 13-inch wheels, a tilt steering wheel, and a rear window defroster. The LX added power windows, power door locks, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo system, while the upscale ES added air conditioning and alloy wheels. Drivers gave the Protege positive marks for its reliability, aggressive performance, and responsive handling, as well as its comfort, fuel economy, and affordability. On the downside, the automatic transmission could be problematic, according to some drivers, and the car could feel cramped at times, in keeping with its compact nature.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1996 Mazda Protege express a fondness for their cars, noting reliability and good fuel economy as standout features. Many appreciate the comfort and smooth driving experience, while some mention a lack of power and difficulty in finding parts due to the vehicle's age. Despite its rust and less attractive appearance, drivers remain loyal, with many stating they would keep their Protege for years."
I love my car, I've had it for 7 years now and other than basic maintenance this car has been trouble-free. yeah it's rusty but it's very trusty! I hope to get another car soon but for now this car will do.
May 21, 2014I put 200K on this car and it probably would have run forever if I hadn't totalled it, had my father fix it with some plywood and a rubber mallet, and then put another 40K on it. I finally got rid of it when the crack in the coolant tank got ridiculous, and it was clear that the car was about to become part of a scenic roadsie fire. I miss that car.
May 22, 2008I love the way it sounds, it drives really smooth, and how you move the windows to meet your needs, wicked
November 26, 2007What owners say
I love my car, I've had it for 7 years now and other than basic maintenance this car has been trouble-free. yeah it's rusty but it's very trusty! I hope to get another car soon but for now this car will do.
May 21, 2014I put 200K on this car and it probably would have run forever if I hadn't totalled it, had my father fix it with some plywood and a rubber mallet, and then put another 40K on it. I finally got rid of it when the crack in the coolant tank got ridiculous, and it was clear that the car was about to become part of a scenic roadsie fire. I miss that car.
May 22, 2008I love the way it sounds, it drives really smooth, and how you move the windows to meet your needs, wicked
November 26, 2007My wife and I purchased our Mazda Protege, used, when we moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Denton, MD, where she got her first teaching job. The car was a good choice for us, at the time, just starting out after college (engaged at the time). Great fuel economy. The car was comfortable for multiple passengers. At 6' 250 lbs, I was comfortable if I had to ride in the back seat. Our model had a sun / moon roof, which was nice on a pleasant day. At the time, our apartment didn't have A/C, nor did my truck, so we drove around the Eastern Shore of Maryland after school / work to be in air conditioning and learned some of the side-streets and non-beach traffic roads. All-in-all, the car was good for us. We bought it in 1997 and traded it in for her Kia Sorento in 2004.
July 7, 2013Iv only had my car for about a year or so and i love how it pulls. its an automatic but runs as if its a manual. the torque though needs a bit of performance, but other than that it tears the road apart. the hard part is finding parts for my mazda considering its an older vehicle, but other than im a proud Mazda owner!
May 6, 20110-60 is 10 seconds which is slow Built better than domestics Not the best looking car but it gets me places. Takes $20 to fill up the gas tank no really a fun car but its good on gas. good first car eh?
July 20, 2009engine has no power, but everything works great.
February 10, 2008
