1997 Mazda Protege
Should You Buy a 1997 Mazda Protege?
The 1997 Mazda Protege is a compact sedan that offers a blend of practicality and performance, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers. With a 1.8L I4 engine producing 122 horsepower and 117 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a respectable combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. The front-wheel-drive layout and 5-speed manual transmission provide an engaging driving experience, ideal for those who appreciate a more hands-on approach to their daily commute. Despite its age, the Protege boasts a reliability score of 98.8/100, indicating that it can be a dependable option for many drivers.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some safety concerns. The NHTSA has recorded 103 complaints, including 20 crash incidents and 16 injuries, primarily related to airbag and powertrain issues. While these numbers may raise eyebrows, it's essential to consider that the Protege has no recorded fatalities, and many owners report satisfaction with its performance and reliability. Overall, the Mazda Protege is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable, efficient sedan with a sporty edge.
The 1997 Mazda Protege is best suited for budget-minded individuals or young drivers looking for a reliable and fun-to-drive compact sedan.
Strengths
- +High reliability score (98.8/100)
- +Good fuel economy (25 MPG combined)
- +Engaging driving experience with manual transmission
- +Compact size for easy maneuverability in urban settings
- +Affordable maintenance and parts availability
Weaknesses
- -Reported issues with airbags and automatic transmission
- -Limited seating and cargo space compared to larger sedans
- -Older technology and safety features may not meet modern standards
- -Potential difficulty in finding well-maintained examples
- -Higher crash incident reports may deter safety-conscious buyers
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1997 Mazda Protege has a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning airbag deployment and automatic transmission issues. While there are 20 crash incidents reported, there have been no deaths associated with the vehicle, which suggests that it has maintained a level of safety despite the concerns. Buyers should conduct thorough inspections and consider service history when evaluating potential purchases.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 1.8 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 25
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Width
- 67.3 in
- Height
- 55.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 102.8 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,385 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.