1999 Mazda Protege
Should You Buy a 1999 Mazda Protege?
The 1999 Mazda Protege is a compact sedan that offers a blend of practicality and efficiency, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers. With a 1.6L I4 engine producing 105 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, it delivers adequate performance for daily commuting. The front-wheel-drive layout and 5-speed manual transmission enhance the driving experience, providing a level of engagement that many drivers appreciate. Fuel economy is respectable at 27 MPG combined, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to save on gas.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some safety concerns reflected in the NHTSA complaint data. With 102 total complaints, including 26 crash incidents and 20 reported injuries, it's essential to consider the vehicle's reliability and safety features. Despite these concerns, the Mazda Protege boasts a high reliability score of 98.7/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with the vehicle over time.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families looking for a reliable and economical daily commuter.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 98.7/100
- +Good fuel economy at 27 MPG combined
- +Engaging driving experience with a 5-speed manual transmission
- +Compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban settings
- +Affordable maintenance and parts availability
Weaknesses
- -Limited power with only 105 hp
- -Safety concerns reflected in crash and injury complaints
- -Outdated technology and features compared to modern vehicles
- -Potential issues with automatic transmission reliability
- -Unknown seating capacity may limit family use
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1999 Mazda Protege has recorded a total of 102 complaints, with notable issues in the powertrain and airbag systems. The most frequent complaints involve the automatic transmission and frontal airbags, which could be a concern for potential buyers. However, there are no deaths reported, and the vehicle maintains a strong reliability score, suggesting that while there are issues, they may not be widespread or catastrophic. No significant NHTSA complaints on record.
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 in
- Width
- 67.3 in
- Height
- 55.5 in
- Wheelbase
- 102.8 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,436 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.