1995 Mazda Protege Review

The Mazda Protege is an excellent, but largely undiscovered sedan that suffers from limited promotion and muddled marketing.

The same could be said for most Mazda models because the automaker lacks the promotional sharpness and advertising dollars of larger rivals.

Invariably, people I know who rent a Mazda coupe or sedan speak highly of the car--but then say they know little about its producer. The only Mazda they're somewhat familiar with is the highly visible Miata sports car.

That's a shame, because Mazda, which recently came under Ford's control, has offered such things as the innovative rotary engine and presented cars with nearly exotic styling, such as the slinky MX-6 sports coupe.

The philosophy of Japan's Mazda long has been to offer something unique. But the most successful Japanese automakers have scored by being mainstream. Look for Mazda to become less adventuresome under Ford, which wants to considerably boost sales of the Japanese firm.

The under-$15,000 Protege doesn't look adventuresome, but is a standout subcompact sedan in most respects.

In fact, Car and Driver magazine named the Protege the winner in a test against highly regarded cars such as the Saturn, Honda Civic, Dodge Stratus and Ford Contour in last February's issue.

Still, Mazda spokesman Fred Aikins said the automaker will sell only about 70,000 Proteges in the United States this year, which puts it far behind most autos in that Car and Driver comparison test.

Thoroughly revamped for 1995, the exceptionally solid, front-wheel-drive Protege comes as a base, $11,895 DX model, mid-range $13,195 LX and top-line $14,995 ES.

The DX has air bags, reclining front bucket seats, console, power steering, dual remote mirrors, tilt steering column and rear defogger. The LX adds cruise control, AM/FM/cassette, tachometer and power windows, door locks and mirrors.

The ES, which I recently tested, adds air conditioning, sport front bucket seats and four-wheel disc brakes instead of the less-effective front disc/rear drum setup. It also has larger, wider tires and a rear stabilizer bar for improved handling.

The DX and LX have a spunky 1.5-liter, 92-horsepower four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The 1.5 provides lively performance and delivers an impressive, EPA-estimated 32 m.p.g. in the city and 39 on highways with the manual and 27 and 35 with the four-speed automatic, which is an $800 Protege option.

However, the ES is powered by a quieter, 1.8 liter double-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve four-cylinder. This high-revving motor generates 122 horsepower and provides almost neck-snapping performance.

The best acceleration with either engine is gotten with the five-speed manual, which works with an easily operated clutch. Economy of the 1.8 four-cylinder with the manual is 26 city, 33 highway and 23 and 30 with the automatic.

Too bad the manual shifter gets balky and likes to make a ``grunch'' sound when rushed, because the Protege--particularly the ES--acts like a mini sports sedan.

Quick, precise variable-assist steering provides nice road feel. And a firm-but-supple, all-independent suspension and long wheelbase deliver a good ride and above-average roadability.

The Protege has impressively short stopping distances and an easily modulated brake pedal. Unfortunately, the $800 anti-lock brakes aren't offered for the base DX model.

All Proteges have exceptional roominess, which is the first thing a good sedan of any size should possess. Getting in or out is easy, and the car comfortably seats four 6-footers. Three tall adults even fit in reasonable comfort in the rear.

The large trunk has a conveniently low opening, and flip-down rear seatbacks in the LX and ES enlarge the cargo area.

A no-nonsense dashboard contains easily read gauges and puts major controls within convenient reach--although radio controls are too low for simple use. Large windows provide good visibility.

Seats are firm but comfortable, and the cabin is remarkably quiet for a subcompact. However, rough pavement causes the tires to generate a fair amount of noise.

The nicely painted and constructed Protege, which meets 1997 federal side-impact standards, is a good alternative to a larger sedan. And that's one of the most flattering things one can say about a subcompact.