It's not easy being an afterthought. There are nearly 40 different nameplates vying for the attention of the American auto buyer, who often never even thinks about the smaller brands. That's the problem facing the newly redesigned Mazda Protege. Mazda has flooded the market with new products over the last few years. Unfortunately, it hasn't had the money or marketing muscle to make its presence felt. In fact, you probably can't remember the last time you saw an ad for a Protege. It doesn't have the image or name recognition of cars such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic or Plymouth Neon. According to the marketing experts, car buyers tend to seriously consider only the top two or three cars on their list. that's too bad for buyers who might otherwise find a pleasant surprise in this stylish, sophisticated package. By definition, the Protege is classified as a subcompact. But slip inside and you're in for a shock: There's nearly as much room inside as in a luxury car. Chrysler has been billing this concept as cab forward engineering. Mazda prefers the term OptiSpace. You'll just call it roomy. The price tag is, unfortunately, nearly as big as the interior. Unless You're willing to live with a stripped-down package, you'll pay a premium to drive this one off the dealer's lot. Is the Protege worth the money? Here's a closer look.
Mazda
Protege
1997
1997 Mazda Protege
Change vehicle or year
Expert Rating
Unavailable
Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
Select a Trim Price: - From $12,145
1997 DX 4dr Sedan
Select a Trim
1997 DX 4dr Sedan
most popular
1997 LX 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $13,545
1997 ES 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $15,295
Menu
Select a Trim Price: - From $12,145
1997 DX 4dr Sedan
Select a Trim
1997 DX 4dr Sedan
most popular
1997 LX 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $13,545
1997 ES 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $15,295
Overview
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 92 HP / 96 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard:
5-spd man w/OD
Available:
4-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
30 / 37 / 33 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 1.5L I-4 / 92 HP / 96 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Front-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 30 / 37 / 33 Mpg |
Brakes | Front Disc/rear Drum |
Front Suspension | Strut |
Rear Suspension | Independent Strut |
Spare Tire And Wheel | Compact Steel |
Fuel Tank | 14.5 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $55 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | 13.0 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | 95 Cu.ft. |
Exterior Length | 174.8 " |
Exterior Width | 67.3 " |
Exterior Height | 55.9 " |
Front Headroom | 39.2 " |
Rear Headroom | 37.4 " |
Front Legroom | 42.2 " |
Rear Legroom | 35.6 " |
Front Shoulder Room | 54.3 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 " |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 2,385 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 103 " |
Turning Radius | 16.7 ' |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 4 Doors |
Wheels | 13.0 " Silver Steel |
Paint | Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Manual Remote |
Bumpers | Body-colored |
Grille Moldings | Body-colored |
Rear Spoiler | Wing |
Exhaust | Non Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish |
Interior Features
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Rollover Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | |
Anti-Lock Brakes | |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | |
Security Systems | Security System |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable | Immobilizer |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 50,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 36 Months / 50,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | |
Roadside Assistance Months | |
Corrosion Perforation | 60 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Accessories Months |
Used 1997 Mazda Protege for Sale
We were unable to find any used Mazda Protege vehicles within 100 miles of your ZIP code. You can expand your search criteria to find used listings on the inventory page using the button below.