1996 Mazda Protege ES Sedan
All photo credits
- Photo: 1997–1998 Mazda Protegé sedan front 12.10.17 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1998 Mazda Protege ES in Sparkle Green Metallic, front right, 08-15-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1998 Mazda Protege LX by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997–1998 Mazda Protegé sedan rear 12.10.17 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1998 Mazda Protege ES in Sparkle Green Metallic, rear right, 08-15-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1996 Mazda Protege ES Sedan is a 122-hp 1.8-liter inline-4 sedan with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $15,145 MSRP and is rated at 30 mpg combined.
It makes 122 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 117 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (30 mpg combined).
The Protege measures 174.8 inches long on a 102.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,385 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $15,145 ($31,371 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.8L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Miata-derived) |
| Displacement | 1.8 L |
| Horsepower | 122 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 117 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Injection Type | Electronic fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 26 MPG |
| Highway | 35 MPG |
| Combined | 30 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular |
| Tank Capacity | 14 gal |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 174.8 in |
| Width | 67.3 in |
| Height | 55.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,385 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 39.2 in |
| Headroom Rear | 37.4 in |
| Legroom Front | 42.2 in |
| Legroom Rear | 35.6 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1996 Mazda Protege ES Sedan with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | Not rated |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Mazda PROTEGE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Oct 19, 2015 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
NHTSA campaign 15V674000
Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA campaign 09E012000
73 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1996 Mazda PROTEGE
Owner Complaints
73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Mazda PROTEGE (24 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 17 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Air Bags | 23 |
| Power Train | 9 |
| Hydraulic | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 7 |
| Seat Belts | 6 |
| Equipment | 5 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 MAZDA PROTEGE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.