I am about to buy a 1999 Protege ES. In fact, they let me bring it home tonight so I could be sure I want it. I have been researching Proteges a lot, but would like to know how others who own the same year/model as mine feel about their cars. I hear a slight high-pitched intermittant noise at about 60 mph. Anyone else have this? Thanks!

 

i don't have a 1.8l, but if you do decide to get it... you'll love it. there's a wealth of aftermarket parts available for the 1.8. i love my 1.6 and wouldnt trade it for anything

 

I love my 2000 ES

is that good enough endorsement for you???

that pitching noise, are you driving an automatic?

 

i ahd a 99ES til lit got totalled and then i bought a 00ES. and i love it. not probs. and lemme tell u the airbags worked good for me and saved my life. great machine.
arul

 

I have a 99 LX...which I like very much except for the ENGINE and the damn auto TRANNY! Of course, I have a 1.6 and you are getting the 1.8...a much better engine.

 

Yes, I'm driving an automatic. To NegatiZe, what is wrong with the automatic tranny? Thanks

 

If you can't drive a stick there is nothing wrong with the auto. If you can drive a stick every thing is wrong with the auto. I have a 2000 ES 5speed very good car. I love it. The 99 is the same car. If you can't driver a stick have a friend teach you. Friends don't let friends drive automatics.

 

Yeah, well, I've burned out too many clutches to ever get a stick again. I'm totally NOT a person with whom you'd want to drive in a stick-shift car! Unless you like getting nauseous. Thanks for the positive feedback about the car. Susan

 

I love my 1999 ES too! It's a great car! Hey ZoomZoomH yeah I got an auto tranny too. Hee Hee! Living in the DC area.. boy I'm sure glad I have an auto! Though sometimes I wish I did get the stick.. I'm missing out the fun !!!

 

Ive got a 2000 LX TOuring edition I have not had any problems in my 19 months of ownership. I have the standard, which is really
free revving. When I got my car I drove the auto and compared it to an auto focus. There was no comparison. The focus was slower than s**t, but the protege shifted very well, especially going up hills. Could be the fact that the focus was a three speed auto and the pro was a 4 speed auto. Anyway I was very bad at 5 speed when I got my car. But within a week i could drive it pretty good.

 

There's nothing actually wrong w/ the tranny, it's just that I want a stick! If I were to buy my car over again I would have definitely left off the option for the auto tranny.

 

I have a 2000 ES that I'm very happy with also. The Protege's strengths compared to other cars in the price range are Handling, Exterior appearance, Interior space, and Interior appearance IMHO.

 

I wouldn't worry about burning the cluch on a Mazda I had a 91 Protege that I taught 7 or 8 people on and when I sold it with 169K the cluch was still good.

 

Yeah, I taught myself and my wife on my 2000 LX, and have had no tranny problems. I shift pretty smooth now.