Great value for the money

I have a '96 Protege and I have absolutely no complaints about it. It is a great value for the money.

The engine is what you expect from a 4-cylinder. It doesn't have a whole lot of pickup, but you don't have any problems accelerating to get on the highway. The gas mileage is very good - I get a little over 30 on the highway, so it's great for commuting. It's size makes it very good in the city - it can get through tight spaces and it's easy to park. It handles very well.

For its class, the Protege has a very spacious interior. Three adults can sit in the back seat reasonably comfortably, and I have even had four people there on occasion. The trunk is very large.

It has been very reliable. In 4 years and 64,000 miles I have only had to do routine maintenance.

Having said all that, if I had known I was going to move to Colorado I never would have bought it. It's not the best car for the mountains. It makes it up there, but it's not very happy about it. But that's just the nature of the cars in its class.

Overall, the Protege is an excellent value for the money.