The Mazda Protege was added to the
Mazda line up of great cars in 1990 and it replaced the
Mazda 323. The Protege was quite similar to the 323, it was just a more modern version of that awesome Mazda vehicle. The Mazda Protege was available in hatchback and sedan models and both front wheel or all wheel drive were options for the Protege. The engine availability was great with a 1.3 L, 1.5 L, 1.6 L, 1.8 L and a 1.7 L diesel engine, though they were not available in every market.
The GT Version of the Protege was sold in Canada in 1990, 1991, and 1993 and it came with a 1.8 L engine. The same engine was used in the Mazda Miata from 1994 until 1997. The GT edition of the Protege generally isn't seen the United States all that much, but you'll still see them every once in awhile. The GTX model of the Protege boasted all wheel drive as well as a turbocharged 1.8 engine. The turbocharged Protege was considered the ultimate Protege until 1992 when the even more awesome GT-R version was added to the lineup of great Mazda vehicles. The GT-R featured a stronger gearbox, sodium filled valve stems, an aggressive front bumper and bonnet vents, and an enhanced turbo engine. The Protege LX was another model that became quite popular in the United States because of its interior room and superior design.
The same platform used for the Mazda Protege was also used for the Ford Escort, Mercury Tracer, as well as several years of the Kia Sephia. The look was popular because it offered space and style and continues to be seen on the streets today.