Model Positioning:
Compact sedan/hatchback offering good value and driving dynamics, competing with Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage, Subaru Justy.
Performance Oriented:
Known for its engaging handling and responsive steering, a Mazda hallmark.
Reliability:
Generally reliable with proper maintenance, a testament to Mazda's engineering of the era.
Practicality:
Offered practical sedan and hatchback body styles with decent interior space for its class.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, maintenance, diagnostics
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic systems, disc and drum brakes, parking brake, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, ECUs
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems
Specification Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, ignition timing, fuel pressure, emission controls
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics including component testing and circuit analysis
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds
Troubleshooting Scope:
Comprehensive troubleshooting trees for virtually all common and uncommon issues
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Usability For Repair:
Designed for professional technicians and experienced DIYers, providing detailed instructions for all repair and maintenance tasks.
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Code:
1.6L B6 engine (likely for base models), 1.8L BP engine (for higher trims and performance variants like GT/GT-X)
1.6L Horsepower:
Approximately 88-93 hp (specific to market and tuning)
1.8L Horsepower:
Approximately 100-113 hp (specific to market and tuning)
Torque Delivery:
Designed for a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for daily driving.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - multi-point or single-point depending on engine variant and market.
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC depending on engine variant.
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Catalytic Converter:
Equipped with a catalytic converter for emissions control.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios are detailed in the manual, varying by transmission and engine.
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2565 mm (100.9 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4270-4335 mm (168.1-170.7 inches) depending on body style.
Width:
Approx. 1680-1690 mm (66.1-66.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1370-1410 mm (53.9-55.5 inches) depending on body style.
Curb Weight:
Varies by trim and options, typically 1050-1150 kg (2315-2535 lbs).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specific GVWR available in manual, dependent on configuration.
Crash Test Ratings:
Data for this specific year and model may be limited; consult independent sources. Manual provides safety system details.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (ABS optional on some higher trims).
Steering Assist:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering standard on many models.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on many trims for these years.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player. Options for CD players may have been available on higher trims or as dealer-installed accessories.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 2 or 4 speaker setup.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional ABS system available on select models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily analog systems. No Bluetooth or modern connectivity features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact grade based on ambient temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda's own or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Issues General:
Rust on body panels (wheel arches, rocker panels), aging rubber components (bushings, hoses), potential for exhaust system leaks, starter motor issues.
Engine Specific Issues:
Valve stem seals can wear, leading to oil consumption; distributor cap and rotor wear; timing belt inspection/replacement is critical for interference engines.
Electrical Specific Issues:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, alternator output issues, power window motor failure.
Mazda Engineering Philosophy:
Mazda has a long-standing reputation for driver-focused vehicles ('Zoom-Zoom' precursor in spirit).
Generation:
This represents the second generation of the Mazda Familia/323 Protege, known for its improved styling and refinement over the previous generation.
Production Era:
The BF chassis was produced from 1985 to 1989, with this iteration (often called the 'Late BF' or transitioning into the BG chassis for later models) covering the 1990-1991 period.
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Automotive Journal Awards:
While specific awards for the 1990-91 models aren't as widely publicized as later generations, the Protege series was generally well-regarded for its value and driving dynamics in automotive publications of the time.
Reliability Ratings:
Consistently ranked as a solid performer in its class by automotive critics for reliability and economy, though specific ratings from sources like Consumer Reports from that era are the definitive reference.
