1996 Mazda Protege
US · Compact Cars
The 1996 Mazda Protege is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.8L 4-cylinder (I-4 (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.8L 4-cylinder (I-4 (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.5 L to 1.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 6, 2026.
15V674000: 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.
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…
Reported October 19, 2015. View on NHTSA
09E012000: 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.
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.
Reported April 7, 2009. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 20, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1995 Mazda Protege
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 1.8L 4-cylinder (SOHC I-4 (FFS)), 1.8L 4-cylinder (DOHC I-4 (FFS)) · FWD
30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) - 1997 Mazda Protege
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1996 Mazda Protege have?
Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 1.8L 4-cylinder (I-4 (FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1996 Mazda Protege?
Combined fuel economy is 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1996 Mazda Protege front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1996 Mazda Protege?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 6, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.