Mazda Protege Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2003 | 4dr Wagon 130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Although the "zoom-zoom" campaign ended, Mazda still enjoys a performance- and excitement-orientated reputation- deservedly so. The RX-7, RX-8 and Miata, and the historical use of rotary engines established that, from the beginning. Professional reviewers often called the Protege5 a "5-door Miata," and it is accurate- this is a zippy, fun-to-drive little car, as much fun as a Miata is (with the top up, at least,) and for a smaller car, cargo room is great. This was my first Mazda-branded vehicle (Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series trucks were build on the same assembly line, the only differences being cosmetic) and it will probably NOT be my last. see full Mazda Protege review |
2003 | 4dr Wagon 130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Both the real-world reputation, and that Mazda is active in motorsports (except Nascar, but I HATE Nascar, so that exclusion is a plus for me.) see full Mazda Protege review |
2003 | 4dr Wagon 130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
It is not a re-badged Ford but rather a Japanese built Mazda. see full Mazda Protege review |
2003 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Many other car companies come with a community behind them as well. The Mazda community is just amazing, the amount of immature bragging compared with other car companies is invisible, people are all about helping each other out. It is truely amazing. see full Mazda Protege review |
2002 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Mazda has been a good brand for as long as I can remember see full Mazda Protege review |
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I always see Volkswagens as great, reliable cars. The GTI is special because of its utility and performance. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
german built, soild car see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
Like the 2004 R32, the 2008 R32 had a limited production run of 5000, most of which are now sold. The R32 is really a well balanced "mini grand touring" car; without the stigma of being a "rice racer" like the Evo or STi. A great car for road and track! see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2005 | 2dr Hatch 200-horsepower 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD |
VW builds a quality car, besides their electrical issues, which I have not had in either of my last two GTIs. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2004 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
VW, to me, means smart and sophisticated; while, at the same time, being practical and understated. Owning one shows you know automobiles without having to shout about it. VWs are not appliances. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2016 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Low reliability see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2013 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
VW does not have that great a reputation in the U.S. This is a shame because the Golf really seems to be a well-made vehicle. Time will tell whether it holds up, but there are many horror stories of poor service, poor dealers, and the factory not standing behind their warranties. I'm hoping that VW has improved their ways, but this remains a major sticking point. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
VW dealerships have one of the worst reps. for fair service prices. The dealer I saw was great on the test drive front, but I feared the service desk a few years down the line. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Too many people, VW are still seen as nice cars that break often see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |