Protege: Sputtering-like noise upon initial acceleration...

I've had this problem since I got my car. When I accelerate from a stop, there is a sputtering-like noise coming from the rear of my car for a second or two. Sometimes its louder than other times, and sometimes it doesnt happen at all. The only way to get past it is to take a real slow start. I've taken it to the dealer and other garages and none can really pinpoint anything. The dealer just told me that I need a higher octane fuel, but I doubt if thats the case. Recently a garage told me that I need fuel injection service but didnt attribute the problem directly to this. Might this be the cause? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Check your wires and plugs, sounds to me like one of your cylinders is not firing!