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

[RamTX]

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.

[Phillyblunt]

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