Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Great car... - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By StuttersC - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new. I havent had any issues with the car. Mazda made a good move in bringing this car to the market which opened the door to the Mazdaspeed brand in the US. The chasis is stiff and can handle just about anything you throw at it.

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  2003 Mazda Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Buzz Wichmann - April 3 - 6:50 pm

  This is a fun car to drive .. not as fuel efficient as my 96 Protege was but the better looks on the 2003 model negates the lower mpg rating for me. Still 34 highway/24 city not bad .. roomy comfortable car despite being so small with good sound system - highly manuverable as well with tight steering

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  Japanese Beemer - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Robert Moore - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a reliable small car. Gas mileage is 30-33 mpg. No repairs to date. Oil and filter change every 3000 miles. The ride is a little like a BMW sticks to the road well.For me the only thing it lacks is more horses, but I like em fast.Previous car was mazda 323, ran over 210,000 without major repairs. Timing belt replaced @ 130.000. Definetly great little cars.

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  Solid, Reliable & A Hoot to Drive! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By gmaduro - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Other than minor recalls, this car is as dependable as any of its Japanese counterparts. Its performance/price ratio is higher than the competition by a good bit. The ESs interior is clean, tightly finished and nicely laid out.

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  Holding strong after 15 years - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By kamary99 - January 16 - 2:14 pm

  My 2001 Mazda Protege has been my main car since it was new; it recently passed the 100K miles mark and is still going strong. The ABS is vital for winter driving. Never been in a serious accident. Still has good pick-up and responsiveness. Hard to imagine getting a better value for a car than this. Major repairs so far: Transmission got replaced about five years in. Front brakes replaced last year. It definitely needs new struts and perhaps shocks at this point; the handling has deteriorated some. Minor issues: Digital clock stopped working immediately. Rust around the wheel wells starting about 3 years ago. The hubcaps wont stay on at all anymore.

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  Never go American again! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By newMazdalover - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 97 Pontiac Sunfire GT to this car (LX model), its the best move I ever made! The car handles extremely well and turns with no effort. The Pontiacs interior cracked and jittered from day one (bought it new) especially on rougher roads,fit and finish on Protege is better than friends BMW. Drove Corolla, Civic and Cavalier; no comparison! Corolla & Civic are too expensive and need I say what I thought about the Cavalier? Buy American? When we design them better, I will. Protege is inexpensive and drives extremely well for an economy car. love the 5 speed, its like buttah! Toyota and Honda, BEWARE!

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  Excellent car; underappreciated name - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By glent33 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car almost every day for 4 years, and it has not failed me a bit. It has been reliable, durable and economical. The car certainly is underappreciated, which works for me because I did not have to spend a fortune to buy it. Overall an excellent vehicle. As testament to the Mazda value, I decided to buy a Mazda Tribute as 2nd care for treacherous winter driving.

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  Oh this is nice...and fun! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By A Hondaguy - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I had always driven Hondas until the year end incentives led me to look at a Mazda. I have owned Preludes, and driven Civics, and my wife and I tested a Focus. The Protoge had better interior quality than the Ford, and more pep than a Civic. After test driving the car and comparing cost and features my wife and I both agreed on the Mazda. I love the the standard features of the LX. Throw on a spoiler, add the moonroof and 6cd package and it was a great deal for just over 13k out the door.

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  Caution Purchasing this vehicle - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Paul - December 21 - 4:50 am

  Exercise caution buying this car model. It ran fine until it hit the 7 year mark. In the past year I have had to replace all four suspension links, gears 1-2-3 and bearings in the transmission, front exhaust pipe, rear right suspension, an oxygen sensor, and now the brakes are going bad. Also, Proteges are not built for salty winter road conditions! It appears as though the lemon age for these cars to go sour is around 6 years. Inquire about prior repairs before buying. Not recommended - it reminds me of my first car, a 1994 Ford Taurus. I will not be buying a Ford or Mazda again in my lifetime.

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  Just Luv it - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By rpbrick - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for about 3-wks now and already have 1300 miles on it. Build quality is top notch w/no rattles or loose things to complain about. Engine is quit willing and quiet also. I got this car w/6-cd package and moonroof and just love the sound & sky. Trans is nice and smooth (5-spd) and ride is also great (firm, yet well controlled). Many compliments from my carpool buddies. Would highly recommend!