Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Mazda Cozma - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Cozma - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Needs a much faster engine. And maybe a little better tire selection.

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  Great Little Car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By John - January 17 - 11:36 am

  Great mileage, at times getting 36+ on the interstate. Other than routine maintenance, never had a problem with almost 85,000 on the odometer. Highly recommend this car.

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  Reliability Problems! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jdwilkin - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I had hoped that the good looks and performance of the Protege would be matched by Japanese reliability. No such luck. Had to replace engine (rod bearing)at 80k. Transmission repair at 81k. Have done rear brakes 3 times and rear links twice already - fronts once. (@ 94k now)Strut failed at 85k. Dealer and Mazda have both avoided any/all responsibility for problems...even while under warranty. Very dissappointing purchase.

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  asdf - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By big_ben - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the greatest buys you can get. This car is a blast to drive.

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  My Second Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Motorhead - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The first "Protee" I had got 240,000 on it before the trannie blew...rebuilt it, and and original engine has 300,000 on it. But it had become a little cranky over the years, so I thought it was time for a new one. (I sure got my dough out of the first!) Its a great little urban runabout, ultra-reliable and I get about 25 MPG city, 31 HWY. Seems to have enough pep with the 2.0 for Southern California freeways. The rides a little stiff, and it transmits a bit of noise on rough freeways (which is nealy all of the local decrepit Caltrans freeways), but overall a very nice handling machine.

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  way to rusty - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By nannyp - September 18 - 1:56 am

  Overall my Mazda performs well, but body rust is a BIG problem. I only have 100,000 KM on it but it started to rust the 3rd year I had it. I had a special rust coating applied at the time of purchase but the dealership will not honor it until there are holes in the body. For that reason I will not buy another Mazda.

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  I must have bought the lemon - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By FFEJY - July 19 - 10:00 am

  It actually a Protege 5 For the price, its a great deal. However as of 30,00km Ive already had the flywheel and clutch replaced, the suspension sqeeks, tranny really clunks and the seat rails are seized. I think Mazda has the right idea but forgot a few details. Oh ya according to the dealer Im an idiot because there nothing wrong with my Protege 5

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  nice car good value - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By protege jim - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is a real gas saver,I have had up to 42w/mpg I like the car best of all no trips back to the dealer for any thing.A nice little car for the money.

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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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  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.