Mazda Protege Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.50/5 Average
471 Total Reviews

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 471.00
  • Still reliable after all these years - 2003 Mazda Protege
    By -

    My fourth consecutive Mazda. Still very reliable at 112k miles, only routine maintenance performed thus far. ES models 2.0 motor is peppy even with the 4-speed automatic. A major negative is road noise. DX & LX Proteges were already noisy and the ES models low profile tires take it up a notch. Thats why I only rated the car a "5" for comfort.

  • Decent Car - 2001 Mazda Protege
    By -

    Good quick car to get around the city and beat other cars to a parking spot. handles good and can take tight turns that you couldnt do with most vehicles. For a 4 cylinder this car can move when you need it to. Most 4 cylinders dont have the best highway driving but this car accelerates good at higher speeds and passes with ease. I dont recommend it though if you will only be using it for highway driving because the ride is a little bumpy. I dont really care much for the mpg because for a car this size you expect it to have better gas. When i bought this car i was a little skepticle but it turned out to do what i needed it to do and i gave i just sold it in good condition with 173000 miles.

  • One small problem - 2002 Mazda Protege
    By -

    In all, a good car for around town. Nice style, easy to maneuver, steady suspension. The car has good torque for start-stop driving in crowded traffic. All of the knobs and switches are easy to locate and use. The down side? It loses its "oomph" way before 60mph. There is a very irritating wind-noise over 65mph. I dont know if it is the same for every protege, but mine has a high pitch wistle at 70mph+ that seems to come from around the windshield (the dealer has been unable to fix).

  • "Maybe this is just a bad one" - 1999 Mazda Protege
    By -

    This car has been nothing but problems. Bad brakes, transmission, spark plug, speakers, and etc. It is the slowest car on the road! It also handles bad and shakes at high speeds.

  • Replacement for my 2001 Nissan Sentra - 2002 Mazda Protege
    By -

    I have a ES fully loaded and really love everything about this car. I liked my Sentra but this car has got it beat (looks, ride, handling). I was originally looking at the Honda Civic but after driving the Mazda - there is no comparison. The 3 year 50,000 mile warranty and price is better too.

  • Replacement for my 2001 Nissan Sentra - 2002 Mazda Protege
    By -

    I have a ES fully loaded and really love everything about this car. I liked my Sentra but this car has got it beat (looks, ride, handling). I was originally looking at the Honda Civic but after driving the Mazda - there is no comparison. The 3 year 50,000 mile warranty and price is better too.

  • I wish I could buy this car again new. - 2003 Mazda Protege
    By -

    My brother passed this car on to me in 2005 after my car was totaled in an accident & he wanted to get a new BMW. He has regretted that decision ever since. I still have it today in 2010 & he has gone through about 3-4 cars still trying to find the right one. This car is reliable, does really well with gas, has good power acceleration to it, is comfortable and besides normal wear & tear with tires, the only thing that happened was a leak with the radiator & in the air intake hose there was a hole. I replaced both parts & runs like brand freaking new. Unfortunately, I have a small daughter so this car can feel tight sometimes but this is a car you will not regret getting. Shes a beaut.

  • Decent Car that needs tweaking - 2000 Mazda Protege
    By -

    Theres a factory defect in the way a front knuckle was put in in the steering column. took several attempts to finally get the dealership to fix it. Good little car. Its just be in the shop for a new catalytic converter, new starter, new fly wheel, wears brakes quickly even though we drive very conservatively.

  • Excellent Choice - 2003 Mazda Protege
    By -

    Look at scion xA, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra and Suzuki Aerio, Protege beats or at least on par with these competitor. Corolla needs 2 grand more if similarly equipped; Nissans Sentra is good, but lack of selection when the time we want to buy and the trunk space is limited; xA is a decent car but have the same issue for the trunk as Sentra. Protege LX has a list of standard equipment that no other car here can beat. Also ABS/Side Air Bag package is reasonablly priced.

  • Mazda All the Way - 2000 Mazda Protege
    By -

    Purchased my Protege and have had 50k trouble free miles to date. What this little rocket lacks in power it makes up for in handling and sheer driving pleasure. Ive replaced the original tires with Pirelli PZero Neros and they are a blast on this car. Other than the lack of sheer power I love this car. Other than normal maintenance this is the most trouble free car Ive owned; starts always not a worry to report.

Mazda Protege Reviews By Year:
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