2001 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews

Decent Car

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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.
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My 2nd Protege

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Of all the purchasing decisions I have made in my life, choosing the 2001 Protege 5-speed DX has probably been my single best decision. I bought it used with 64k miles; it looks and runs the same after 96k miles. Replaced brakes, shocks and battery when I bought it, timing belt and other belts just now. Nothing else. My two longevity tips: use synthetic oil and hand-wax it. The only issues: The famous digital clock problem expanded to the entire radio, which now fails to operate. More road noise than I'd prefer on the highway. First signs of rust showing near the wheel wells, probably from winter salt.
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GOING TO MISS HER

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've loved this car for the past 9 years that I have owned it. The tires have been the greatest disappointment...expensive to replace when I had to replace them after the first 30,000 miles. (Dunlop has a set that fits and lasts much longer...however still at $120.00/piece) Zoom zoom zoom is very true..I love this car during the summer here in WI..it grips the roads and I can fly! In the winter I need to change modes and respect what the season brings. I love the 60/40 back seat split as I take my xc skis and boating gear with me often. Overall, I'm going to miss my Mazda and hope my "new" Subaru treats me 1/2 as good. (needed room for more gear and a puppy)
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The Best Car I've ever owned

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have always loved the Protege. This one has over 165k and is still going strong. Makes me say "zoom zoom" every time I go around a corner fast. Never had a problem with it, it has never been in the shop for anything other than routine care. Everything still works great. No electrical problems at all. Someone just hit it, how do I part with the best car ever?
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Fantastic fit and finish

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned plenty of cars over the years and know good fit and finish when I see it. This Protege' is top notch. The five speed transmission is as crisp as any Miata. Fuel economy is in the low 30s. If you are in the market for a reliable, good looking economical sedan this may be your car. I like it so much I'm now looking for a pristine 03' Protege' 5.
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way to rusty

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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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My Protege

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love this car. I bought it used with 48,000 mi. Now it has 115,100 mi. It is so great on gas and now with gas prices being almost $4.00 I am not feeling as much pain as others. I've had minor problems, unexpected issues but other than that I am satisfied with it. I've added a couple of different things to it like, a spoiler, euro carbon fiber tail lights, wind visors, tinted windows etc. I also replaced the radio because the factory radio was messing up on me big time. You would press clock and it would show the CD track # and vice versa. So I replaced it. Just recently got a new paint job and it looks even better!
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Great Car

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my Protege I bought it for 3500 and it was worth it, I though it would have problems after so many miles but to this date I have only replaced the fan belts. It really could use a 6th gear, but over all I love my car! Great air condition the only little problem it has is where the clock is the numbers fade.
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Love my Protege

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Hands-down, this has been the very best car I've ever owned and driven (and I've owned 5-6 other vehicles). The gas mileage on trips exceeded the expected number. I've hauled dirt, plants and lumber in this thing. It goes on long trips with winding wet roads and steep inclines. It has been driven "off road", and has taken a beating over the last several years (2 hail storms, 2 hits, juvenile delinquency carvings). All that and it is still great looking and great moving. Zoom Zoom Zoom. I want another one, and am less thrilled with the Mazda 3 and 6.
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Great car

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Protege new and have had very little trouble with it. I usually get 32-33 mpg on the highway (occasionally 35-36) and 25 in the city. It accelerates well and handles great. Plenty of head room and great visibility. Sunroof still works perfectly after 7 years, no leaks. CD player's LCD screen often goes partially blank until I push on it. Right rear door power lock broke around 60k. Replacement tires (195 55 15) are expensive.
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