2001 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews Page 3

Great for a first car or for a new feel

Written by: Kushiaji on 02/18/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I just recently purchased my '01 Protege, so I may seem biased by posting a review quickly. However, it was one of two vehicles and the Protege was the one I prefered NOT to have. After a day I noticed the ride was smooth, the interior console was sleek, and it has a style of class all it's own. For those who want a car no one else really has, this will make you stand out with shimmering beauty. I recommend this to anyone looking for more quality per buck.

Favorite Features

Incredible stock sound system, if I were to add anything to it it would just be a 10 or 12 with the stock amp in the back. The class of the look makes it a beautiful ride.

Suggested Improvements

At 130 hp @ 5500 rpms, I'd prefer something with a more engine, but how much more can you get from a 4 cyl./2L? Acceleration is about a 6.5 on a 1-10 scale, so I'd like to see a boost in that as well. Of course if you want something with sport, try the MP3.

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fun car takes a licking, keeps ticking

Written by: jsmsp on 07/12/2003

Vehicle

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

Review

Nearing 2 yr mark, 42k mi, just repl. plugs and air fltr for first time. Not one defect or problem other than usual wear. AC could be better (I often drive in wool suit). Aftermarket window tint has helped dramatically. BMW 3-series-like handling. 2.0 Engine not in BMW class, but low-rpm torque is very good. MPG would be much better with 6th gear for highways (only 5sp man). Trans works well if not too short- geared and long-thrown. Overall, a fun to drive, practical, sexy small sedan that's also a good value.

Favorite Features

16" rims, wide tires, stiff, 4-wheel discs w/EBD, great road-feel, power-everything. Durability excellent-- car is driven hard and fast. Quiet-- even with tight suspension, no rattles. Best factory sound system in it's class with largest speaker ports, 6x9&6x8.

Suggested Improvements

Unusual tire size is hard to find and expensive. AC needs help, although car is black. Add a 6th gear! More power and better feel to the accelerator pedal would be nice.

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Protege 01 ES w/GT

Written by: dapplegrey on 05/13/2003

Vehicle

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

Review

I am very very happy with this car. I have not had any problems with it, other than the usual wear and tear and hope to enjoy it for many years to come. I would not hesitate to buy another.

Favorite Features

Moonroof, sound system is surprisingly decent.

Suggested Improvements

Better service provided by dealership after vehicle purchase.

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Review

Written by: kurtb34 on 04/08/2003

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love it, it's fun to drive and dependable (so far). Only one minor problem. Great online support community, too.

Favorite Features

Handling

Suggested Improvements

Turbo

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I love my Protege.

Written by: Supergirl on 04/06/2003

Vehicle

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

Review

This car drives beautifully. My friend just got a new Accord and he still prefers to drive my car because of the smooth transmission. Great sound system. Nice design inside and out. And while it drives smoothly, when I'm in a pinch and need to move, I push that pedal down and it surprises me. Good for driving comfortably or tearing through traffic like a nut. This car is so much more than I expected.

Favorite Features

Beautiful, Reliable, Great sound system, Smooth Transmission, Great gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Cruise control would be nice. Maybe cup holders in the back.

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My Protege two years later

Written by: totustuus00 on 03/30/2003

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought the Protege after driving most of the competition (Corolla, Civic, Sentra). The Mazda felt tighter, handled better and had better brakes. It has been reliable to a fault. I now have almost 40k on the car and it is still running good. I had to put new pads front and back recently and replaced the tires. The 16" Dunlops are next to impossible to find, so I upgraded one size to 205/55/16 Fulda's. The car rides a bit better on these tires. The only faults are that with the wide 16" wheels, it can be a terror to drive in the snow and the gas mileage could be better (25 to 28 typical with automatic)

Favorite Features

Styling, handling, braking. Good low end torque with 2 liter engine. Seats are comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage isn't great. Oil filter is a pain to get to. Car is a little loud on the expressway, but tolerable (when compared to my wife's Accord EX) Had to buy brake pads from Dealer because nobody carries pads for the 4 wheel disc brake ES model, Ouch!

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Best Bang for the Buck!

Written by: nyminutes on 02/18/2003

Vehicle

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

Review

Fun to drive, well made car with vroom , thats less than $15k. Get the 5 speed, very smooth. The handling on this car is excellent, better than many sports sedans selling for 25k+! The fit finish/reliability is better than any JapanMexOhiocan from Honda, Nissan or Toyota. Lets face it, how many older 1's of those do u see out there lately??? You still see many older Protege's though, still made in Hiroshima by workers whos average tenure with the company is 21 years! The only downside to the car is resale value, but if u want a great car, that u can beat on trouble-free for 100k+ miles, this is the car.

Favorite Features

Handling, 5 speed is silky smooth, 3yr/50k warranty

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower, clear tailight lens option

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asdf

Written by: big_ben on 01/24/2003

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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

Favorite Features

handling

Suggested Improvements

power

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peotege's rock

Written by: vsesoulchild on 12/10/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

this car is a very good car, since i bought it i have enjoyed driving it. i never went to get a protege ES but thats is what i ended up with. i was going for that MP3. but now i like the ES much much better.

Favorite Features

i love the 16" wheels, white face gauges, and the radio. powerful radio.

Suggested Improvements

more power would be nice.

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MP3

Written by: philjessiann on 12/10/2002

Vehicle

2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my MP3. I handles as well or better than any car that I have drive including corvette, camaro, prelude, integra type R. It it is definately sufficient in power but could use more. Biggest drawback is that it has no cruise! But all in all you can't beat the sound system, reliability, handling and fun to drive factor.

Favorite Features

Sound system, handling, looks, stainless steel exhaust, to many to mention.

Suggested Improvements

Cruise please, ABS, and more power.

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