2001 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews Page 4

great car

Written by: edbeng on 12/04/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

this car is wonderful -- handles like a much more expensive sports car -- great car for anyone.

Favorite Features

handling

Suggested Improvements

gas mileage

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Great car

Written by: jonrpatrick on 11/24/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

After 15 years of pontificating the vices of japanese cars, I finally gave up on my slow, unrefined, unreliable american cars and bought this Mazda. I'll never look back. This car is rock-solid and after my first year, I still look forward to driving it (unlike my american cars of yore!) The Protege is a blast to drive (lots of zoom-zoom), handles great, and is pretty peppy when you dig into the gas. It's also roomy, with a fantastic interior (Mazda is making the best interiors in the business right now!!) and refinement, refinement, refinement.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Just a *tad* more sound deadening, and maybe just a *smidgen* more torque at lower revs...

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Still enjoying my Protege ES

Written by: KimO on 11/17/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

My first new car was the Protege precedent 323 in 1988. When I needed a new car last year for commuting to work 26 miles each way, I turned to the Protege. I have not been disappointed after driving it for the past 1 year and 4 months, and putting 23K on it. It is really a fun car to drive and you get a lot for your money.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage. Interior design is very nice for an economy car. Exterior is nicest in its class. Silver color is very sharp. Peppy performance for a 4-cylinder, and very fun to drive. Love the moonroof and spoiler.

Suggested Improvements

Better cupholders (every cup I try to put in it tips around a turn if I don't hold it). A trunk release button on the keyless entry would be great, as would a power door lock button on the passenger side. Better stereo.

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I must have bought the lemon

Written by: FFEJY on 10/10/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

It actually a Protege 5 For the price, its a great deal. However as of 30,00km I've 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 I'm an idiot because there nothing wrong with my Protege 5

Favorite Features

Great interior, handles well, lots of feature for the price

Suggested Improvements

Dealers service departmen, and the transmission and all parts attached to it.

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2001 Protege ES

Written by: Somsun on 09/26/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

I recently purchased a 2001 Protege ES via private sale with 24k miles. I know from experience that Mazdas just go and go. I owned a 1987 323 and as a second owner, it carried me well into the 200,000 mile stretch. I love the styling most of all about the '01 Protege ES. I look out at it in my driveway and smile; I like it so much! I love the interior styling and roominess of the ES. I drove a few co- workers and myself to lunch today and they commented how much leg room there was in the back seat. I like the spoiler because it helps me gauge where I am when backing out or into a parking space. Overall, for the quality and price it can't be beat.

Favorite Features

I might mention that when unlocking the car with the remote, to get ALL of the doors to unlock, you must press the "unlock" button twice. I found that one out today when I noticed that only the driver side door unlocked when I press it once, then they all unlock when I press it twice.

Suggested Improvements

It would be ideal if the steering wheel could telescope towards the driver, not just move up and down. Additional intermittent wiper blade modes please. The 4-speaker stereo/CD is "ok". The arm rest is basically nonexistent. The air circulation button works only when it wants to.

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I love my 2001 Protege ES

Written by: Orbital on 09/13/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

I traded in my Golf GTI for this car and I have no regrets. I love driving this car, it doesn't ride as nicely as the Golf but the handling is far superior. All of the standard features are nice. But, the stereo in the Golf was far superior, even in 1995. Why Mazda uses cheap speakers is beyond me, but they are lousy and I will change them immediately. But I love my car!

Favorite Features

Flat Handling Many Standard Features Excellent Quality Beautiful 16 inch wheels with Dunlop tires Power Everything

Suggested Improvements

Power, Power, Power Crappy Speakers

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Mazda Cozma

Written by: Cozma on 09/11/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

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

Favorite Features

I like the gauses and the

Suggested Improvements

...tires, seats and 3 spoke steering wheel.

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My Second Protege

Written by: Motorhead on 08/09/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

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!) It's 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 ride's 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.

Favorite Features

Air conditioning seems very good. Don't ever let anyone tell you you don't need it in San Diego! Sanity prevailed and a BLACK trunk liner was used. Thanks!!!

Suggested Improvements

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This MP3 is serious about having fun.

Written by: 01hzmp3 on 07/28/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

Had suspension bushing squeaking noise few months after I purchased this MP3 model. Dealership fixed/replaced both front/rear bushings under warranty. Seems like no problem, but I will have to make sure of that come this winter since this noise only occurs under cool temperature. GREAT handling, I love to drive this car even if I have no reason to go anywhere. The stereo system is a BLAST to listen to, it doesn't thump hardcore bass... it thumps just enough to get you all pumped up for hours on end. Turns a lot of heads on the road. Like a Miata, this car is just a pleasure to drive around in.

Favorite Features

Please, I love virtually everything this MP3 came out with. Too many to list within 300 characters. Take my word.... everything STOCK on this model is wonderful... stuff that you would probably buy aftermarket if you didn't have on as OEM.

Suggested Improvements

Just more power would be nice. Only reason I say that is because the suspension can handle a lot more power than what it has available right now. Otherwise, the car has "sufficient" power for the average driver. How fast can you actually go in traffic anyways?

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Zoom Zoom

Written by: Mine 00 on 06/22/2002

Vehicle

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

Review

Well I have recently purchased the Mazda ES GT [in Canada] which with out a doubt the best econosport vehicle that I have driven. I tried the Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic [Coupe], Acura Integra and others in its class but non compare in price and feel. The ES GT is the invigerates the soul and sooths the spirit. This car in my books is in a class of its own.

Favorite Features

non specific.

Suggested Improvements

More power would not hurt.

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