Used 2000 Mazda Protege Sedan Consumer Reviews
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14 years of happy ownership
MazdaGuy, 01/12/2016
updated 07/14/2016
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
We have owned our 2000 DX with auto transmission for 14 years and 227,800 miles. Other than a new ECM about 8 years ago we have only completed oil changes every 3k miles and the occasional brake job (all completed by me). At 225,000 I decided it was time to replace the ORIGINAL timing belt (which, believe it or not, didn't look too bad). At that time I also replaced the following: Valve cover seal Spark plugs Cam seals Crank seal Water pump Timing pulleys and tension spring Struts Control arms with lower ball joints Replace 4 Qts tranny fluid Outer tierod ends New driver side axle I completed all the work myself and it was fairly easy to complete..... All for about $800 in parts. If you are a do it yourself type of person then this car is for you. Very easy to work on. I drive this car 60 miles per day and am confident it will make it to 300,000 miles.
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The most dependable car I have ever owned
Marc M., 07/14/2016
updated 07/17/2017
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
My large almost new Ford was totaled by a drunk driver. The driver's insurance company would only rent me a car for two weeks but they did give me a good payment for my car. I wanted to take my time selecting and buying a new car so I decided to purchase a cheap car and then sell it after I got the new car. I bought my 2000 Mazda Protege for $2,500 in 2012. At the time the car had 151,000 miles. As I drove the car I began to really like it. It handled great, it was dependable, it looked good, and the gas mileage was outrageous ( 27 city 40 hwy). I have the automatic. Eventually I forgot about another car because I liked the protege so much. I looked at my gasoline bills and saw that in the past 4 years, I have saved $8,000+ in gasoline costs as compared to the Ford. Same basic driving routine. Mostly city some highway. On one trip, I was able to drive the back road highways at 55 MPH (no hills) and I got 42 MPG. I love the way the car feels inside. I have owned several Porsches and this car feels like a Porsche to me. It is super easy to park. When I see a space I just pull in. No parallel parking required. It looks really small, but if you check out the actual dimensions it is about the same size as most cars these days. The visibility is incredible. It is like you can see everywhere which is why the car looks small. The top part of the car is high (including the glass) and the body is short (like a Ferrrari). The car now has 181,000 miles on it an in the 4 years since I have owned it I have had no repairs at all. The car has never let me down. I have another car and a newer pickup truck but I always find myself driving the Protege because it is so much fun. All I have done is replace brake pads and shoes, tires, oil, belts, and hoses. No smoke from the exhaust, uses no oil, lots of power, idles smooth, nice transmission shifts, drives like a new car. If the car made it to 500,000 miles I would not be surprised. The guy I bought it from later told me he was sorry he sold it. I am only the third owner. My future plans are to have the car repainted (although the paint still looks good but not perfect) in a two tone factory color option and put some good wide alloy wide wheels and tires on it. I would also like a high performance exhaust system. The upholstery is like new, no tears or anything. I like this car more than any car I have ever owned. Every time I get into the car all I think is " this car has saved me $6,500 for the pleasure of owning and driving it".
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2000 Mazda Protege LX automatic
Josh, 06/30/2006
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Car is going strong at 95,000 miles. Only repairs done to date are new door lock actuators, the radio/CD player, and recently replaced EGR valve. Gas mileage is great for an automatic, between 30 and 35 MPG. I even averaged 40 MPG once. My only complaints are the small engine and placement of rearview mirror which obstructs vision.
Love my protege
jeannesmyname, 12/31/2010
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I absolutely loved my Protege, it was very reliable, comfy, and fun to drive. I put 150K on it. It also got excellent gas mileage. It will not play burned cd's and had a year where I had to have the belt replaced a few times, since then it's been running like a top. Just traded it in today for a newer car, but was sad to see it go. I really hope it goes to a great home!
LotsaMiles
tedg, 09/12/2010
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We have had this car since it was new 11 years ago - it replaced another just like it that died on us, and it now has 224,500 miles on it. Though we are looking for a new vehicle, we plan to keep this one as a second vehicle for use locally. I was amazed that you give mpg as 25 - 27; we've never gotten less than 32, usually more, up to 38! Perhaps part of that is my exclusive use of Mobil 1 oil; with the vagaries of gas pump shut-offs, regardless, I feel 34-35 mpg is what we have (and continue to get) for mileage. Driving it's been a pleasure, though it's showing signs of age - noisiness, mostly.
2000 Mazda Protege
Monica, 09/15/2005
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The only maintenance I have had to have on this vehicle were a recall and routine maintenance. The recall was an oxygen sensor on the emissions system, and before that was replaced, I had to take it in a lot. However, it was covered under the warranty. The Mazda CD player has a mind of it's own, though and is very finicky about what it plays.
Excellent Small Car
mazdafan94, 04/20/2015
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased my 2000 protege with the proper 5-speed manual in late 2012. Ever since I purchased it I had no mechanical problems. The 1.6ZM Engine runs like clock work and is zippy,the ride is somewhat comfortable, there are no squeaks and rattles, . However, I wish this car had more power.Another issue is rust. I noticed that the protege has the tendency to rust around the rear wheel arches. I talked to an auto body shop and they told me that Mazda during assembly the wheel arches had two pieces of metal spot welded and over time water and debris would seep in between the spot welds causing it to oxidize. Other than those two minor issues this vehicle is one of the most reliable and tough.
My Mazda Protege
Kay, 05/11/2005
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 2000 Mazda Protege has been wonderful to drive. I have replaced the front brakes and all four tires. Also the windshield wipers. I have 68,000 miles on it. I live in Florida and drove it to Des Moines, IA in September of 2002. It handled very good with excellent gas mileage. I have a stick transmission. The A/C runs very cold. I am very satisfied with it.
Still runs after 20 years
Gabe, 09/30/2020
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm very impressed with this car's longevity. Mine was a 1.6L auto. I got mine used in 2005 with 45k miles. I got to 191k miles with this car before I sold it. I did everything with it. Hauled my family, did errands, went to big trips, everything. And it still worked. Not great, because I didn't take good care of it, always was speeding and taking tight corners, but that just proves the point on how reliable these are. Still had the original motor, transmission, and struts. The worst thing about the Protege was the rust proofing. Started rusting after 5 years I got the car. I did have to replace lots of parts that rusted off as well. Rust was also the main reason why I sold mine. The rust was getting too dangerous. But I can't complain. It lasted me 20 years. I did hear the autos were bad, but I never had a problem with mine. Cudos to Mazda, definitely buying a new Mazda 3 or 6 soon.
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Quality Auto
Ted W. Lee, 09/04/2009
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In the ten yrs.that I have owned the car, with the exception of when the battery "died" it has never failed to start and has never stalled. It's always been parked outside(in Mich.) The only major negative problem has been the suspension the last couple of yrs. Going over the slightest bump results in a very noisy and "rattley" ride.It sounds and feels like the suspension system has completely failed.I have about 90000 miles on the car.The car still looks almost like new (because of a paint sealant applied each year.) Never a problem with wheel alignment(never had it done).
Expensive upkeep!
Protege LX_Owner, 10/27/2008
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it when it had 12K miles and the car was practically new. I took good care of it; changed oil on time within 3-5k miles - depending on my driving habits, routine maintenance and BRAKES (more on that later) etc. Over the past 8 years of ownership, the car has been very reliable but with a cost! My service receipts so far have totaled up to about $3,800 to date - that's an equivalent to $45/mo or $542/year!! The costliest thing ever to take a toll on the receipts were the 'brakes'; during the course, I have had eight (yes, that's 8!) brake pad replacements which included rotors and rear shoes every other alternate times. The upside: at 125K miles, the car still runs like new.
A drivers car
lanshahan, 05/04/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After two fun years with the Protege ES I can report that this cars best feature is the well developed suspension. The steering provides great feedback, and is properly weighted.Brakes are up to the task even with the low tech drums out back. The motor is adequate but who doesn't want more power. Styling is clean both exterior and interior and is holding up well to the rigors of the day to day grind. On the downside I have found that this is a noisy car and I have had to add some insulation to the rear panel and doors. Additionally I had the vehicle undercoated. I have also had to solve a couple of rattle/buzz issues.
Love my protege!
david brown, 10/30/2016
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first car. I bought it a week ago and it is wonderful. It drives good, handles good and is comfortable for the most part. It is great on gas. The A/C is good.
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Reliable, great quality & Excellent Value
katspause, 09/13/2015
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my car brand new in Nov 1999. Regular maintenance (oil changes @ 4000 to 6000 miles), radiator flush, timing belt, etc, per manufacture's recommendation. This is my second Mazda (first was '84 Mazda 323 sedan-also brand new- drove over 250,000mi). My Protege has the original transmission (5speed manual) and engine. This car has spent 12 of it's nearly 16 years in northern winters. It's spent most of it's lifetime outdoors (no parking shelter) and started every time. Nothing has failed while driving. When the vehicle warranty expired, I prefer working with an outside mechanic shop. Yes, the car has rust, and has more exterior noise than the first day I drove it off the lot. There are a few small issues w/electronics (occasionally cd player doesn't work, & occasionally driver door lock must be manually operated). Minor stuff. The car starts every day, gets decent gas mileage. I'm still hoping for 400,000 miles, though it's possible the car may not make it. In any case, my experience is, that Mazda makes a fantastic product. If you're looking for value and reliability, this is the brand.
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Basic Transportation
canada2015, 02/02/2015
updated 01/11/2016
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Mazda protege off a classified site for $1100 Canadian. It was as is but only required two tires and rear shoes for safety. We've had our protege for just over a year now and it has required minimal repairs such as front stabilizer links serpentine belts (there are two, there small and they tend to break). The 1.6L with the 4 speed automatic is good on fuel both in the city and the highway. The car had 249 000kms on it and it now has 305 000. It handles well in the winter but ONLY if winter tires are equipped. Currently the car runs and drives but when the temperature drops below -5 C the thermostat sticks open and we don't get any heat. I'd recommend this car to anyone. At 305 000 kms we decided to finally retire the protege. It still drove fine but required front struts, rear brake job and rear wheel cylinder (its leaking like crazy and required brake fluid every two weeks, both rear bearing had 1/2 inch of play, the steering rack leaked at each inner tie rod and every single speaker was blown, and there were two holes in the frame due to the rough winters. but it just kept on going!
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Good Car!
Rogue DJ, 03/23/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car! i am glad i baught it! ftom the screaming accelaration to the squealing breaking, I am who car makers fear. If i had the opertunity i would "dog out" a satern! But i havebt, however this car! Mazda is only surpased by subaru and chevy in car building knowlage, they build it to be used! 3 years of abuse and racing have taken litle tole on my car! few modafications that are cheap have turned my car into a street machene. Buy it, , and steer carfuly!!! cuz you are gone!
I love my Mazda
supermom1450, 12/30/2008
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Our 1992 Buick Regal just died and we needed a 2nd vehicle..bad. Since I'm the chauffeur, I needed something that was good on gas so I could drive the kids around 6 days a week to their various activities as well as maintain my 3 jobs. I love how she handles corners and I wish she were a stick but she's not. We have a lot of snow in New Brunswick and she handles better in the snow and ice than our 3.1L Dodge Grand Caravan. She has such a sporty feel and my kids find her more comfortable than the van. She really likes to go "Zoom Zoom". She has under 150,000km, and she starts up very easily in -25C. When she goes to Mazda heaven I'll be getting another one..sorry GM.
Mazda 626
kvammen, 04/09/2002
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
Every one is entitled to one mistake in their life, this was mine.
Should have bought a Civic
HSworker, 07/13/2007
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is OK. It has a bunch of little problems. (keyless intry works some of the time, CD player's volume goes up when turned down, CD plays some of the time. CUp holder sucks. AC is loud as can be yet doesn't blow that much air. Dealerships don't want to fix things under warranty. They can't find anything until repeated trips are made. No loaner cars offered even for multiple day factor fixes. The plastic clips that hold panels on break randomly and just fall off. This from a guy who Meguiar's his car inside/out + engine. I should have bought that used Toy Avalon or new Honda civic.
Love my Protege
jjac28, 11/06/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I THINK THE PROTEGE IS THE BEST IN IT' S CLASS FOR THE YEAR 2000. I OWN THE ES 1.8L PROTEGE (LX IN CANADA) WITH ALL THE OPTIONS IE: TOURING PACKAGE (POTENZA TIRES, MOONROOF, SPOLIER ETC) I HAVE NOW 60,000KM ON IT AND IT'S BEEN GREAT OWNING THE CAR. I AM AN AGGRESSIVE/FAST DRIVER SO I REALLY PUSH THE CAR AND IT NEVER DISAPPOINTS ME. I CANT BELIEVE THAT SOME SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS CAR. THE PROTEGE OWNERS I SPOKE TO REALLY LIKE THIS CAR AND ARE PROUD TO OWN IT.
So in love
Gabriela, 04/19/2009
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Protege for almost three years, it's my first car and I will never buy anything but a Mazda. I have never had any problems with it except with the oxygen sensor, but I think that was a defect in the the replacement. Gas mileage is under par, especially on the highway. I did have to replace the radio because the volume would go up when I was turning it down and the CD player didn't play burned CD's and I was spending too much money on real CD's. Other than that, P cuts like a jack knife and is so fun to drive. Acceleration is excellent and the interior is perfect, not to mention that the outside is so cute :)
2000 Protege LX
JBC, 07/02/2002
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been an excellent vehicle. The interior design is delightful, and the quality for the money is outstanding. Mine has the older 1.6 liter engine which returns about 34 mpg in mixed driving. Although not very powerful, it is adequate and very willing powerplant. Cornering and general handling is very good. I would recommend ABS option for these cars as under hard braking (panic stop) sometimes the rear brakes will lock up early. Reliability has been perfect. A bit noisy on the highway (wind noise) but still comfortable for small car. Highly recommended!
I love this car
Phylo74, 11/15/2002
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car gets great gas mileage (more than 40 mpg on flat highways), has comfortable seats, and has plenty of power despite having only a 1.6 liter engine. Have had the car more than two years now with only one trip to the dealership to replace some sort of air flow sensor. I recently sold my 2001 Subaru Legacy because I could never find a comfortable driving position and always preferred to take the Protege unless it was snowing. I only wish that Mazda hadn't discontinued the 1.6 liter engine on later models.
Hybrid Car?
LX, 04/03/2002
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased an LX in Feb. The only minor beef I have is the placement of the inside roof safety handle on the passenger side. I'm 6' so the handle sits about 1" from my head, perfect whacking distance on tight curves and speed bumps! Also, according to our dealer, the LX is the "top of the line" but Edmunds and many other websites list it as the midrange. See Pacific Mazda's website: pacificmazda dot com. The only thing I can attribute this to is maybe the scheme is different in Canada. Many of our "LX" features appear to be only available on the ES: Air Conditioning, Power Everything, Cruise Control, ABS Brakes and a 1.8 L engine.
I loved my car.
zachisawesome, 11/01/2009
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2004 and kept it until this year when I unfortunately crashed it. It was a wonderfully reliable car in the 5 years I owned it. The battery failed once but I cleaned the alternator and it was back to charging just fine, and never failed again. Handled great except in rain, but that could have been tires and brakes getting old. Never had a problem with the CD player volume not working like some people have said. Interior and exterior was still holding up well. It only went into the shop once for regular maintenance though needed to go back for brakes and suspension. Definitely a much nicer car than my friend's civics and corollas, and just as reliable. I loved this car
Great Car for the $$
fasteddie, 12/10/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 37,000 mile on my Protoge ES, no problems yet! Fun to drive, and biggest bang for your buck back then. I like Mazda cars, this is my third, my forth was a Tribute that my wife drives. I used to be a loyal Honda fanatic, (I had 4 Honda/Acura cars)but after experiencing what Mazda had to offer at a more reasonable price, I defected to the Mazda ranks. I am looking forward to the new mazda6 as my next car, although I might wait for the hatch.
Best Small Car
RLT, 11/01/2002
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had no major problems. Interior may seem cheap, but really is more simple and meant to hold up for a long time. On the highway the road noise can be loud, But the 6 way stereo is great. A lot of options on this car for the money and still was cheaper than the Civic. Its the best car for the money.
Civic would have been better.
bleu4917, 10/28/2008
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car had a good solid feel in during the first 2 years, but after that things go down hill. The radio volume control doesn't work properly, hard to control volume. The auto memory doesn't work. Rust on most Mazdas of the same year (right side passenger door and trunk). Passenger mirror ripped off easily. Engine problems (RPM is not stable). Automatic door lock failed for one of the doors. Ac has a leak. ABS module has failed. Manual shift doesn't shift smoothly after 2 years.
Solid, Reliable & A Hoot to Drive!
gmaduro, 11/08/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Other than minor recalls, this car is as dependable as any of its Japanese counterparts. It's performance/price ratio is higher than the competition by a good bit. The ES's interior is clean, tightly finished and nicely laid out.
Last Mazda For Me!
Lamrin, 07/17/2008
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first new car. I regret the purchase. I should have gotten a Corolla. Gas mileage is a joke for a small 1.6L auto. I had the rad replaced twice under warranty. At 3 yrs I noticed rust on the bottom front passenger side door. I now have rust inside both rear wheel wells (winters are harsh where I live). AC no longer works and never blew very cold. CD player is extremely finicky. Sometimes it plays, sometimes not. I think it might be related to temperature and humidity. Volume goes up when turning it down. The OD button doesn't work anymore. Some dash lights in the tach are blown. The car is very reliable. It's never broken down on me. I like the interior and trunk space.
Excellent buy for the price!
the_big_h, 02/26/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for almost 2 years, and it has been flawless, barring a deer accident that I had back in October 2000. GREAT handling and peppy acceleration with a firm but comfortable ride. The Bridgestone OEM tires perform well, but it's a bit noisy. At highway speed the car is extremely stable, even when under strong crosswinds. The stereo w/ CD player is solid for a OEM system. A must-see if looking for a good used car!
Precious Few Complaints
Bob Ahnmeischaft, 12/24/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Protege ES in July 2000 and have since put 37K on it. It is solid and well-built, quick, and a good looking car. It also has the advantage of not being quite as common as, say, a Honda Civic. This is in fact the second Protege we've owned, our first being a 1991 LX model. If you're looking for a great small- medium sedan and don't want to pay that Civic or Corolla premium, but still want the upsides of those makes, go see your local Mazda dealer.
I loved this Mazda
iheartmazda, 11/21/2009
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Protege for almost 9 years. I have had very few repairs over the year. Very reliable! It is sporty and fun to drive and easy to handle. I am only selling for another Mazda!
car review
Alfredo148, 02/03/2003
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
excellent small car for the value offered.
Decent Car that needs tweaking
ptben, 12/17/2002
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There's 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. It's just be in the shop for a new catalytic converter, new starter, new fly wheel, wears brakes quickly even though we drive very conservatively.
Red Raphaela the wonder car
jolie, 11/21/2009
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yes, the title is silly but that is actually my nickname for my 2000 Mazda Protege DX. She jumped out at me when I went to a Mazda dealership a couple of days after Christmas, 2000. Buying her was the smartest thing I ever did, transportation wise. She stayed looking like a new car for five years. Even now, she just has a scar on her back bumper and another tiny ding on the rear trunk. It's only because I have a habit of putting it in neutral at stop lights and twice someone bumped me when the light turned green (my foot wasn't on the brake to turn the brake lights on). In nine years, I have only had to replace belts and brake pads. Honest!
2000 mazda
Mike, 02/20/2008
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in 4/2002. Replaced battery and brakes only (besides normal maint. items). At around 185000 I need to replace the fuel filter. Mazda builds great cars.
One not so good one
bubba gump, 02/12/2003
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my 5th Mazda. First four I really loved. Though fun to drive, was in the shop alot. Over a little less than three years had to replace:Battery, coil and igniter, two sets of plugs and wires, a catalitic converter, gas tank fuel filter and sock. Also had to replace tires at 18,000 mi. Phew. However, based on past experience and "0" financing, I'll be picking up a brand new LX Pro. in three days. Guess that might be loyalty and trust, hope it's well placed.
Peppy engine and trans
opher123, 12/25/2009
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car from the dealer. It has a strong transmission as well as super handling on even wet pavement. The only thing i notice with this car are the belts which are very annoying and it's a common problem with this car.
Whee!
Goober, 05/14/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is so much fun to drive...the handling is very balanced and predictable...very light on its feet. Acceleration is just zippy enough to be fun and gets good gas mileage. It's roomy inside for a small car. Good looking too. Just turned 30000 miles and it's been reliable. A little noisy on the highway and the ride is firm.
Weird Quirks
tasia41, 04/21/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my 2000 MAZDA Protege ES, but weird quirks with it. Driving 65 mph - there is a whistle that screams through the dash vents. Played with the controls-nothing helps. Funny smell from air conditioning (no dead creatures found). Smell is sickly sweet. Heat also creates strange smell. Rear passengers stay hot all the time. Problems with auto entry. (Electrical?) Moon/sun roof also creates a screaming sound. Can correct by holding down the unit with hand. Shouldn't have to do that. No Umph. Try to merge into highway traffic is slow (manual shift). Hamster drive.
Cocky lil car huh!
rltaylor, 06/16/2002
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had done research up on 3 cars (Honda, Toyota and Mazda) for about 3 mo. And decided on the 2000 Protege LX (standard-only 20,400 miles). It's a snappy tight lil car. Toyota and Honda are a lot more expensive but the Protege LX (my opinion) has the same performance if not better and made in JAPAN too. purr's like a kitten!
This isn't your typical Ford-based Mazda
moichman, 08/15/2003
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ford controls Mazda as you know, and a lot of previous Mazda's were Fords in disguise. And Ford had a BAD mid-90's run in quality, making Mazda just as bad. The Protege is made in Japan by Mazda, and it shows. Not one day of problems. Easy to work on myself, brakes made it 40k before changing, styling is good. Interior rattles are annoying, but it was a new body style this year. Starts every day, cold or hot. Original tires were dreadful, but upgrades have solved poor-weather handling dramatically.
Fun and cheap economy car
Jim Bob Henry Bob, 02/13/2003
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for a while now and have come to love it. I test drove several similar cars at the time such as the civic, neon, sentra and corolla, but the protege was superior in almost every way. Interior looks upscale, the handling is awesome and the motor is pretty peppy. It still could use another 20 horsepower and some squeeks have worked in over time, but not many. Excellent car with no problems.
perfect reliability
mark, 02/01/2005
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car new. Have never had any problem in 5 years. Everything has always worked perfectly. Has excellent steering feel and corners well. I like the stiff springs. It can carry 4 people without noticing the extra weight. Gas mileage with stick shift is about 30 for the worst city conditions and 40 for the best highway conditions with very careful driving using 5th gear often. I use 92 octane gas, because 87 octane will knock slightly when accelerating up hill. Engine will last longer with 92 octane. Road noise is high on coarse surfaces.
best car I've owned
natem, 07/23/2003
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been by far the best car I've owned. In 3 years I've put nearly 90,000 miles on it and it has never given me any trouble. The only time it has been in the shop is for oil changes, brake pads and new tires. It handles great and sticks to the road even in wet conditions. I get 38 mpg on the highway and about 32 in town with the 5 speed. The best small car out there. I hope to get another 90K out of it. Then I might consider the new Mazda 6.
Very reliable, very average
orniflect, 01/13/2010
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own the stick shift model. 90% highway miles for its entire life (175k miles so far). Averaging 32-33 mpg for entire life. It's aging as expected - can definitely tell it's not immortal; little things breaking, but nothing big yet. Would you believe that I didn't have to replace the front disc rotors until over 90k miles on it? Pretty wild - I really wasn't 'stretching' into unsafe-ness. replacement rotors lasted "only" 60k miles. Clutch still tight, zero oil consumed, and I'm not particularly diligent with changes (avg ~5k miles). Other than the exhaust heat shield getting loose more than once - 2 or 3 welding jobs over time to stop the noise, no odd/out of place troubles.
Japanese Beemer
Robert Moore, 08/09/2003
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a reliable small car. Gas mileage is 30-33 mpg. No repairs to date. Oil and filter change every 3000 miles. The ride is a little like a BMW sticks to the road well.For me the only thing it lacks is more horses, but I like em' fast.Previous car was mazda 323, ran over 210,000 without major repairs. Timing belt replaced @ 130.000. Definetly great little cars.
Aint she cute? and Sporty too!
Betty, 04/02/2010
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car about 1 1/2 yrs ago w/73k miles on it, little 'ol lady owned it, now has about 107k. Figured we'd get good mpg since it's small, about 28 avg. right now, better than 17 we replaced it with! Really wanted a manual transmission, that would have really made it even more fun to drive, and probably better mpg. Put synthetic oil in at about 80k miles after lots of research and believe that made a difference. We all enjoy the drive (ages 19-50), handles real good, tires can make BIG difference though! Four bangers seem to be a little noisy but after we replaced bearings due to accident it made quite a difference! Picks up & go's pretty good and overall Nice car!
Mazda All the Way
DA2799, 02/02/2005
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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. I've replaced the original tires with Pirelli PZero Nero's 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 I've owned; starts always not a worry to report.