Used 2001 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
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My 2nd Protege
CR, 04/25/2010
2001 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I love my Protege
Fatima Oliveira, 05/11/2002
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price of the car, you are getting a great car compared to the sentra and the civic. It handles great. Great design on interior and exterior with lots of room.
2001 Mazda Protege for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- LX SedanMSRP: $8,9101,894 mi away
- MP3 SedanMSRP: $3,9992,098 mi away
- 2001 Mazda ProtegeMSRP: N/A411 mi away
This MP3 is serious about having fun.
01hzmp3, 07/28/2002
2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I can't justify replacing it
200kcarsonly, 07/01/2012
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have zero regrets about keeping this car for 130K. I have had to put new struts on it to rejuvenate the ride but it was worth the expense. If you are looking for one, I suggest trying to find an ES because it has ABS and side airbags. The ABS saved me from a collision once for sure. If I am going to drive around in a little car I need a few modern safety features. The ES does require more expensive tires but Kumho makes a tire that fits the ES rim that has been a decent tire me. Unfortunately, this car is not good in snow with the factory rims/ tires. I bought snow tires on steel rims to put on in winter when the car was in Wisconsin.
My Second Protege
Motorhead, 08/09/2002
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.