Used 2001 Mazda Protege Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Decent Car
shizzel12, 07/17/2011
2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
Great car
Steve, 11/24/2015
updated 11/27/2018
2001 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought my 01 protege 3 years ago for $500.00 with 150k. He thought it was on its last leg lol it now has 235k and still gets a persistent 34 to 37 mpg and just runs like a sewing machine. The only maintenance I've had was a starter battery brakes tires and alternator
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Awesome Car
Liz, 04/28/2006
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Great car for a woman! NEVER have any mechanical problems; the only thing I do to this car is the routine maintenance that it needs. It already has more that 100,000 miles and is still running like the first day I bought it :)
The Best Car I've ever owned
queenb, 12/18/2009
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
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?
Holding strong after 15 years
kamary99, 01/02/2015
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
My 2001 Mazda Protege has been my main car since it was new; it recently passed the 100K miles mark and is still going strong. The ABS is vital for winter driving. Never been in a serious accident. Still has good pick-up and responsiveness. Hard to imagine getting a better value for a car than this. Major repairs so far: Transmission got replaced about five years in. Front brakes replaced last year. It definitely needs new struts and perhaps shocks at this point; the handling has deteriorated some. Minor issues: Digital clock stopped working immediately. Rust around the wheel wells starting about 3 years ago. The hubcaps won't stay on at all anymore.
My Protege
R. Glass, 02/08/2005
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my Protege. I purchased it brand new (5/01). I've put 76K miles on it and ABSOLUTELY no problems! Only oil changes & I did the timing belt & water pump at 60K as recommended.
Mazda Protege 2001 engine light on
A. Ally, 06/19/2016
updated 06/22/2017
2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I had Mazda protégé 2001 with mileage over 350000 km. The engine light was on and this is because of the environmental or fuel vapor issue. I tried to repair and the light still came on. It was good on gasoline. The front brakes seem to wear faster than rear ones. Since owning this vehicle I had changed front brakes three times and once only for the rear brakes. The car was excellent driving on snow never got stuck. The steering wheel always pulls easily to the direction of the wind, makes it uncomfortable driving. This car now is damaged and is right off after my wife rolled over on the gravel road. Thank you, God, she survived. One Strange thing is that none of the airbags exploded. Although my wife injured her arm I was expecting the airbags to pop up and protect her.
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Love my Protege
Zoom Zoomer, 04/16/2008
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
I love my 2001 Protege ES
Orbital, 09/13/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!
Great car for the most part
bond_fanatic18, 05/18/2013
2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My dad bought a gold '01 Protege brand new when I was a kid. It was never driven much, mainly used as a backup car. When I got my licence it was my ride to high school and in general as I hated driving my mother's van. I drove it for a year before my dad traded it for a 2012 Honda CR-V. It did its job fine, got me to school and back without fuss, was fun to drive with the 5-speed and great on gas. The only problem I had was the alternator crapping out in the middle of the freeway and I had to have it towed. Apart from that it was pretty reliable. I'd recommend it, just watch out for rust problems and keep it to a meticulous maintenance schedule. Also not the best car to learn stick on.
A car for an average driver to have fun!
Still Mazda fan..., 03/06/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car works marvelously. Steering and Breaks!!! are unseen in this class and up Altima/Solara level. As the car feels powerless, the above features are enhanced. However, the little things that makes a car luxurious lacks (3 speed wiper, no vanity lights, no arm rest etc.) If you're considering this car, you have to understand that you're paying the same or more than Carola/Sentra just for the steering and breaks. If you can live without power and the little things, you will love ES!!!
Unbelievable car for the money
nyminute, 06/02/2007
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have a 2001 Protege LX 2.0 with a 5 speed, bought it Sept. 01. It has over 150,000 miles and still runs great. But what's really incredible about this car is it still gets 30 MPG on the highway and other than brakes, tires, timing belt (which you should do before 120K) and an oil change every 8-10K miles, it has not been one single problem! Never in the shop, never on the side of the road, starts right up every day for almost 6 years and still runs like a champ! Same battery even!. Great car, if you can get one with the optional 2.0, buy it!
Protege steps to the plate.
Chuckie, 04/12/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Protege needed a face lift. Here it is! Civics were murdering the market but now it seems Mazda has something to compete with. This youthful vehicle drives smooth and comfortably with room for five. The appeal is not only to the low income single home family. It appeals to all who have ideals of street racing or the savy to drive through town screaming "Hey look at me! Sexy as I wanna be." Young adults as well as older individuals feel spirited when they get behind the wheel. Mazda hit a homerun this year.
Still enjoying my Protege ES
KimO, 11/17/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Reliability Problems!
jdwilkin, 07/03/2004
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had hoped that the good looks and performance of the Protege would be matched by Japanese reliability. No such luck. Had to replace engine (rod bearing)at 80k. Transmission repair at 81k. Have done rear brakes 3 times and rear links twice already - fronts once. (@ 94k now)Strut failed at 85k. Dealer and Mazda have both avoided any/all responsibility for problems...even while under warranty. Very dissappointing purchase.
Surprisingly Pleasant, Watch for Rust
Evan G., 07/03/2019
updated 01/05/2021
2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First, a disclaimer: This review is for the 4-speed automatic, not the 5-speed manual. A separate listing for the automatic is mysteriously missing from Edmunds (I can only assume the "5M" in their trim listing refers to the 5-speed manual). Much like virtually every other Protege, mine has a lot of surface rust. To cover up all the rust, all I needed was 50 bucks and a couple hours' worth of light sanding and careful painting. As long as you continue to monitor the painted-over areas, the rust won't get any worse. The 2.0L engine has an acceptable amount of power for a compact sedan. There have been times when I wished it was quicker, but only when I'm really pushing it. My drive to work is 15 miles, 14 of which are spent on the highway. At 60-70mph, acceleration is still reasonable, but you'll have to plan ahead to pass people on the highway. My biggest complaint with the car is the automatic transmission. For moderate daily driving, it is perfectly fine. It downshifts pretty consistently about halfway through the gas pedal's travel (which is good in my opinion), but a second downshift won't come until you've mashed the pedal all the way to the floor. The automatic certainly isn't a deal-breaker for a daily driver, but if you want to get away with some high-revving shenanigans, find one with a manual. The handling in this car does not feel like a run-of-the-mill economy compact. I can only describe it as playful- steering feels precise, and the suspension feels tight (but not excessively stiff). There's less body roll than I would have expected (especialy for a cheap car that sits relatively high). If you push it just right, you can even get just a bit of oversteer! (That may have been the cheap tires on the back, though). It is comfortable enough on the highway, and very fun to throw around corners. The surface roads in my area are a pothole hell, and I cringe every time I hit one, but so far the car has held up well. As for gadgets and interior features, it's a very no-nonsense setup. It obviously isn't a high-end car (no power/heated seats, no power headlights, no buttons on the steering wheel, only three wiper speeds, etc), but nothing feels cheap. As a former owner of an early 2000s GM car where every button felt creaky and fragile, I appreciate that the controls in the Protege feel solid. The radio is about as normal as a radio can get, and the buttons are laid out sensibly. The speakers are pretty average, but they have better bass than I expected. If you own a 90s/2000s Toyota or Subaru, the cruise control lever will likely be familiar. Apparently there's a problem with the stock valve lifters that sometimes results in a rattling noise when the engine is cold. Feeding it synthetic oil is enough to stop the rattling for me. Besides that little quirk, I've had no maintenance issues. ...and now for why I sold it. As cheap cars do, it retained its value well. Bought it for 2500, drove it a few thousand miles, sold it for 2400. A hundred bucks for ~6000 miles of driving is quite good, but the Protege went away because of the rust. The front subframe had begun to rot through. While it still drove great, there's no telling how the car would fair in an accident. The new owner lives nearby, and I still see the car from time to time, so I can confirm it's still on the road, despite the rust. Some people aren't bothered by the risks of a rusty subframe- if you drive responsibly, you shouldn't be worried. For me, it got in my head every time I drove the car, so it had to go. Would I own another one? If I can find one with a manual transmission and no rust, absolutely.
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For a 2001, it's still a great car
zedchild, 09/04/2018
2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very fun to drive. The engine is more than enough, handling is beyond expectations when I bought it new, and still is today. There are a few things I don't care for: the master clutch cylinder is not a very robust design but I rebuilt the old one and added threads to the fluid feed point. That took care of that problem. While the car really is very peppy it'd not the type of car I'd wasn't to drive from the coasts to coast. Really the only things had to her was replace is wear items, breaks tires, things like that. The best thing I did was drain the organic oil and swap the filter. I've run synthetic the whole 250k (apx)plus miles, and the engine is still running like new (compression is like it only has 50k miles total.). The driver's seat is tearing on the front outside corner, but that is not a surprise. For the cost, it really was underrated. It is in the top 5 vehicles I have ever owned.
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"The one car Mazda did right"
TJ, 12/16/2016
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Let's be real, this is not a COOL car. However, it definitely is not an eye sore--especially for being 16 years old. I bought it in April with 71k miles on it for $1,400 (it had hail damage--just a cosmetic problem), and since then, it has been INCREDIBLY reliable. I actually like the interior, even though by now my radio and sound system is glitchy. I still listen to music on loud volume and it's fine. Here's an interesting fact for you... I work in Toyota sales and I told my sales manager what I drove and he said "That's the one car Mazda made right." Excellent first car or commuter car. Gas mileage is bearable, and the engine is peppy from a stop. I would encourage anyone to buy this car of they need cheap, reliable transportation.
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I agree with everybody else!
randomo, 04/05/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wow, is the handling great! Tight, zippy -- just crisp, clean fun. Too bad they couldn't have given it more horses. I test drove a Protege LX a few years ago, and it was woefully underpowered; the much bigger engine in this ES seemed as if it would overcome that hurdle. Sad to say, it needs to go into 4th gear well before 40 mph, and into 5th in the high 40s. It strains a bit to maintain 65-70 on highways where that is the dominant speed of traffic flow. Give this car a 6th gear and you'd have something truly great! ;-) My only other concern is the dashboard illumination. The red glow works great in the dark, but at dusk the instruments are hard to read.
Mazda Protege ES 5-speed
Tony Harris, 02/27/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My car is an ES 5-speed with premium package, which includes sunroof, anti-lock brakes, and side airbags. This is a sporty car that's always fun to drive. Very tight steering, handles like a go-cart. Peppy engine that likes to rev once the engine is broke in. Clutch is a little on the light side. First front wheel drive car I've driven that actually oversteers. Overall, a very dependable yet fun automobile that has a sporty personality (Zoom, Zoom).
Great little starter car!
Kim, 07/26/2018
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this car for our daughter's 16th birthday. She had it all through college and we just recently sold it to a friend for their daughters 16th birthday! Best little car around!! We kept up on all the maintenance and care , it has 184,000 miles on it and runs beautifully!! We would buy another Mazda for sure!!!
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GOING TO MISS HER
Willowbefree, 01/08/2010
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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)
Fantastic fit and finish
Scott, 09/21/2008
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Great car
Zuumer, 04/11/2008
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Bane of my existence
Austin, 02/06/2016
2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Made a huge mistake buying this car at about 130,000 miles. As soon as I left the lot I got a check engine light, obviously this is more my fault from buying from the used dealer, however it only gets worse. Had issues for months where the car would refuse to start at completely random intervals, INFURIATING. Spent roughly 800 dollars trying to fix the issue, mechanic finally figured it out after a couple months. Along the year I owned this thing i had to fix fans, replace the catalytic converter, and various other things. Last month the car starting overheating on me while on the highway and the timing belt blew. Car likely needs a new engine. I'm completely done with it. Do yourself a favor and don't get a Mazda from the early 2000's, it's just not reliable and I'm 90% sure you will deeply regret your decision.
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Best Bang for the Buck!
nyminutes, 02/18/2003
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
good car
jeauxe, 03/04/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good car
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.
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.
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.
A Fun to Drive Bargain
Flying_M, 08/29/2005
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Protege in 2001 near the end of the season. I really enjoy driving this car. It holds the road well and is really fun to drive. I love the slick shifting 5 speed manual and the steering response. It has decent acceleration for a 2.0 liter and can really be thrown into corners. The interior space is a little smaller than some competitors and the seats are not comfortable for long trips. The only two complaints I have are the tires and CD player. The original tires wore too quickly (30k) and did not grip as well as the replacements do. The LCD on the CD players is sometimes missing pieces of numbers, making it hard to read. This happened after it was out of warranty.
Improvement was needed on the MP3
Sphantomk, 12/08/2005
2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I wanted one from the day it came out on the lot. After I got one though I had to admit that everyone was right. It needed more power. So I got my hands on a 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege that was wrecked by a rear end collision with only 1k miles on the car. Took the full turbo kit and put it on my MP3. The MP3 now has just over 200 horsepower at the wheels. The car is now perfect!
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.
Great for a first car or for a new feel
Kushiaji, 02/18/2004
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Amazing Reliability, Poor Tire Selectio
Brobas, 03/02/2004
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my 2 vehicles prior to the purchase of my Mazda bought back on the NY State Lemon Law. Needless to say, I am a fanatic about quality with my vehicle experience. This Protege has NEVER had a problem. EVER. Period. We have had it for 3 years now and it has been outstanding.
Sportiest Car under 12k
Mp3 lover, 04/05/2004
2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hands down, best handling compact. Macapherson struts all around, shock absorbers, 1.5 inches lower than stock. This baby obeys all cornering comands with out question.
Mazda Cozma
Cozma, 09/11/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Needs a much faster engine. And maybe a little better tire selection.
Nice economy sedan.
gatodelsol, 06/08/2004
2001 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Look no further if you want a simple, more-bang-for-your-buck economy sedan. I couldn't believe how well the 4-door Protege' DX compared to the Nissan Sentra, Chevy Prizm, Saturn SL2, Toyota Corolla, and- its main nemesis- the Honda Civic. The DX may be the plain Jane of the Protege' stable, but she is still a beauty of the first magnitude. I would buy another Protege' in a minute.
zoom-zoom
JetsToBrazil, 05/26/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this thing moves! I've never had more fun in a car before. So far, so good, it's pretty new and all but nothing is wrong and I have no complaints at all at this time, if I think of any, I'll let you know...but its fast and it hauls a$$
2001 Protege ES
Somsun, 09/26/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Bugdet Beemer!
therealdeal, 06/28/2004
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car new in 2001, initially impressed with fit and finish, sharp ride and handling, good braking. It whines on the highway at 3500rpm in 5th gear going 120km/h (a 6th gear would help) The 2.0 litre engine has more potential and at a conservative 130 hp, it chews up more gas than it should. With 83000 km on the clickler, I've since had minor corrosion around the tops of the door frames, my brakes are squeaking, tires are balled, the manual shifter is choppy after starting in cold weather until I warm it up, The radio display is starting to fade in and out, dealer service personel need help identifying problems!
This car makes me grin.
WriterGuy, 09/07/2004
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The protege is a blast to drive. Its chassis responses are smooth and quick, and the steering is nicely weighted. Only problems have been the EGR valve, which stuck and caused a stalling problem, the brakes, which tend to squeal (but stop amazingly well), and the clutch, which has some chatter in cold weather. My protege has 60k miles on it and still feels new.
WONDERFUL CAR EXCEPT FOR THE TIRES
AnneMS, 02/21/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My daughter recently hit a curb causing a flat which was changed after a call to roadside assistance. Because she was 150 miles from home, she needed to get a replacement tire. She went to a Mazda dealer, was told the tire would have to be ordered and would take five days to arrive. She was told if she needed a tire right away, she would have to buy two new tires!
Great car...
StuttersC, 10/24/2004
2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new. I haven't had any issues with the car. Mazda made a good move in bringing this car to the market which opened the door to the Mazdaspeed brand in the US. The chasis is stiff and can handle just about anything you throw at it.
I love my Protege.
Supergirl, 04/06/2003
2001 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
"Cheapest Super Car"
PY, 04/08/2002
2001 Mazda Protege MP3 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Trying to push this car to it's limit but seem like this car have no limit. The MP3 body is good enough to handle a 300 hp or up engine.
Excellent Small Car
boggse, 05/31/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is simply a great car. The handling is otherworldly in such an inexpensive automobile. The cargo room and passenger room are perfect. The seat comfort is perfect, especially compared to the Focus. The engine is great in spite of being a little underpowered for the suspension. I have no real complaints, only praise.
2001 Mazda Protege E-Yes!
njaremka, 02/26/2002
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In comparison with other cars in it's price range, there is no competition with the Protege. Bigger engine, more power, better quality, all that you would expect to find in a $20k+ vehicle you get in the Protege!
Great Little Car
John, 01/27/2006
2001 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great mileage, at times getting 36+ on the interstate. Other than routine maintenance, never had a problem with almost 85,000 on the odometer. Highly recommend this car.
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