1999-2003 Mazda Protege: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2003 Mazda Protege and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Ride
Cons
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda redesigned its front-drive subcompact sedan for 1999, with "European-inspired styling." Considered all-new, the "entry-level" 4-door also got more power, but interior and exterior dimensions changed only slightly. Three versions again went on sale: base DX, well-equipped LX, and sporty ES. DX and LX models got a new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 105 horsepower (13 more than the prior 1.5-liter). A new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, developing 122 horsepower, went into the ES sedan. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with both engines, with 4-speed automatic optional. Antilock braking was optional for the LX and ES, but side-impact airbags were not available. The ES sedan now had rear drum brakes, though all-disc braking had previously been installed.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda Protege LX w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2003 Mazda Protege. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2003 Mazda Protege.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Mazda Protege:
Front side airbags became available this year, as part of a Premium Package for the LX and ES. Interiors added some chrome trim, but other changes were minimal.
2001 Mazda Protege:
Proteges earned a front-end facelift for 2001, along with available 4-wheel disc brakes. A 130-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine became available, too. Otherwise, the Protege was essentially a carryover. During the 2001 model year, Mazda launched a special MP3 edition of the Protege. Not only did it feature a Kenwood MP3-capable audio system, but it included a higher-output (140-horsepower) engine and a host of performance components from racing suppliers. The extras included low-profile tires on 17-inch Racing Hart wheels, a large front air dam with integrated driving lights, side sill extension, and a big rear spoiler. Only about 1500 were built, painted either Laser Blue or Vivid Yellow.
2002 Mazda Protege:
A wagon called the Protege5 joined the lineup in 2002. It used the standard 4-cyl engine and an optional automatic transmission with manual-shift feature.
2003 Mazda Protege:
The MP3 version was dropped, but added was the MazdaSpeed Protege sedan with a 170-hp turbocharged 4-cyl engine. MazdaSpeed sedans had a special sport suspension with 17-inch wheels, standard ABS, and unique exterior and interior trim. A "2003.5" version of the MazdaSpeed sedan appeared midyear with slightly altered exterior appearance, including dark silver wheels. ES and Protege5 get new alloy wheels and silver gauge faces for '03.
Our road test for the 1999-2003 Mazda Protege includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2003 Mazda Protege and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2003 Mazda Protege is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With the Protege, Mazda favors handling ability over ride comfort, unlike the tamer, softer Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Offering sportier road manners than many rivals, Proteges give a generally favorable impression, though the tradeoff is a slightly stiffer ride and markedly higher level of engine, road, and wind noise. Still, DX and LX editions take most bumps with firm control and yield a supple ride, with adequate steering and agile handling. Although the ES sedan shares their suspension, its high-profile tires--which sharpen handling--don't smother small road imperfections as well. Tepid acceleration is the foremost flaw of 1999-2000 models. Both engines offered in that period are slow from a stop. Acceleration does improve at about 20 mph, but passing power is lacking. Performance is adequate with manual shift, and a 5-speed ES scoots through traffic well enough, but automatic is disappointing. The extra horsepower available in 2001 provides a modest but welcome improvement. Visibility is good all around. Bodies are solid, and paintwork and exterior trim equal Honda/Toyota quality. Protege is one of the most spacious subcompact sedans, with relatively abundant front head room and rear leg room. Wide back doors make it easy to slide feet in and out. Rotary climate knobs are just out of the driver's reach, but the dashboard is well laid out. Open and covered bins, two cupholders, front-door map pockets, and a large glovebox provide good storage room. Trunk space is about average, though all models have a 60/40 split folding rear seatback.
Value for the Money
Proteges often are overlooked by subcompact buyers. Too bad, because their roominess and driving pleasure equal--and even exceed--a Civic, Corolla, or Chevrolet Prizm. DX sedans, in particular, are a cut above most base-model subcompacts, with rich-looking plastic surfaces and appealing fabrics inside. Limited-edition MazdaSpeed models sell for considerably more than other models and really appeal only to enthusiasts.
Proteges often are overlooked by subcompact buyers. Too bad, because their roominess and driving pleasure equal--and even exceed--a Civic, Corolla, or Chevrolet Prizm. DX sedans, in particular, are a cut above most base-model subcompacts, with rich-looking plastic surfaces and appealing fabrics inside. Limited-edition MazdaSpeed models sell for considerably more than other models and really appeal only to enthusiasts.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda Protege LX w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda Protege includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda Protege .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission may not shift out of second or third gear due to a defective solenoid (the system stores the wrong trouble code often making diagnoses incorrect). The powertrain control module was being replaced under the standard warranty. (1999)
Battery:
The battery may go dead due to excessive current drains from memories in components (like the radio memory or engine control computer). (1999)
Check-engine light:
Drivability problems accompanied by check-engine light often due to EGR exhaust passages clogged. (1999-2001)
Cruise control:
If the brake light switch goes out of adjustment, the cruise control may quit working. (1999-2000)
Doors:
The power door locks may malfunction if contacts get wet or corrode. Countermeasure switches with rubber seals are available and were being installed under the normal warranty. (1999)
Doors:
The doors may unintentionally lock upon exit. Redesigned switches are available. (1999)
Doors:
The door weather strip comes off on some early production cars and must be glued in place. (1999)
Exhaust system:
A booming noise from the exhaust system is corrected by installing a stiffener over the front muffler and a damper weight near the rear muffler. (1999-2000)
Keys:
The key may be hard to insert or turn in the door lock because the flap breaks off and falls into the lock cylinder. (1999)
Rough idle:
Drivability problems accompanied by check-engine light often due to EGR exhaust passages getting clogged. (1999-2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $810 |
| Alternator | $295 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $925 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $475 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,200 |
| Exhaust System | $355 |
| Radiator | $435 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,300 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $265 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda Protege details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| MazdaSpeed Prot¿g¿ | |||
| Protege DX, LX | $4,800-5,500 | $4,000-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Protege ES | $5,600-6,300 | $4,800-5,400 | $2,300-2,600 |
| Protege5 | $6,900-7,600 | $6,100-6,800 | $3,200-3,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| Protege DX, LX | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| Protege ES | $4,700-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Protege5 | $5,800-6,500 | $5,000-5,700 | $2,400-2,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Protege DX, LX | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Protege ES | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| Protege MP3 | $5,000-5,700 | $4,300-4,800 | $2,000-2,300 |
| 2000 | |||
| Protege DX, LX | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Protege ES | $3,200-3,700 | $2,500-2,900 | $800-900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Protege DX, LX | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| Protege ES | $2,900-3,400 | $2,200-2,600 | $700-800 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda Protege include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2449 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 105-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine went into DX and LX sedans, while the SE got a 1.8-liter four that made 122 horsepower. With either engine, a 5-speed manual gearbox was standard and 4-speed automatic transmission optional. A 130-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine replaced the 1.8-liter for 2001, and a high-output 140-hp version went into the MP3 edition, which came only with manual shift. Special edition MazdaSpeed model got a turbocharged 2.0-liter good for 170 horsepower. It mated only to a 5-speed manual transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 170 | 160 | 5-speed manual: 24/30 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 130 | 135 | 5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 25/30 |
5-speed manual: 24.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 105 | 107 | 5-speed manual: 29/34 4-speed automatic: 26/33 |
5-speed manual: 26.6 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 122 | 120 | 5-speed manual: 26/30 4-speed automatic: 24/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 140 | 142 | 5-speed manual: 25/31 | 5-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda Protege include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Protege |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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