2000 Mazda Protege: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Optional front side airbags are the big change to Mazda's smallest sedan for 2000. Protege comes in base DX, uplevel LX, and top-line ES models. All have a 4-cylinder engine. The DX and LX have a 105-horsepower 1.6 liter, the ES a 122-hp 1.8. Manual transmission is standard, automatic is optional. Antilock brakes are optional on the LX and ES and are unavailable on the DX.

The front side airbags are part of the Premium option package available on LX and ES models. Mazda also adds some chrome trim to the interior.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.

Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.

If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.