2001 Mazda Protege: Road Test
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2001 Mazda Protege ▼
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- MSRP: $12,765 -$18,020
- Invoice: $12,334 -$16,841
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Our road test for the 2001 Mazda Protege includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Mazda Protege from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Mazda Protege, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Mazda Protege help you decide if a 2001 Mazda Protege is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
Base 1.6 models are OK with manual transmission, but labor with optional automatic, especially in passing or hill-climbing. Other 2.0 models don't seem much livelier. A test LX 2.0 did 0-60 mph in a disappointing 9.8 sec with manual shift. We haven't yet timed an MP3.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Test 1.6 sedan averaged 26.6 mpg with lots of highway driving. Test LX 2.0 averaged 24.5 mpg, including performance tests.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.7 |
Jiggly-thumpy on mainstream models, even more so on ES and Protege5. Buckboard stiff on MP3.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 4.2 |
All models have a solid feel, quick steering, and agile, safe front-drive cornering with little body lean. Stiffer damping and performance tires sharpen ES and wagon responses; MP3 drives almost like a sports car. Braking good but not exceptional even with ABS.
QUIETNESS
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
Only class-average despite the added sound deadening. Main problems are marked coarse-surface tire thrum and slightly throbby, coarse-sounding engines that aren't very quiet except in gentle cruising. Engine and tire noise higher in MP3.
CONTROLS
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.5 |
Nothing special, but simple, convenient, intuitive. MP3 audio system sounds great, but has a needlessly busy electronic display and woefully undersized controls. All Proteges have pleasant cabin decor and generally fine fit-and-finish save slightly tinny door and trunklid closings.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Good head room for up to 6-footers and ample leg space for all. Visibility very good to all corners. Standard height-adjustable driver's seat on all but DX helps tailor basically good stance, but may not raise high enough for some.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.1 |
Two adults is the comfortable limit. Leg room scarce with front seats pushed fully aft, head room average, but decent knee room and underseat foot space. Entry/exit quite easy for a small 4-dr.
CARGO ROOM
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 3.3 |
Sedan's trunk is about average for the class, but standard 60/40 folding rear seat is a plus, and it now locks for added security. Wagon rear seats fold forward without removing the headrests, but lay at an angle about 2 inches above the level of the cargo floor; cargo capacity is about average for the class. Standard on wagon are a roof rack and rigid cargo cover. MP3 trunk loses space to large audio amplifier.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 4.6 |
Protege disappoints on ride and refinement, but matches class leaders in most other ways while offering good dollar value and an appealingly frisky personality. Recommended, but check into Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta before you buy.
Total Score
| LX, 1.6 4 cyl auto. | ES w/ABS, man. | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 52 | 57 | 49 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 52
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