2001 Mazda Protege Review
Fuel Economy
24 - 28 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
When it comes to small, snappy sedans, the Protege is a tough act to beat.
Pros
Tight suspension, powerful brakes, superb steering feel, comfortable seats, attractive exterior styling.
Cons
No other body styles available other than four-door, suspension may be too stiff for some buyers, potentially expensive.
What's New for 2001
Already one of the best-looking economy sedans on the market, the Protege receives freshened exterior styling for 2001. ES models now have standard 16-inch wheels, and 15-inch wheels are optional on LX models. A larger 2.0-liter engine replaces the previous 1.8-liter engine. All Proteges get a revised interior and improvements to ride comfort, braking effort and steering feel. Front seatbelt pre-tensioners are standard.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fantastic fit and finish
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
Interior design, fit and finish, performance, fuel economy.
Suggested Improvements
Wish it had leather seats, but the upgraded cloth is still ok.
way to rusty
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Overall my Mazda performs well, but body rust is a BIG problem. I only have 100,000 KM on it but it started to rust the 3rd year I had it. I had a special rust coating applied at the time of purchase but the dealership will not honor it until there are holes in the body. For that reason I will not buy another Mazda.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
My Protege
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love this car. I bought it used with 48,000 mi. Now it has 115,100 mi. It is so great on gas and now with gas prices being almost $4.00 I am not feeling as much pain as others. I've had minor problems, unexpected issues but other than that I am satisfied with it. I've added a couple of different things to it like, a spoiler, euro carbon fiber tail lights, wind visors, tinted windows etc. I also replaced the radio because the factory radio was messing up on me big time. You would press clock and it would show the CD track # and vice versa. So I replaced it. Just recently got a new paint job and it looks even better!
Favorite Features
Gas mileage, reliable, cool and the moonroof. It's also a good looking car, especially in silver.
Suggested Improvements
More room. My husband is 6'5" and we have to take breaks on long trips because there isn't enough room for his legs to stretch. Better radio, factory was good for a while but not that long. Better cupholders. A large cup tips over because of the way the display is built.
Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love my Protege I bought it for 3500 and it was worth it, I though it would have problems after so many miles but to this date I have only replaced the fan belts. It really could use a 6th gear, but over all I love my car! Great air condition the only little problem it has is where the clock is the numbers fade.
Favorite Features
Sun roof, manual transmission, fuel economy, and has great air condition (I'm from Texas and it cools right away)!
Suggested Improvements
6th gear, better radio, And less noise when driving over 80 mph.
Love my Protege
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
The gas mileage and the zip are the best features, and the sunroof has never leaked.
Suggested Improvements
Rides louder than I'd like and rides a little rough. (My mother's back issues prevent her from riding in it, but she can ride in a Ford Crowne Victoria).
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Mazda Protege
- 2002 Mazda Protege
- 2001 Mazda Protege
- 2000 Mazda Protege
- 1999 Mazda Protege
- 1998 Mazda Protege
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