Mazda Protegé

dsm6

Mine ain't. 02 Pro ES.

yooper53

Edmund's, Period. I started with their car reviews. Then this Pro forum. Although I did other research (magazines, MSN Carpoint, CR) I'd say it was the unbelievable enthusiasm of the owners in this forum. And I haven't regretted it yet. Thanks Edmunds!

number42

Wanted a small car
Focus: too many problems
Echo: too funny looking. Wife said 'absolutely no'
Hyundai and Kia: can't trust the QA

Protege: mostly the opinions here, no worries abt QA, relatively inexpensive. Worked with XPlan (through my employer).

Corrola: frequently broken into/stolen. headroom issues (i'm 6'-2")

Civic: also frequently broken into/stolen. also issues about... umm how to say... rediculous exterior alterations... being so common as to sully my image. Becides, why would I want a car thats so common I have to look at the plate to know if it was my car. Also expense.

vocus

I have gone through a 1999 DX and a 2001 ES.

The reason I chose the 1999 DX was because I needed a good car to replace my cheap, crappy used 1996 Cavalier that was falling apart under me. The Proteges always seemed to have rebates, special financing, and good prices. Once I drove the car, it was roomy and comfortable to me, although lacking in power.

2001 ES: I had wanted a Protege ES for a long time. I wanted a Jetta more, but the short warranty and reliability problems stopped me (both have been much improved for 2002). The ES was pretty quick, roomy, and comfortable. Price was pretty good too, and I bought using the S Plan. I lost interest in the ES though, because I wanted something else. It's not because the Pro is a bad car. Just change of priorities.

protege_fan

Why the Pro... Not "my personal reasons for dumping the Pro."

the_big_h

seems like ever since you switched car, every post that you make here ends with some sort of jab on the Pro, why?

pat

Heh ... heh .... heh .... heh.

Very funny. :-)

I hope he's okay - it's not like him not to be here on a Monday.

vocus

You are right, I have been jabbing at the Protege. I edited my previous post as well. I have to admit, I liked the Proteges alot and they are not bad cars. I just had a change in what I wanted. I got tired of not having what I wanted because everyone else said it was bad. That's mainly why I traded.

And talk about stabbing, I mean come on. Even Meade said he was going to push my car into the river at MAPP III.

the_big_h

Meade wants to push mine in as well!!!

mdaffron Apr 18, 2002 12:13pm

alternator

to a web site where I can find out which Japanese cars and specific car models (not SUV's or trucks) are still, in the main, manufactured in Japan?

protegextwo

I have been really busy with work. I spent over 2 weeks in Nashville TN. earlier this month, without my beloved 2000 Mazda PRO-ES to drive. I need to say, it was pretty neat to get behind the wheel of my Protege after 2 weeks of shuttle bus transportation. ;-} It took me about 3 hours to catch up on a trillion posts here at Edmund's.

BTW, it is rumored that Meade, spent all day Saturday and most of Sunday at an "All You can drink Tequila Bar". Therefore he is MIA, today. His wife thinks he should recover by Thursday? I once witnessed Meade in action, at an "All You can eat Grits and Gravy Bar". It wasn't pretty! I give Meade credit, the man is all or nothing! Think about it, he has purchased, five Mazda's and four Protege's in the last 7 years, lol!


-Larry
AKA "love train"

newcar31

Here are some of the cars still made in Japan that I know of:

Nissan Maxima
Subaru Impreza
Acura RSX
Acura RL
Acura NSX
Toyota Celica
All Lexi (not sure about the new ES300)
All Infinitis
Millenia
Miata

I'm sure there are more, but that's all I can think of now. I believe the Mitsu Lancer is still built in Japan too. I am not aware of a website that has this info.

dsm6

Don't forget the Mazda Protege.

newcar31

I assumed everyone already knew that.

protege_fan

We all know what happens when you assume...

newcar31

I saw that coming

dinu01

29C last Thursday and sunny: wearing shorts and a tee

-2 today and 2cm of snow, bundled up in my winter jacket

What's going on people?

BTW, I saw a really COOL PRO page yesterday

http://toprotege.com

They have meets in T.O. so I have finally found my version of MAPP.

Dinu

protege_fan

You guys are having some freaky weather! Gotta love Canada.

That website is cool...maybe I should make something like that for us Calgary folks...I know I've definitely seen enough Proteges around here. I just wonder if they are as enthusiastic as some of the people here??

newcar31

Last week it was 91 degrees here. Yesterday we got 6 inches of snow.

protegextwo

Why is it illegal to park in a handicapped parking space but okay to go the bathroom in a handicapped stall?

-old head

protege_fan

LMAO!!! Welcome back Larry!

maltb

Just don't go to the bathroom in a handicapped space.

jamh

I think you are getting a good deal. I am also looking for a new Pro ES myself. But, so far, I haven't been able to find a 5 speed yet. I really like the sunlight silver. Actually, what is your dealership, since I live close to Charlotte too, maybe I will order the car from the same dealership.

protegextwo

I hear ya! lol!

vocus

One day last week, it actually hit 100 degrees in Baltimore, Md. This morning it was around 40 or so because of all the rain this week.

You know what they say about Baltimore? If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes or so and it will change.

jamh

Hi, I am looking for my next new car. My last car was a 92 dodge stealth RT/TwinTurbo. It got 300hp and AWD. But it was hit by someone from behind when I drove it on a trip to Canada. BTW, I don't like the roads in Toronto. It is the only place, I got lost everytime I am on the road. Anyways, my car was totaled. I have been doing research for my next car. I looked at the Echo, and felt the inside was too cheap. In fact, it really reminded me of my first car, a 90 dodge omni. Then I looked at a civic, but it was too expensive, and the dealer wouldn't relax on the price. I almost got the Focus ZX3. But I heard some many bad thing about its reliability issue. And it had so many recalls too!!!
I test drove the Protege ES, and it handled so well. It reminded me of my RT Turbo in turns. Even up hill, it was willing. So, I decide now to get a Pro ES and I can't wait to get my hands on one. But, I checked 3 dealers, and they don't have a 5 speed for me. What's up with that! Hope I will get one soon. Maybe I have to order it like "th83" is going to do.
Any suggestions about ordering the car? Anything that I have be careful about.

protege_fan

Wow...you had an AWD 300 hp car and you're now looking at economy cars?

Of the economy cars, IMHO, the Pro is the best. Great handling, great styling. I like the powerband, and have never found it lacking on long trips. I've got 16600 km on it now and haven't had any significant problems.

My Pro was just received and on the lot when I worked out a deal, so I can't really speak about ordering.

protege_fan

Is there anyway to keep your air vents from getting really dusty/dirty? I'd like to keep the air system as clean as possible to avoid future complications.

narenji

The Protege is definitely a great small car, but it's going to be quite a change from the Stealth. If you want more exhileration, you may want to test drive an Impreza WRX, but that's going to be expensive when compared to the Protege. I have both... The engine in the Protege isn't very willing to rev, but does it's job well.

jamh

I love my AWD 300hp car, I had so much fun with it. But, I was always worrying about it breaking down. It would be so expensive to fix. It was so complex, variable suspension, and variable exhaust, and AWD, twin turbo...and everything have to be shipped from Japan. My stealth was actually built in Japan by Mitsubishi, like the 3000gt VR4.
Have anybody read what's on "autozine.kyul.net" about the protege. I like to read that website usually. But, they basically slammed the protege saying it is not a driver's car:" In fact, the 323 handles and rides just so-so. Admittedly, most of the problems come from the steering (too light and rubbery) and gearchange (obstructive)...the 323 and its derivatives (Familia, Protege) are not designed with enthusiastic driver in mind".
But, on all the magazines I read, they generally like the car, and calling it the driver's car of the economy class. And in fact, I was impressed by the interior of the car and the nice front facia of the ES.
Should I just ignor what autozine said on this issue? Or is autozine just not a credit car web to read in general.

protege_fan

...but it doesn't have the passive rear-wheel steer ability as the popular torsion beam axle. In fact, the 323 handles and rides just so-so.

Huh? I thought that the TTL allowed it to have the passive rear-wheel steering ability???

protege_fan

I really don't understand what they're talking about in that article at the link below.

http://autozine.kyul.net/html/Mazda1.htm#Familia

I don't find the steering light at all. As for "not being designed with the enthusiastic driver in mind" I think they're wrong. The Pro handles great and has enough power for me. If I wanted a HP machine, I'd get a WRX (next car I think). For the price, I don't think the Pro can be beat.

the_big_h

just read that review on autozine. You know what this reviews shows? It basically shows that any auto magazine's review on any car is solely based on the OPINION of the writer/editor, and nothing more (same goes for Edmunds). If they like the car, they'll find every little good thing to write about. If they just don't like the car, they'll also find every little bad thing to note. The final judgment, as has been said thousands of times, is YOU. If you like it enough to buy one, that's all that matters...

Seems like most European reviews of the 323 is not nearly as good as Proteges in N. America. Most European mags favor the Euro-spec Focus...

maltb

I think the boys on autozine are having a hard time keeping up with the times. The date of their report is November 2000 at which time they could have tested a 2001, which they didn't. They did manage to write piece on the MP3 but for some reason didn't notice that the 2001 ES had changes as well.

About the steering being light and rubbery; they must have driven a car with 155/85/14 tires and not the 195/50/16 ES tires. Any ES, 99 and later does not have rubbery steering.

My suggestion is to get out on a long test drive with every vehicle you are considering. Don't let the salesperson slow you down on the corners either.

jamh

This is actually My First Day subscribed here. I have been reading this website quite often for a while now. And I find this is the best so far. It seems, as many have said, the protege owners are very proud of their cars. You all giving me very useful info. Thanks!!! I AM going to get the ES now. Just waiting for the dealer to get a 5 speed...
Take care you all!!!

chicagopro

Don't be a stranger!!!

(or at least, don't be stranger than any of us!

sunbyrne

With jamz's question and the question asked a while back, seemed like time.

In 1999, I got a job offer that moved us to Texas, and we had to replace my wife's real pile (a 1985 chevy citation with 135k miles and no a/c). We decided to buy a new car for her, and looked at everything in the price range by going to the auto show. After sitting in and looking over everything in the price class, it was clear to us that the two cars we liked best was the Civic and the Pro. I did tons of research on the web and magazines like CR and such. They both liked both of the cars in terms of reliability and such, so we drove both.

It was a lock after driving them, so we bought the Pro (LX). We loved her Pro so much that when my old car started to act up, we bought another Pro--a P5 for me. The Pro really is the drivers car of this segment, jamh, and if you're going to stay in this kind of price range and you value the driving experience, I really think the Pro is still the way to go. The Focus doesn't drive badly, but there are serious reliability issues there. I haven't driven one of the newer Sentras, though, so I can't compare that aspect (though I do know that I still wouldn't buy it since the back seats are so dinky).

jamh

I am not going to get the Focus. The suspension is too soft for my taste. I love the leather steering though. And the 6 cd changer too.
I like the Protege ES. Looking forward to get it.

alternator

I had been thinking that the Protege was one of just a very few cars still mainly made in Japan. Your list was a surprise to me.

s852

I'm thinking about buying a very late model used compact sedan. My choices are 2001 Protoge LX, Focus SE or Sentra GLE with under 30,000 miles (perhaps an ex rental). I want them relatively loaded with power windows, cruise, automatic etc.
I am only planning to keep the car for another 2 years at the most and plan on selling before the car hits 50,000 miles. These cars seem to go for anywhere from $10-$12K depending on model and mileage. I looked at Hertzsales.com online and I'll also look at a few other dealers.
My credit union will 100% finance a 2001 car for the same terms and rates as a new cars, so it looks like a good deal.
What do you think? I like that the Mazda will have a 50,000 powertrain warranty so I won't have to spend money on an extended warranty.
I'm not looking at the Civics because of cost and the Corolla is too stodgy in appearance and cramped in the back seat. The 2003 Corollas are much nicer.

fowler3

Don't buy a rental or program car! Most will have had over 200 drivers in the past year and you don't know how they treated them. Most rentals I have driven, ones with less than 6000 miles on them, felt 10-years old. Really trashed.

Look on AutoTrader.com for a private seller if you have to buy used.

th83: Since you are ordering a car why not go for the Sport Shift? Add that to your order before the end of April. You can ruin a standard AT tranny shifting it. Both are $800 options.

Why I bought a Protege: I was selling my '98 Honda Odyssey and wanted a small car. After looking on lots and in the newspaper for 60 days, I found only used Civics with 5-speed trannies and prices close to $15000. Then I read car reviews, Edmunds, and The New Car Test Drive on the Protege. My next research was to come to this board to see wht owners have to say. There were only 1400 posts a year ago.

I test drove five Proteges and decided it was the beat car for the money, by far.

Pat_Host: me thinks Meade has an STO stomach. LOL!

fowler3

chicagopro

LOL!

(now Meade, you know I hope you're feeling better, but you have to admit, that was kind of funny!)

s852

I'll look at some private party sales too, but then you have to worry about other problems, hidden damage etc.
Not all the rentals are trashed, they supposedly auction off the most worn models to other dealers and keep the best for themselves. The local Hertz place has a 5 day 500 mile return policy so I 'll be able to have the car checked out thoroughly after buying and take it back if anything not covered by the factory warranty is found (worn out brake rotors etc.).
The Protoge is looking as the best deal, because the Sentra is almost as tight in the back seat a Corolla from the same year. The Focus seems to have reliability issues.
I went back to the Hertz web site and saw the larger Mazda 626 for $11,995 for a 2001 with 29,000 miles. Seems like a lot of car for the price, but the 626 is just too frumpy and ugly. Even a Taurus looks sexy next to a Mazda 626.
There are a few other local dealers that I'll look into. There is a CarMax in the area also.

silentguilt

My girlfriend got her pro from hertz, and it has been a great car. Far from "trashed." For the money, I don't think you can go wrong. Plus, the car is still under warranty - I'd say go for it. It just irritates me some times, when people offer their opinion with out having any actual experience

hanalore

Last Sept. I bought a used Protege from Hertz in Atlanta. Had 26,000 miles. They had reconditioned the car to new. New winshield, completely checked everything. Paid $10,000. Wonderful car, new wax. Hertyz did a super job and car was well maintained. Clean. Never abused. Hertz has a reputation to keep too. Better to buy from Hertz than your friendly used car dealer 'Shifty and Shyster'!

th83

Since your close to Charlotte, go talk to Chris Paine at Montgomery Mazda. He quoted me $100 over invoice and said that I could still get the $1500 rebate. Tell him Tommy Hicks referred you. Hopefully he'll remember the deal he and I discussed. He needs to finish his order at the end of this month so you should talk to him soon. His email address is cpaine@montgomery.mazdaleads.com.

I'm still deciding what options and color I want but I'm leaning towards a Pure White 5-speed ES with sunroof, 6CD, auto-dimming mirror, mats, cargo net and wheel locks.

Be sure to tell us if you buy the Pro!

Later,

Tommy

th83

Let's have a little poll. Please post what transmission your Pro has. It sounds strange but I might chose my transmission based on the popular choice. Yes, I'm that indecisive! Thanks.

implicit

I paid about $17,400 (including Freight, tags and tax) for a 2002 Protege ES with ES Premium package. Was that a good deal or did I get jipped? I think it was a good price because total including all fees and taxes was below TMV. The car is awesome though and looks like it's worth alot more. What do you all think?

mdaffron

No respect. I disappear to the beach for a few days last summer and Larry accuses me of running into the water with my tartar sauce and lemon wedge, looking for sharks. Now I'm gone ONE freakin' day -- home sick in bed, clinging to life by a thread -- and he's back, accusing me of chowing down on grits and gravy, chasing it all with gallons of agave!!! Larry, I have lost 35 pounds by AVOIDING those three items for the past four months!!!

Yes, folks, Meadeball is back -- but not firing on all four cylinders today. I've got a bubbly glass of Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine here beside me. You know, springtime colds are a [non-permissible content removed]! (Can I say [non-permissible content removed]? Pat, here's your chance to meet your declining quota!!!) ;-)

To answer a few questions I missed:

(a) I have a manual transmission. Wouldn't have it any other way! Zoom zoom!

(b) Why did I buy my Protege? As Larry alluded to in his wonderfully complimentary post yesterday, yes, I've bought four Proteges since 1992. Two '92s (the second one to replace the first '92 that, thanks to its Bridgestone Poortenza RE92 tires, hydroplaned to totality at 28,000 miles), my wonderful 2000 ES 5-speed, and now an '02 Protege5 for the misses.

Meade

P.S. HEY LARRY! I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU, MY FRIEND!!! (re: MAPP)

mazdafun

The ever-popular Q-tips (or generic equivalent) work great at cleaning and detailing air vents (or any other cramped corners). If you're lazy like me, just use a corner of a cloth towel (or your favorite wipe) to get MOST of the dust out. I kinda ignore the bits left in the corners.