Mazda Protegé

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Comments

  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    not a bad idea!
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    If they "sucked," they might hold the road better!

    Hank, Hank, Hank ... why the heck are you doing stunts like that with Bridgestone's finest racing slicks on your rear? Get some real tires and try again!

    Meade
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    OK.
    So I dropped my car off at the dealer.
    And what do I get as a loaner?
    Guess...

    A Chevy S10 pickup truck with 3500 miles on the ODO.

    Engine is great. Doing 60mph at 1500rpm....my ES does not even start rolling until 1800rpm :)

    But suspension is like jelly. wiggles on every bump. Steering is numb and not at all connected to the wheels. Absolutely no feedback.

    The dash looks like as if it's made from plasticlay and dried.Eeesh!

    Something else I noticed. during parking, when the wheels are at full lock, the wheels have no power. Engine is like choking to death.

    more later as I drive more.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Sounds like you did the same thing that Pete did in his car, only he spun around a little more I think. Be careful out there!
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Maybe it will grow on me?

    -larry
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    maybe it will grow off me. LoL
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    There are some good features and bad ones, IMO. Like when you are on the main page, I don't like how they have the topics set up. I liked it better before. I do, however, like it where you can search for older posts on vehicles and things of that sort. It's not too bad I guess.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Man, reading your posts lately -- here and on that OTHER topic -- you are FICKLE!

    Meade
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I am just going through it with cars right now. I mean, really! :) I guess I am just meant to walk or something. :)
  • nematodenematode Member Posts: 448
    2001 Mazda Protege ES 2.0 (auto). About 14k on the clock.

    60-65mph no AC: 31mpg
    65-70mph no AC: 28mpg
    70-75mph no AC: 27mpg
    75-80mph no AC: 25mpg

    60-65mph with AC: 28mpg
    65-70mph with AC: 26mpg
    70-75mph with AC: 25mpg
    75-80mph with AC: 23mpg. Probably should have been higher but I made a few runs to 100mph.

    Using the air conditioner costs about 2mpg between 60-80mph.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I didn't realize using the AC cut the fuel mileage so much. 2mpg seems alot to me just for using the AC. I used the AC in the past week with my Jetta, and I did notice the fuel going faster. I hate hot weather. :(
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Will it EVER end?! Please, dear Lord, don't let this happen to the next-gen Protege! Please, please, please keep Ford's hands off it as much as you can!!!


    http://www.auto.com/industry/defect7_20020607.htm

    It's the 21st-century Pinto, my friends! Read this article and I think you'll agree!


    Meade

  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The funny thing is, my co-worker bought a used 2000 Focus a couple of months ago. She first looked at a new P5, but decided she didn't wanna spend that much money. I don't know what she was thinking though, I told her she should have gotten a used Protege (like a 2001 program car or something), but she didn't listen. What a dummy.
  • rbrooks3rbrooks3 Member Posts: 174
    "Unfortunately", I am going to be in the market for an ES with the sport auto. So, if anyone out there has one or has driven one, I'd like your input. Specifically, how long each downshift or upshift takes.

    The reason I say "unfortunately" is that I just bought a 5spd ES in January. I had knee surgery a few years ago and last night my knee started locking up again to the point where I couldn't depress the clutch. I can get it unlocked, but if it ever locked in an emergency situation I and other innocent people could get injured so I can't let it go.

    I called my dealer (I bought a 2000MPV ES and the Pro ES from them) and they are going to work with me as much as they can. I really can't afford to put much more cash down, so ultimately, I will probably have to look at the LX with an auto. But, I'm holding out hope.

    Thanks,

    Ron B.
  • jstandeferjstandefer Member Posts: 805
    Check out Hunter's review of the Sport Auto at his website:


    http://www.protegetech.com


    Look for the right sidebar talking about the mid-year refresh, then click on [Click to Continue] at the bottom. He has given the Sport Auto a good drive and comments on the shift lag. Hope this helps!


    -Jerry

  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    But maybe there's hope -- I hear Vocus needs a new ride for not a lotta cash!

    Meade
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Sorry about your knee...that's really bad.

    Hope you're able to work things out without too much trouble.

    --Dale
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Sorry bout the knee!! I once tore my ACL, but I was young and didn't opted not to get surgery and my knee is 100%.

    There is NOTHING wrong with the LX. You're paying for features on the ES. IF you don't need the features, why pay for them?

    Mike
    -Your LX driving Pro Fan.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    The LX is a sub-standard car. I wouldn't dare be seen in one. The ES is the ONLY Protege worth driving. You ain't cool if you're driving an LX.

    Meade
  • rbrooks3rbrooks3 Member Posts: 174
    I read the Protegetech report on the sport auto. I had hoped that Mazda did some work to get it to shift faster than the "regular" auto. I doubt there is much difference if any at all versus shifting the "regular" auto manually.

    My downfall is that I really like the interior on my ES. The LX is a fine car, heck, it's really the same car, but to get one now after having the ES for 5 months would definitely be a step down to me. Cars are so subjective, finding the right one and then deciding on a trim level, to change now is so hard. If you own an LX, imagining someone turning it into a DX tomorrow. Sure it's mechanically the same, but there are differences. As for me, the 16" wheels and more importantly, 4 whl discs sold me on the ES. That and I really like the interior.

    I'm going to try to get to my dealer tomorrow so I can see what I'm looking at. I just don't see the ES working out for me. I have a 5 month old car with 5-6,000 on it and I'm looking to get a new car with a more expensive option (sport auto), I don't see how this is going to work out for me. My last hope will be to see if they can locate an automatic ES demo somewhere with the "old" regular auto. But really, what are the chances of that?

    I'll keep you all up to date. I sure wish I had kept my old speakers though. I went and installed the Rockfords and Pioneers thinking I'd have this Pro for many years to come. Now I lose my 5 spd AND the speakers as well!

    Man, these are bad times. At least it's Friday.

    Ron B.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Good luck car shopping. That really sucks, but at least now you'll be able to eat french fries, talk on the phone, shave, and read the newspaper while driving. ;0

    Today is my last day at work until I start my new job on Monday. I don't know what the internet situation is at this new job and I'm worried I might not be able to read edmunds all day. It's a telecom company so they might have some serious internet monitoring going on.....
  • rbrooks3rbrooks3 Member Posts: 174
    I'm finding conflicting info on the internet regarding the ABS option on the LX. One says disc/drum and one says 4 whl disc. If I get an LX with ABS, do I get the same 4 whl discs on the ES? WIth the sunroof/15" alum rim discount deal, the only real difference with ABS would be the interior and 16" wheels on the ES.

    Maybe it would be better than I thought. Just trying to get myself ready for the LX. I don't want to offend any LX owners, it's just not exactly what I wanted.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have a new car, thank you. :) I can't drive a stick shift anyway.

    Ron: The ES is not much more expensive than the LX. You should see what kind of deal you can swing on both before deciding. Be prepared to take a good hit on the trade though. It happend to me as well.
  • jstandeferjstandefer Member Posts: 805
    The most informative place to look is Mazda's website! :-)

    The DX and LX have disc/drums even with ABS. The ES and Pro5 are the only ones that have 4-wheel disc brakes.

    Sorry about the knee!

    -Jerry
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Umm..maybe we already talked about this, but I read that in a typical FWD car, 90% of the stopping ability is done in the front and that drums in the rear are more than adequate for stopping.

    So what's the fascination with 4 discs? Seriously, I'm not starting a flame war here...just curious. :)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Mike, you didn't. You DIDN'T!!!

    (Runs across the room screaming, leaving a Meade-sized hole in the wall)

    ARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

    ;-)

    Meade
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have had both discs and drums in the back of a Protege. The 2001 ES had alot better pedal feel than my 1999 DX, and also stopped alot more surely than as well. Of course, I am sure the tires had something to do with that as well. But 4-wheel discs give better pedal feel and shorter stopping distances.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Sorry to hear about your knee, and the loss of your modded Pro. Re: the manumatic, I think someone posted that there's about a second of lag time between your hitting the shifter and the actual shift, unless you're doing something silly like running the engine already at redline and asking it to downshift. It also lets you redline the engine if you want, which is good for downshifting while entering a turn and then staying in gear for powering out of it. I'd spend the extra $100, but it's only available on the ES or P5 (referred to as an "ES-5" on the sticker, at least on the ones I've been scoping out).

    And don't worry, I think Meade's doing all the offending of LX owners here. :p

    PF is right in the disc/drum, disc/disc brake set-up. Unless you're going down a lot of long grades or are into racing, you'll be fine with a disc/drum set-up. The only difficulty is when the time comes to replace or inspect the pads. It's much easier with disc brakes than with drum brakes (I've done it once, and that was enough to convince me to pay someone else to do it next time...then again, how will I know if it's done right?...at least it'll only be the rear brakes).
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    How? The brake pedal is NOT directly connected to each brake. The pedal doesn't know a disc from a drum.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    If Pat doesn't mind (I had to remove a few of these because of bad language -- I hope none of the others offend):

    Actual Bumper Stickers

    You're just jealous because the voices only talk to ME.

    BEER: It's not just for breakfast anymore.

    So you're a feminist ... isn't that cute.

    I need someone real bad ... Are you real bad?

    BEAUTY is in the eye of the beer holder.

    The more you complain, the longer God makes you live.

    Hard work has a future payoff. Laziness pays off now.

    Reality is a crutch for people who can't handle drugs.

    Out of my mind ... back in five minutes.

    As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in public schools.

    Hang up and drive.

    NEBRASKA: At least the cows are sane.

    I said "NO" to drugs, but they didn't listen.

    Your kid may be an Honor Student, but YOU'RE still an idiot.

    Smile: it's the second best thing you can do with your lips.

    Don't drink and drive ... You might hit a bump and spill your drink.

    Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

    Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?

    Always remember you're unique ... just like everyone else.

    HONK If You Want To See My Finger

    God is my co-pilot, but the Devil is my bombardier.

    I wasn't born a butthole (not the actual word used); women like you made me this way.

    Keep honking while I reload.

    Taxation WITH representation isn't so hot either!

    Who were the testers for Preparations A through G?

    Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change.

    Five days a week my body is a temple. The other two, it's an amusement park.

    EARTH FIRST! We'll strip-mine the other planets later.

    If you drink, don't park. Accidents cause people.

    If you can read this I can hit my brakes and sue you.

    Save the whales! Trade them for valuable prizes.

    My wife keeps complaining I never listen to her ... or something like that.

    Sure you can trust the government! Just ask an Indian!

    Alcohol and calculus don't mix. Never drink and derive.

    If we are what we eat, I'm cheap, fast, and easy.

    Stop repeat offenders. Don't reelect them!

    Have a good weekend! (Er, NOT a bumper-sticker)

    Meade
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Sorry to hear about your knee, and the fact that you have to give up your manual.

    Disc vs. drum: conventional wisdoms says that stopping distances are a bit shorter, and fade is a bit less, but as you say most of the braking is done with the fronts, which are still discs after all (do they stay the same size? I think so - mazda site should say). If you want the sport shift auto, it'll be a moot point anyway because it only comes on the ES.

    Speakers: I'd pull the good ones out and put the crapy ones back in for sure, then swap again with the new pro. Just my two cents.

    I think I'd probably sell the 5-speed on my own, then look for a dealer demo ES sport shift auto. Too new to find a private party Pro with sport shift for sale, I suppose. Sorry. :-(

    If sport-shift wasn't an issue, I think I'd look for a private party ES for sale. Personally I like the looks better, along with the 16" alloys and 4 wheel discs, but that's just me.

    Good luck.
  • speedyptspeedypt Member Posts: 200
    BigH...I got nervous just reading your story. I almost soiled my undies when I did that same kind of thing. Glad yours worked out okay like mine! Trust me everyone, be careful in the rain with the Poortenza RE92's.

    Ron...sorry about the knee. That really bites. I hope you are able to work out a zoom zoom solution. Maybe you could drive the MPV for a while and let your significant other drive the Pro? I've driven the MPV and it's a heckava nice van. IMO one of the best looking too. With you driving the automatic MPV, you wouldn't be so time pressured to make a deal and you'd have a better chance at not taking it in the shorts on the sale and purchase. Just a thought....

    Regards,

    Pete
  • speedyptspeedypt Member Posts: 200
    CAPP II (Chicago Area Protege Picnic) happens tomorrow, Saturday June 8th at 3pm. We are meeting up at Starbucks (Tar-bucks?) in the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg and leaving for Busse Woods at approximately 3:30pm. All are welcome. We are currently planning 6 Protege's including 1992 LX, 1998 LX, 2 - 2000 ES's, 2002 P5 and 2001 MP3. (Oh yeah...and a 2000 Sable Wagon LS Premium....hey...wife is bringing the grill and meeting us there!)

    You DON'T need a reservation, just be there!

    Check Protegeclub.com, Forums, Upper Midwest, Chicago Meet #2 for details! See you there!!!

    Regards and ZOOM ZOOM munch munch munch.....mmmmmmm yummy!

    Pete
  • jstandeferjstandefer Member Posts: 805
    The California Mazda Protege Meet has been delayed until Saturday, June 29th.

    There are three main benefits for this:

    1. The meet will not be held on Father's Day.

    2. Being held on Saturday (rather than Sunday) will allow more sufficient time to get back to work on Monday.

    3. It will allow more people to come to the meet.

    There will also be a small fee of $10 per vehicle. This will cover the expense of the application and permit fees imposed by the California Department of State Parks. Extra money will be used to purchase food and beverages. This fee will be collected at the meet.

    The State Beach also requires a $2 entrance fee into the parking lot.

    The website has been updated to reflect the recent changes. If you have already submitted an RSVP to the meet, please send me an e-mail stating that you have received the new date!

    http://www.caliprotegemeet.1hwy.com

    webmaster@caliprotegemeet.1hwy.com

    maltb... can you attend now? :-)

    -Jerry
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    So on Saturday, I was all excited about finally meeting up with some other Chicago-area Protege owners. Pete had a done a great job of organizing us this time...didn't seem like we were all going to end up in different locations in the woods.

    Dang, the car really looks bad...hmmm...no time to try out all those helpful waxing tips the guys gave me. Well, guess it's back to the local drive-thru automatic. (heh...just remember to put the windows up this time, right?)

    And since all the gearheads will have spent hours and hours on their cars, better at least spring for the deluxe wash and wax.

    Okay, pull up, window down, punch in the code, drive into the little carwash hut........

    over the undercarriage spray jets.......

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOSH
    NO NO NO NO
    window up! window up! window up!
    *(^%#*($&#!!!!!!!

    Yes, that's right. Oops, I did it again.

    Funny, or sad?

    I'll let you guys decide.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    You left the window open in the car AGAIN?? :) That is too funny. Well at least you know the driver's door controls are somewhat waterproof, because they all still work in your car. :)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I don't think a comment is needed. 'Nuff said. :D

    Did your car at least look clean after?
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >>>Trust me everyone, be careful in the rain with the Poortenza RE92's.<<<<

    My personal advice would be NOT to pull any G-stunts when it is raining....in any tire.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Maybe you should apply for a job as an automobile worst-case scenario tester.

    Sorry, couldn't resist. Hope you didn't get too soaked. :)
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Even I curb my zoom-zoom antics on wet roads. Wish those SUV drivers would do the same. Usually, if a vehicle's on its side or roof off the side of the road, it's one of these beasties. Silly drivers.
  • tappervmtappervm Member Posts: 4
    I am the college student that asked for your advice regarding the Elantra vs. the Protege a couple of messages ago. Well, I decided to go with the Protege. I really loved the interior and the way it handled. We'll see how it goes!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Congrats on your new purchase. I am sure you will like the car alot. The Elantra has a better warranty than the Protege does, but really nothing else to make it better. I am sure you will realize you made the right choice down the road. What color, model, and transmission did you get?
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Congrats on the new purchase!! Happy zoom zooming!
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Paul: yeah, I keep worrying about the driver's side door controls. I have a feeling there is only so much incompetence they can withstand...

    Mike: No, that was the most depressing part of the whole thing. As Pete can attest, by the time I got to the meet, the car had grime all over it again. REALLY need to get it waxed professionally.

    Mazdafun: No, I didn't get too soaked. I've gotten pretty good at ducking. :)

    Tapper: Congrats! You definitely made the right choice!!!!
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Tapper: Congrats! You definitely made the right choice!!!!
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Was there a mark down on BLUE font color? Yikes, why is everything so darn blue? This is distracting, the posted messages play 2nd fiddle to the large ugly BLUE buttons and BLUE script. Cripes this is horrible. Hey Edmunds, how about testing these changes BEFORE, you go live with them. Then again maybe Kelly's BLUE Book, purchased Edmund's? BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    let me guess, you don't like the color blue?
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    Last week I had a ChevyS10 4-wheel drive as a loaner. Believe me, I was terrified taking turns in rain in that beastie....absolutely no driver feedback....maybe that is why they end up on their heads so often, poor driver does not even get to know where it's going :)
  • shriqueshrique Member Posts: 338
    Did you find any logging trails? (GRIN)
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