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1999-2003 Mazda Protege
Date Published: 11/23/08

1999-2003 Mazda Protege
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Price Range:
$1,700 - 7,800

Class:
Compact Car
1999-2003 Mazda Protege
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Mazda Protege LX w/automatic Rating
Performance 3
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 7
Total Score: 50
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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1999-2003 Mazda Protege Review
Mazda redesigned its front-drive subcompact sedan for 1999, with "European-inspired styling." Considered all-new, the "entry-level" 4-door also got more power, but interior and exterior dimensions changed only slightly. Three versions again went on sale: base DX, well-equipped LX, and sporty ES. DX and LX models got a new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 105 horsepower (13 more than the prior 1.5-liter). A new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, developing 122 horsepower, went into the ES sedan. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with both engines, with 4-speed automatic optional. Antilock braking was optional for the LX and ES, but side-impact airbags were not available. The ES sedan now had rear drum brakes, though all-disc braking had previously been installed.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Mazda Protege: Front side airbags became available this year, as part of a Premium Package for the LX and ES. Interiors added some chrome trim, but other changes were minimal.
2001 Mazda Protege: Proteges earned a front-end facelift for 2001, along with available 4-wheel disc brakes. A 130-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine became available, too. Otherwise, the Protege was essentially a carryover. During the 2001 model year, Mazda launched a special MP3 edition of the Protege. Not only did it feature a Kenwood MP3-capable audio system, but it included a higher-output (140-horsepower) engine and a host of performance components from racing suppliers. The extras included low-profile tires on 17-inch Racing Hart wheels, a large front air dam with integrated driving lights, side sill extension, and a big rear spoiler. Only about 1500 were built, painted either Laser Blue or Vivid Yellow.
2002 Mazda Protege: A wagon called the Protege5 joined the lineup in 2002. It used the standard 4-cyl engine and an optional automatic transmission with manual-shift feature.
2003 Mazda Protege: The MP3 version was dropped, but added was the MazdaSpeed Protege sedan with a 170-hp turbocharged 4-cyl engine. MazdaSpeed sedans had a special sport suspension with 17-inch wheels, standard ABS, and unique exterior and interior trim. A "2003.5" version of the MazdaSpeed sedan appeared midyear with slightly altered exterior appearance, including dark silver wheels. ES and Protege5 get new alloy wheels and silver gauge faces for '03.
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