2001 Mazda Protege Reviews, Pricing & Specs



















































































































































































































































































What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2001 Mazda Protege appreciate its fun driving experience, good handling, and decent performance. Many drivers enjoy the car's acceleration and fuel economy. However, some express concerns about build quality and power, noting that the engine may feel a bit underwhelming at times. Owners also mention low maintenance costs, making it an economical choice. The car's distinctive styling and reliability are additional pluses, but some reviews highlight limitations in performance compared to competitors."
I bought this car brand new in Feb. 2001-now has a whopping 23,000 miles on it. The 130 hp. engine is very strong. It corners on a dime and gives you a nickle back. I've put Toyo tires (low profile) on it to maximixe handling. This car was built in Hiroshima, Japan. Will probably keep for the rest of my life.
February 5, 2008Very well built car and reliable. Much more reliable than my first Mazda.
September 19, 2007-One of the best handling car in the market. -Unique style, color (laser blue) back to the year 2001. -First car in North America that comes with a stock MP3 head unit. Also comes with Kenwood amp and subwoofers. -Limited production, only 250 ever made and sold across Canada. -Made in Japan. -Lack of power (2L N/A), but good on corners with Tokico Shocks and Racing beat Springs.
July 9, 2009What owners say
I bought this car brand new in Feb. 2001-now has a whopping 23,000 miles on it. The 130 hp. engine is very strong. It corners on a dime and gives you a nickle back. I've put Toyo tires (low profile) on it to maximixe handling. This car was built in Hiroshima, Japan. Will probably keep for the rest of my life.
February 5, 2008Very well built car and reliable. Much more reliable than my first Mazda.
September 19, 2007-One of the best handling car in the market. -Unique style, color (laser blue) back to the year 2001. -First car in North America that comes with a stock MP3 head unit. Also comes with Kenwood amp and subwoofers. -Limited production, only 250 ever made and sold across Canada. -Made in Japan. -Lack of power (2L N/A), but good on corners with Tokico Shocks and Racing beat Springs.
July 9, 2009-has a lot of torque for a 2.0L -easy to drive -comfy driving position -good on gas -a little on the plain side -good build quality: nice materials in interior
February 27, 2008Above average exterior and interior styling Decent performance No major repairs, except for a window pane that did not roll back up, and a fuse in the AC system that blew. Gas mileage so-so, does not match EPA Definitely a fun car to drive! Cost of ownership is cheap.
June 17, 2009This car is fun to drive, it has power.Other than normal maintenance it does not cost me a lot of money to maintain . Had MAZDA come with a solid wheel hubcaps, and uses 87 octane gas, I would give the will a passing mark of 100 This car of mine has giving me more than 12 years of coninous service.
April 8, 2013It looks good, handles decent, but its slow! not many good performance parts available, gas milage is great though, cost of ownership is not cheap but not too expensive, often mistaken for a damn subaru impreza. Winter handling is decent. Not many other MP3s out there.
August 2, 2009Accelerates well. Gets about 27 mpg. Handles quite well... hugs curbs. I haven't need to do many repairs on this car. Fairly inexpensive to maintain. I love driving everywhere we go. It is a nice car, but wish I would have bought the MP3 version.
June 18, 2009This was an alright car at best. Performance. Braking: good good response Handling: very good, turns like it's on a track Acceleration: good, beats most 4 bangers I've seen out there Build quality: bad, as you can see from the picture above, this was a 20 mph crash and the radiator/intake had completely been destroyed Thank god Mazda doesn't make these anymore
June 17, 2008This car is tuned by racingbeat with an aftermarket suspension. Stock with 17's and 7-speaker system. Runs off a 2.0l 4cyl engine with advanced timing to put out only 140 hp which is probably its biggest shortcoming. Other than that it handles like a dream and is fun to drive.
March 31, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,015 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,965 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.6L 103 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,500 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,245 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.6L 103 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,885 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |






