Faults:

Well, so far the vehicle has not had any mechanical problems. There is a small rush spot where the seal on the window lifted, but that is nothing. (know someone that works at a body shop.)

The vehicle has evidently been rust protected and the kilometres are all highway. Bought as a trade in from a Honda Dealer.

The sunroof squeeks as it opens, but it works.

I need to get the A/C recharged/Repaired. But honestly, I can live without. I like having the wind flowing through the car as opposed to air conditioning (My contacts dry out from the air conditioning)

General Comments:

Slow to start - but when you get in 3rd there is plenty of "Zoom Zoom"

Highway cruising speed is easily reached and passing is made effortlessly.

My vehicle has alloy wheels, spoiler and sunroof so it's a real eye catcher - I wouldn't change a thing.

Handles like a dream, the YOKOHAMA low profile tires amaze me with their gripping capability.

Faults:

Mass Airflow Sensor failed around 40K miles. Check engine light went on. I replaced the sensor myself. No problems since.

Replaced front calipers and pads at 120K miles. No problems.

General Comments:

Best car I've owned in over 30 years. Absolutely no problems except the mass airflow sensor failure at 40K miles.

I liked my 1990 Mazda Protege DX, so bought this 2000 model LX in March of 2000. Gets even better mpg than the earlier one. Averages 38mpg with 20% local, 80% highway driving.

Could use more horses when accelerating on a hill or entering an interstate, but livable. The 1.8 engine would probably have been a better choice for power - but wouldn't have given the great mpg I get with the 1.6.

So far (knock wood!) no mechanical, electrical, a/c, instrument problems.

Five speed transmission still tight.

Interior seems spacious, well appointed, and more comfortable than I expected in the Protege.

Only recommendation I'd make is that the cruise control be on the steering wheel (horn pad) itself, not on a stick on the column. But can't be done as the horn pad is the crash bag cover.

Highly recommended car!

Faults:

The trunk latch no longer COMPLETELY closes without tinkering. We usually have to ask a mechanic to close it.

General Comments:

OK, I've never owned or driven a Civic, but I do have a '99 Corolla, so I can say with certainty that the Protégé (LX) is a much nicer car.

The only thing about this car that drives me crazy is the plastic shield over the instrument panel, which vibrates from time to time during idle. Wind noise is a bit high as well, but then we have a roof rack on the car.

Fuel economy has slipped in the 110,000 miles we've owned it; but this may be attributed to the addition of the roof rack and the need for new transmission fluid. The trans fluid may also be why the car is not shifting as efficiently as it used to. Even so, this car has power on tap for a 4 cylinder. Some things I love:

- Superb handling (car is built on the Miata platform)

- All power options, including keyless entry

- MOST interior space of any car in its class and year (our Corolla has no rear leg room in comparison)

- Engine still sounds close to new after 136,000+ miles

- Very comfortable on long drives (2 – 3 hour trips)

Minor issues:

- Trunk no longer FULLY latches due to rust (although mechanics always seem able to get it to close)

- I lost a small clip for the headlight assembly, so the beam is out of alignment (not Mazda's fault on that one)

That's really it. To this day I would buy a 2001 Mazda Protégé ES (last year before they switched to Mazda 3 series) in a HEARTBEAT.

My mom actually has a 2001 LX and it is just as nice as ours (if not a bit nicer, because it only has 30K on it). My experience with the Protégé has made me a Mazda fan for sure.