Reliable value
Had to replace clutch under warranty.
You get more than you pay for in reliability I would recomend to anyone buying their 1st car or buying a car for a child, very safe car. I was hit twice in this car once there was no damage at all and the 2nd time it was totalled and I was not hurt at all.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 28th September, 2005
Great value and a very good car
Engine light came on once while sitting in traffic on the interstate (there was an accident ahead and traffic was backed up). If this is the worse it gets, I love it.
It is a very comfortable car for its price range.
The gas mileage is very good.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th August, 2004
A Good Entry-Level Car
Nothing major went wrong with the vehicle until approximately 45k miles. I did have to take the vehicle in at around 20k to have the power door locks fixed. This was under warranty. Also, the factory stereo was terrible and the CD player stopped working at around 25k. I had a non-factory stereo put in at that time.
Due to an incident with potholes/concrete I did have to have the entire radiator, undercarriage panels and parking break replaced/fixed. However, service at the Mazda dealer was great.
Now, the Check Engine light stays on most of the time, although some days it goes off. The car has now started to have some issues with stuttering/chugging when in 1st and 2nd gear. I am taking the car in next week to find out what the problem is. I have a feeling that it is a problem with the fuel system, which will be costly now that the warranty has expired.
Overall, I really like this car. It has been great on gas mileage and with the 5-speed it doesn't seem like a small 4-cylinder engine. The interior has kept up nicely and I haven't had any problems there. The lettering has worn off the shifter, but other than that the interior and exterior still look great.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 11th June, 2004
I also have a 2000 protege LX and I seem to have the same trouble with the chugging sounds when in 1st and 2nd gear. I find, if I shift at 3000rpm's it doesn't do that. Or if I give too much gas on the get go it does it. But, This car from what I've realized isn't meant to be a race car. It's more of a sunday drive kind of vehicle.
Reliable car for the low price
Bad: radiator cracked, but it was under warranty.
Makes a squeak around the wheels.
Sometimes a very slow start.
Good: Very comfortable car which I enjoy very much. It isn't very fast, but it is a good car to get me from one place to another. If I was to get another car I would definately consider another Mazda.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th April, 2004
Truly economical sports sedan
Premature tire wear.
Poor quality factory sound system fails regularly.
This is easily the best handling car I have ever owned, far superior to my Maxima and Hondas.
Wish I had gotten manual transmission. Automatic performance is lukewarm.
More usable interior room than many larger cars.
Fit and finish give car the feel of being FAR more expensive than it is.
Fuel mileage is unimpressive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th November, 2003
4th Jun 2008, 13:34
I had the same issue with the stock stereo but we now use an iPod with an FM transmitter.
I've noticed throughout the forum most people have trouble with their standard transmissions. I used to be a sworn stick driver but my driving habits have mellowed. Modern automatics have come a long way. Our 2000 LX is an AT. No issues in 136,000 miles. Fuel economy is fine and engine performance has not deteriorated. Auto trans also retain higher re-sale. We also use cruise a lot which contributes to maintaining the correct idle.
It really seems the trim of this car makes a world of difference.