2001 Mazda Protege ES 2.0 2.0L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Hunk of junk

Faults:

At 40,000 km the automatic transmission went. The brakes wore prematurely at 30,000km. The head gasket blew, cracked cylinder head at 120,000km and the replaced transmission blew again last week.

General Comments:

Horrible reliability... wondering if I got a lemon. To the cars defence, between 40,000 and 120,000kms I had no problems.. just when I DO have problems..They're big ones!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th May, 2006

24th Nov 2006, 20:36

You've got a "sour" one!

11th Jan 2009, 21:07

Yep, mine now has 175000km. Runs great; brakes and tires are my main expense.

Had from new, and has been the best car I ever owned.

2001 Mazda Protege 2.0

Summary:

I love the car, but I'm wondering if I got a lemon

Faults:

I had the car for one month and the air intake valve cost me 500.00 to replace.

Bought new pads and rotors (back brakes) after two months.

Tires were worn out in the middle--did alignment job.

Front brakes were inspected and found to be good, but the squealing is unbearable so I made an appointment to get all new brakes.

Lost fuel performance, loud knocking noise from engine when highway driving--switched to supreme gas and seems somewhat better, but still only getting about 8 km. to the litre.

General Comments:

I thought I was buying a good quality car and I'm not sure if what I am experiencing is just regular wear or if I got an inferior model. Many Mazda owners are happy and I would be too if I thought these things were normal for owning a car. I haven't owned a car in a long time and I'm wondering what's normal?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th January, 2006

2001 Mazda Protege ES 2.0

Summary:

Fun to drive

Faults:

My rear (left) passenger side door lock failed twice, luckily they happened within the warranty.

Squeaking and clunking noises.

Soon after my second maintenance inspection, my front brakes were replaced, costing me well over $300 taking into consideration labor hours of $70.00 per hour.

At my 48km inspection, dishing out another $234.00+ for this mandatory inspection and my back brakes were to be replaced, but Mazda suggested a cheaper alternative to change the pads, and turn the discs, costing me $240.61 before any applicable taxes... I walked out of the dealership costing me over $500.00.

At 68,000kms Constant squealing of front brakes, front pads were changed, back brakes need to be changed again, pads, this one year since last, and calipers too.

General Comments:

Although maintenance of brakes has been too repetitive in the past 4 years of owning car, it is a pleasure to drive.

It is roomy both front and back.

Have had no other major problems thus far.

My next car will not be a protege.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2005

2001 Mazda Protege ES 2.0

Summary:

Is it just me having bad luck, or is it actually Mazda?

Faults:

My rear passenger side door lock failed twice, luckily they happened within the warranty.

When I first got the car, it pulled to the right for no reason. They had everything checked, but it was still pulling like hell. Then about 20K, the tires were almost shot. Can you believe it?

The worst thing was, the key barrel locked my key suddenly. They ended up changing the whole lock under warranty.

Around 40k, I started hearing squeaking and clunking noises underneath. They were so annoying. It was actually about the premature worn sway bar and end links bushings. You either replace them, (cost you about $200), or to live with it.

Remember to do the brake service at the recommended interval. The brakes on this car (sticky piston and messy caliper) easily fail and seize without any warning. I ended up paying $460 to do the rotor and new brake pads.

General Comments:

Very good looking inside outside; classy and sporty. Handled like a true sports car before the sway bar bushing failed. That is it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th April, 2005

27th Apr 2005, 16:58

It was probably an alignment issue, if the car was pulling and wearing out tires fast. I've owned 2 older Protege's, and both have had their share of quirks, but they are bulletproof where it counts (engine & tranny). In a minor accident I curbed one hard enough to blow up the tire and make a huge dent in the rim, and I never even needed an alignment after. If you keep up with maintenance, the car should last you a long time, if you've got the patience to deal with things like suspension, cv joints, and exhaust if and when they all need replacing.