2000 Mazda Protege LX (ES model in the States) review from North America
"Best car for the money we have owned!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Very little.
Not much at all until after 200,000 kms.
Replaced manifold gasket.
Replaced Struts.
Replaced timing belt (regular service)
General comments?
These are great little cars - we sold our 89 Mazda 323 with 430,000 km (266,000 miles) and the kid that bought it drove it for another year or two. If this one goes anywhere near this, it will be great. They have been known to go 600-700 thousand kms (brother-in-law is a Mazda mechanic on the other side of the country.)
We have been extremely happy with the vehicle (We are glad we bought this model as it needs the 1.8 engine attached to a 5 speed).
While it is slower off the line - it is very comfortable at higher speeds and passing vehicles, and at 38 miles to the gallon on the highway, we have been more than happy.
With the sunroof, spoiler and low profile tires on the 15" rims it looks good too. Even our 16 year old daughter loves the car and wants it when we are done with it (and no, not just because she will get it cheap).
Recommended reviews
| A Good Entry-Level Car |
|
| A definite keeper |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 55000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 265000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda 323 |
| Date of Entry | 14th May, 2008 |