2000 Mazda Protege LX from North America - Comments

Great car until 40k, at which point there has been one problem after another.

Pro's:

- strong and smooth engine with a

fairly flat torque curve.

- comfortable interior

- durable exterior paint

- relatively good resale value (why???)

- cheap insurance.

Con's:

- HVAC controls are too small, and

often stick.

- Radio/stereo system is awful

- very restrictive air intake system

- lettering on shifter knob faded after

20k.

Service issues:

- OEM tires wore down like erasers

(replaced at 40k)

- loose shitfing linkage (repaired at

40k)

- Rear sway bar broke (replaced at 42k)

- Poor idle and acceleration (ignition

coil replaced at 42k)

- Intermittent throttle response

(vehicle was in for service a total

of 5 TIMES before problem was

rectified) :

- Throttle position sensor replaced

at 50k, 55k

- wiring harness repaired at 75k;

faulty connection to throttle

position sensor

- Extremely bad idle and fuel economy

(EGR valve replaced at 80k)

This car was recommended as one of the best in its class at the time of purchase in September, 2000. Right away I was not impressed as the car was delivered to me "new" with 600km on the odometer and less than 1/8 tank of fuel, and a large scratch on the drivers door (service was horrible at the original dealer).

The car worked great and handled beautifully until 40k...then things started to fall apart. Beware, parts for this car are not cheap! Everything appears to be a "normal wear item", according to the dealer, thus cost me quite bit.

I am very disappointed in this car and would not buy another Mazda product. Even though I have another year left to pay for this vehicle, I am seriously considering trading in the car for something more reliable and more enjoyable to drive.

Perhaps this car was just a lemon, but my faith in Mazda is no more.

I fully understand your feeling. I had even much worst problems. My rear passenger side door failed twice, luckity they happened within the warranty.

When I first got the car, it pulled to the right with no reason. They had everything checked, but 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 noise 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 easily fail and seize up.

But...very good styling! Classy and sporty. That is it.

Wow... my 2000LX has only had cosmetic problems (driver induced, of course) and I'm coming up on 100,000 miles!!

Another thing is that when I'm cruising on the highway over in western ND, I rarely drop below 100mph and am often times up around 112mph which is around 5200RPM.

Try synthetic oil next time, guys! The engine runs a lot smoother!

Sorry bud, but how can you go 112 MPH in your mazda, while I have a ES edition with the 1.8 liter while you have a 1.6 liter. MY car is a 200 model and it will stop at around 100 MPH, and it is only at around 3900RPM, but I do have to agree with the brakes, and it will turn out bad that is how I ran into my friend's house. which I just had past the service time on the brakes, at 113,000 miles on odometer.

Mine is a 2003 dx model and 112mph is all I have dared to try I feel there was more left.

I have a 2003 LX and it's been great! Only things that I didn't like were the OEM tires (mine wore so bad the inner rubber layer was showing after 30k miles). I have only replaced the battery and one rear suspension bushing. I thought the Pioneer audio system was great, and everything seems to be holding up well. The only gripe is the two most popular stations preset buttons on my radio are loose. They work fine, but I'm a perfectionist and it drives me crazy! Other than that my review of this car is nothing but glowing, handling and braking are superb, and the engine is well suited to the car.