2000 Mazda Protege consumer reviews

I bought the ES model new in Jan 2000. I am amazed at how reliable it has been. I just passed 166k miles and it has only broken down one time (timing belt tensioner broke, make sure you replace it when you change the timing belt). Although it doesn't have a ton of power it is a fun car to drive. I never once had a tank of gas where I got less than 28mpg, most of the time I get 30.

The most thing I like about this car is very gas economic usage, and this car has all the features I need including AC and power mirrors and windows. It has centeal lock as well (comes with remote opener). 4.3 out of 5 I would rate this car in overall!!!

Got the 2000 Lx in 2002, drove it 10K, then parked it four years. I now have 55K on it with a new radiator as the only surprise. Consistently get 31MPG on a mountain/highway commute. The most shocking behavior is its handling - it's excellent! Too bad a sewing machine has more horsepower because this car can carve corners. Biggest turnoff: ROAD NOISE!!!!! Otherwise, very happy...

I love my Protege, bought it band new and had very minimal issues with it. Just normal maintenance. Its a great commuter car, comfortable and drives really well. Drove it for 6 years, loved it.

I have a little over 150k miles on mine and I havent had any major issues. I bought the car used with 80k miles. The only work I have done to this car includes the following: Brakes, Alingment, tires, and I had to replace the blower fan that runs the AC...it worked, but when I bought the car it a ticking sound for every rotation of the fan...it was just annoying. The car runs like a champ. The ES model has the 1.8L engine and gives you plenty passing power on the highway and around town...pretty peppy car for a 4 banger that consistently gets 28mpg. The only thing I dont like about it is the interior noise and the little rattles. It is definately not a quiet car and there are a few rattles under the dash that I cant fix because I cant get to them. I would recommend it if you are looking for a cheap mode of transportation that is very dependable. .

This car has been our commuter car for the last 7 years and has never broke down once. It may not be fancy, but it sure is reliable. Wish they still made them!!