Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Value Proposition:
Affordable, reliable, and practical transportation with a sporty driving feel for its class.
Target Audience:
Young drivers, budget-conscious buyers, those seeking a dependable daily driver.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, automatic transmission, manual transmission, drivetrain (FWD/AWD if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, audio system, climate control, power accessories (windows, locks), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, body control module (BCM).
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures, lubrication points.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, diagnostic routines, torque specifications, adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault finding.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repairs.
Engine Code:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC)
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Bore X Stroke:
83.1 mm x 92.0 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 120-130 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm (depending on year and market)
Torque:
Approx. 130-135 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (depending on year and market)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Optional Engine:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC) - used in earlier years of this generation.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Lock-up torque converter.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific Mazda specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III)
Length:
Approx. 171.5 inches (4356 mm) for Sedan, 166.5 inches (4229 mm) for Hatchback
Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm) for Sedan, 54.7 inches (1390 mm) for Hatchback
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches (2611 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg) depending on body style and equipment.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for most years, check specific NHTSA reports)
IIHS Ratings:
Good (check specific IIHS reports for exact model year and configuration)
ABS:
Available on some higher trim levels or as an option.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, often with 4-6 speakers. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Navigation:
Not available on factory models of this era.
Cruise Control:
Available on many higher trim levels.
Aux Input:
Not available on factory models, requires aftermarket adapter or head unit.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions may require more frequent changes).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs (check manual for specific type and interval).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Approx. 90,000-100,000 miles (145,000-160,000 km) for the 2.0L FS-DE engine. Crucial to follow this to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Check owner's manual for exact specification.
Coolant:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, affecting performance.
Automatic Transmission:
Some models may experience rough shifting or delayed engagement, often related to fluid condition or solenoid issues.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional leaks or noise from the power steering pump.
Climate Control Actuators:
Recirculation or mode door actuators can fail, leading to incorrect airflow.
Mazda Legacy:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles, often offering good value.
Generation:
BJ Generation (1998-2003), replaced the BG generation Protege.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door Sedan and a 5-door Hatchback.
Performance Variant:
Mazda Protege MP3 (2003) and Protege Mazdaspeed (2003-2004) offered higher performance.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, also produced in other Mazda facilities globally.
