Positioning:
Affordable, reliable compact car known for sporty handling and practicality.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra.
Vehicle Strengths:
Engaging driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, generally good reliability, practicality in sedan and hatchback (Protege5) forms.
Diy Savings:
Significant savings on labor costs compared to dealership service rates; empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs.
User Experience:
Step-by-step procedures and detailed illustrations facilitate DIY repairs for a wide range of tasks.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Starting System, Charging System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Drive Shafts, Axles, Differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Seating, HVAC System, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting Systems, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Fuses & Relays, ECUs, Sensors
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections/Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Symptom-Based Diagnostics
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Adjustment Procedures, Torque Specifications
Parts:
Parts Identification, Part Numbers, Assembly Diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Format:
Portable Document Format (.PDF)
Searchability:
Text-searchable (if properly OCR'd), allowing quick lookup of specific terms and procedures
Printability:
High-quality printable pages for clear illustrations and text
Digital Binding:
N/A (digital format, user prints and binds as needed)
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (digital format, user chooses print media)
Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical)
Horsepower Est:
115-125 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Est:
125-135 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless or Distributor-based depending on specific market/trim)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher may be specified for performance trims)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Engine Internal Components
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Consult manual for exact interval.
Spark Plug Type:
Iridium or Platinum tipped (e.g., NGK BKR5EIX-11 or equivalent)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., FS5A-EL variant or similar)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., F4A-EL variant or similar)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for specific type and capacity)
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Dexron III H or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches (2610 mm)
Length:
Approx. 173.2 inches (4400 mm) for Sedan
Width:
Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm) for Sedan
Curb Weight Est:
2600 - 2800 lbs (approx. 1180 - 1270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
3700 - 3900 lbs (approx. 1680 - 1770 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific year and testing data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific year and testing data)
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many trims.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some higher trims.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic climate control on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Bluetooth:
Not standard; aftermarket integration is common.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect annually, replace as needed or every 15,000-30,000 miles (if equipped).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SL or SM, ILSAC GF-3 or GF-4, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification and viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - typically a pink or orange color.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific Mazda fluid.
Common Wear Items:
CV joints, rear wheel bearings, front control arm bushings, catalytic converter (especially if maintenance is neglected), oxygen sensors.
Engine Specific Notes:
FS-DE engine is generally robust but can be sensitive to oil quality and timely timing belt changes. O-ring seal for the oil filter housing can sometimes leak.
Transmission Specific Notes:
Automatic transmissions can be prone to shifting issues if fluid and filter are not regularly serviced.
Mazda Dna:
Mazda is renowned for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy, emphasizing sporty handling and driver engagement.
Generation:
Third generation of the Mazda Protege (also known as Mazda Familia in Japan and other markets).
Design Era:
Known for its clean, rounded styling, a departure from some earlier more angular designs.
Production Years:
1998-2003 (for this generation, with facelifts occurring)
Assembly Locations:
Primarily Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan, and various other global assembly plants.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Protege series (including the Protege5) has historically received positive reviews and occasional mentions in '10Best' lists for its value and driving dynamics.
Consumer Reports Reliability Trend:
Varied by year and specific component, but generally rated average to above average for its class during its production run.
