Target Audience:
Economy-minded buyers seeking reliable and practical transportation
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra
Design Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics, practical interior, fuel efficiency
Offering:
Excellent value for money with a good balance of features, performance, and reliability
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, CV joints, drive axles, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Steering system components, power steering, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body control modules
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, glass, seats
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, trouble code (DTC) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, internal component repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all major components and circuits
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information on required diagnostic tools and equipment
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding
Compatibility:
Compatible with all Windows versions, Linux, and macOS
Image Resolution:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Searchability:
Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval
Delivery Method:
Free Digital Download, No Shipping Costs
Engine Code 1:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC Inline-4)
Bore X Stroke 1:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.1:1
Horsepower 1:
130 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
Z5-DE (1.5L DOHC Inline-4) - Primarily for base models/specific markets
Horsepower 2:
105 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack
Transmission Type 1:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic (with Lock-up Torque Converter)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, power/normal shift modes
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS3317 or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-Star (2001 models)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-Star (2001 models)
IIHS Offset Frontal Crash:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, depending on year)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, 4 or 6 speaker system
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control system
Cruise Control:
Standard on LX and ES trims, optional on DX
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic audio inputs, no Bluetooth or USB for this era
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (iridium or platinum type)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3, SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (FS-DE engine)
Coolant Specification:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT coolant
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Issue 1:
Premature wear of front control arm bushings
Common Issue 2:
Ignition coil failure (especially on older models)
Common Issue 3:
Catalytic converter failure due to engine misfires or oil consumption
Common Issue 4:
Power steering pump leaks or noise
Tune Up Components:
Spark plugs (NGK PFR5N-11 or equivalent), ignition wires/coils, air filter, fuel filter
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's reputation for building engaging and reliable vehicles
Bj Generation Introduction:
The BJ generation Protege was introduced for the 1999 model year, with significant updates for the 2001 model year, including revised styling and powertrain options.
Trim Levels:
DX, LX, ES, Mazdaspeed Protege (later models, not covered by this manual)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Mazda Hofu Plant)
Model Production Run:
1999-2003 (BJ generation)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Protege family often cited for value and driving dynamics, though not always making the 10Best list for this specific generation.
Konsumen Reports Reliability:
Generally good to average reliability ratings for the period, with some model years showing better performance than others.