Market Segment:
Compact car, affordable sedan and hatchback, popular with young drivers and budget-conscious buyers
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Golf
Model Strengths:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, sporty handling (especially higher trims), value for money
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential factory repair and maintenance data to diagnose and fix issues, reducing reliance on costly dealer service and aftermarket guides.
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD & AWD where applicable)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS & non-ABS), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Immobilizer/Security Systems
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Glass
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, brake fluid, belt replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, common fault finding
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, timing belt installation, accessory belt installation, sensor replacement
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, and exploded views for component removal/installation
Engine Code Early:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC)
Engine Code Later:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC - likely in latter part of coverage)
Engine Displacement 1 8L:
1839 cc
Engine Displacement 2 0L:
1991 cc
Horsepower 1 8L Est:
120-125 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1 8L Est:
115-120 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2 0L Est:
130-135 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2 0L Est:
135-140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (with overdrive)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, sport/normal modes on some variants
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select trims/years
NHTSA Front Impact Driver Est:
4/5 Stars (for relevant model years)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Est:
4/5 Stars (for relevant model years)
ABS:
Available on most trims, standard on higher trims/later years
Traction Control:
Available on some later models/performance variants
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard on most models
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic climate control on select models.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models, standard on higher trims.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on most trims.
Oil Change Interval Est:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush Interval Est:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto Est:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual Est:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Est:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) for 1.8L and 2.0L engines (critical replacement item)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN/SP, ACEA A3/B4, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions (refer to manual for specific climate/variant)
Engine Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based, silicate-free coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent), mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mazda ATF-III, MERCON V, or equivalent ATF fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic manual transmission fluid
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Issue Rust:
Rust perforation on rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and subframes, especially in areas with road salt.
Common Issue Engine Mounts:
Worn or collapsed engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration and harshness.
Common Issue Cooling System:
Leaking coolant hoses, radiator issues, and thermostat failures.
Common Issue Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings leading to clunking noises and poor alignment.
Common Issue Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils on some engine variants leading to misfires.
Mazda Design Philosophy:
Jinba-Ittai (horse and rider as one), emphasizing driver engagement and nimble handling
Generation 1 1990-1997:
Introduced as successor to Mazda 323, known for sporty driving dynamics.
Generation 2 1998-2003 Bj:
Significant redesign, adopted the BJ platform, offered sedan, hatchback, and performance 'Mazdaspeed' variants in some markets.
Generation 3 2004-2008 Bk:
The Protege nameplate was retired in North America, replaced by the Mazda3 (BK).
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Mexico (for North American market)
Car And Driver 10Best Est:
The Protege often received positive mentions or was a contender in 'Car and Driver's' 10Best lists during its production run, particularly for its handling and value.
Consumer Reports Reliability Est:
Generally rated as average to above-average for reliability, with some model years showing particular strengths.
