Vehicle Class:
Compact car (C-segment)
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, DIY mechanics, fleet owners
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Reliability:
Generally considered a reliable and economical vehicle, especially with regular maintenance.
Value Proposition:
Offered a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Driving Dynamics:
Often praised for its engaging handling and responsive steering, a Mazda hallmark.
Model Years Covered:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Trim Levels Covered:
All trims including DX, LX, ES, SP20 (Mazda Protege MP3 in some markets), Artis variants
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, searchable)
Engine:
Detailed coverage of all gasoline engine variants (e.g., 1.5L Z5-DE, 1.6L ZM-DE, 1.8L BP-ZE, 2.0L FS-DE, 2.0L FS-ZE for SP20)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, differentials, torque converter, electronic controls
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox, alignment specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, power windows, mirrors, locks, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control, refrigerant handling
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, hangers
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant specifications
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, suspension repair, electrical diagnostics and repair, bodywork repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU troubleshooting
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures (e.g., starter, alternator, fuel pump, sensors)
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams
Engine Displacement Common:
1.5L (Z5-DE), 1.6L (ZM-DE), 1.8L (BP-ZE), 2.0L (FS-DE/FS-ZE)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 90 hp (1.5L) to 130 hp (2.0L FS-DE), up to 170 hp (2.0L FS-ZE in SP20/MP3)
Torque Range:
Approx. 90 lb-ft to 135 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cylinder Count:
4 cylinders
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) with 16 valves (common for most engines)
Variable Valve Timing:
Available on some 2.0L FS-DE and FS-ZE engines (e.g., S-VT)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches (2606 mm)
Length:
Approx. 173.7 inches (4412 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1710 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2500 - 2900 lbs (1134 - 1315 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, consult specific vehicle data
Towing Capacity:
Not recommended for significant towing
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Varies by year and specific test conditions, generally moderate to good for its era.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Check specific IIHS ratings for model year and test results.
Anti Lock Brakes ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims and later years.
Traction Control TCS:
Available on select higher-performance models (e.g., SP20/MP3).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), typically 30,000-100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Type Common:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine)
Engine Oil Capacity Common:
Approx. 3.7 - 4.2 US quarts (3.5 - 4.0 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (approx. 2.1 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Mazda M-III or equivalent ATF (approx. 2.5 US quarts for drain/fill)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT coolant
Engine Mounts:
Can wear out over time, leading to vibration and harshness.
Automatic Transmission:
Some models may experience delayed shifts or occasional harsh shifting; fluid changes are critical.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can become noisy, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Ignition Coils:
Can fail, causing misfires and rough running.
Oxygen Sensors:
Can degrade over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's long history of producing reliable and driver-focused vehicles.
Protege Lineage:
The Protege (and its rebadged versions like Artis) represented Mazda's entry into the highly competitive compact car segment, evolving through several generations.
Third Generation Bj:
This generation (1998-2003) was a significant redesign, offering improved styling, safety, and performance compared to its predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and North America (Mazda Canada Inc. assembly plant in Ontario for Canadian and some US market vehicles).
Production Years For Platform:
1998-2003
