🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

BJ Series

Platform:

Mazda Familia/Protege Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, individuals seeking reliable and affordable transportation

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra

Protege Advantages:

Sporty handling, good value for money, often more engaging driving experience than some rivals

Manual Value:

Provides factory-level repair information, enabling owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper procedures.

Vehicle Strengths:

Reliability, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride for its class, available sport-oriented 'MP3' trim.

📋 Manual Details

Trim Levels Covered:

DX, LX, ES, MP3 (including specific variations within these trims)

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Hatchback (Mazdaspeed Protege chassis variants potentially included)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear discs/drums), ABS

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, SRS (Airbag) system

Body:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers, exterior lighting, seals

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, belt replacements

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, alternator/starter replacement, HVAC blower motor replacement

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Trouble codes (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, emissions system diagnostics

Installation Adjustment:

Component installation (e.g., timing belt, water pump), alignment procedures, clutch adjustment, brake bleeding

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable for physical use

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

FP-DE

Engine Displacement 1:

1.8 Liters (1839 cc)

Engine Type 1:

DOHC Inline-4

Horsepower 1:

122 hp @ 5500 RPM

Torque 1:

118 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM

Engine Code 2:

FS-DE

Engine Displacement 2:

2.0 Liters (1991 cc)

Engine Type 2:

DOHC Inline-4 (Variable Valve Timing - VVT-i equivalent, known as VVT on Mazda)

Horsepower 2:

130 hp @ 5500 RPM (standard), 170 hp @ 6600 RPM (Mazdaspeed Protege)

Torque 2:

135 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (standard), 145 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM (Mazdaspeed Protege)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

0 60 Mph Estimate:

8-10 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)

🔧 Transmission

Type 1:

5-speed Manual

Type 2:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90

Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring (manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 171.9 inches (Sedan)

Width:

Approx. 67.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 56.5 inches (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.8 inches

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 11.1 cubic feet (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3600 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4/5 stars (2001 model year testing)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4/5 stars (2001 model year testing)

IIHS Crash Test Performance:

Good (for models tested, depending on year and specific crash test) - often rated well for its class.

ABS:

Available on most trims, standard on ES

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model year

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette, typically 4 or 6 speaker system. Base models may have fewer speakers or no CD player.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls with A/C and heater. Automatic climate control was not a common option for this generation.

Cruise Control:

Available on LX and ES trims, optional on some others.

Anti Lock Brakes:

ABS was available, standard on higher trims like the ES.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary input. Aftermarket solutions are common.

Bluetooth:

Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket head unit installation is required for Bluetooth connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed (check for dirt/obstruction)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. iridium)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial! Every 60,000 miles for 1.8L FP-DE, 70,000 miles for 2.0L FS-DE (interference engine - failure can cause severe damage).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.3 US quarts (4.1 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Mazda Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Performance Minor:

Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Ignition coil pack issues can lead to misfires.

Suspension Wear:

Worn sway bar end links and bushings can cause clunking noises over bumps. Front control arm bushings are also common wear items.

Electrical Issues:

Intermittent issues with power windows, door locks, and dashboard lights can occur due to worn wiring or switches.

Exhaust System Corrosion:

Rust and corrosion on exhaust components, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Founded in 1920, Mazda is known for its innovative engineering and focus on driving dynamics, often referred to as 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one).

Protege Generation:

This 2001 model is part of the third generation (BJ series, 1998-2003) of the Mazda Protege/Familia.

Bj Series Updates:

The BJ series introduced more refined styling, improved chassis dynamics, and a wider range of engine options compared to previous generations. The 2001 model received minor updates, potentially including revised options and features.

Assembly Location:

Hofu, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (under Ford's ownership/joint ventures)

Production Years Bj Series:

1998-2003

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best 10:

The Protege family, particularly the Mazdaspeed variants and well-equipped trims, often received positive mentions for value and driving dynamics, though specific '10Best' awards for the 2001 model are not prominent.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated average to above-average for reliability in its class for this era, with specific models and engines showing varying performance.

Safety Certification:

Compliant with all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2001 model year.