Reputation:
Known for reliability, sporty handling, and good value for money.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Driving Dynamics:
Praised for its responsive steering and balanced chassis, especially in ES and MP3 trims.
Practicality:
Offered as a sedan and hatchback, providing versatile cargo options.
Diy Advantage:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving on labor costs and ensuring quality workmanship.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage for all gasoline engine variants including diagnostic procedures, overhaul, and component testing.
Transmission:
Detailed information on manual and automatic transmissions, including repair, rebuilding, and torque converter servicing.
Brakes:
Complete coverage of ABS and non-ABS braking systems, including hydraulic components, power assist, parking brake, and rotor/pad replacement.
Suspension Steering:
In-depth coverage of front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, alignment specifications, and component replacement.
Electrical Emissions:
Extensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), emissions control systems, and on-board diagnostics (OBD-II).
Body Chassis:
Interior and exterior trim removal and installation, body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and chassis component servicing.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement, and general upkeep.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues across all major vehicle systems.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, and other critical technical data for proper servicing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code:
FS-DE (2.0L)
Engine Type:
DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
1991 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
118-122 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on trim/market)
Torque:
122-130 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm (depending on trim/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Alternate Engine:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC)
Alternate Engine Displacement:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Alternate Engine Horsepower:
120 hp @ 5500 rpm
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Opt:
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, with lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-M III or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4 Stars (for 1999 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4 Stars (for 1999 model year)
ABS:
Available on higher trims (ES), standard on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims, especially LX and ES.
OBD Ii:
Full compliance with OBD-II diagnostic standards, facilitating emissions and engine diagnostics.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend recommended).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (NGK PFR6A-11 or equivalent iridium plugs recommended for optimal performance).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles (Crucial for FS-DE engine to prevent catastrophic failure).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter (5W-30 or 10W-30, refer to manual).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze (FL22) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Mounts:
Can wear out, leading to vibration and noise, particularly during acceleration or deceleration.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Prone to premature failure, often indicated by a humming or grinding noise that increases with speed.
Alternator:
Can fail, leading to battery charging issues and electrical system problems.
Corrosion:
Rusting can occur in wheel wells, rocker panels, and suspension components, especially in areas with harsh winters.
Brand Philosophy:
Mazda is known for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy, emphasizing a connection between driver and car.
Generation:
Second generation (BJ) Protege, produced from 1998 to 2003.
Platform:
Shared platform with the Ford Focus of the same era (developed under Ford's ownership of Mazda).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan, Mexico
