Segment:
Compact Car (C-segment). Competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Nissan Sentra.
Strengths:
Known for its engaging driving dynamics, reliable engines, sporty styling, and practical interior. Often praised for offering a more enthusiast-oriented driving experience than its direct competitors.
Body Styles:
Sedan, Hatchback (3-door and 5-door, depending on market and year)
Performance Variants:
MazdaSpeed Protegé (featuring turbocharged engine and enhanced suspension/brakes)
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical (all variants), Fuel System (injection, pumps, injectors), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (FS, FP, ZM engines), Automatic Transmission (FS, FP, ZM engines), Clutch System, Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials
Chassis:
Suspension System (front and rear), Steering System (power and manual), Brake System (ABS, discs, drums), Wheel Bearings, Chassis Components
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Audio System, Power Accessories (windows, locks), Ignition Switch, Battery, Charging System, Starter Motor
Body And Interior:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Dashboard, HVAC System (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Top-offs, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotations
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Electrical System Diagnostics, Component Testing
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repairs, Electrical Component Replacement
Special Procedures:
Timing Belt Replacement (critical for FS-DE and ZM-DE engines), Clutch Replacement, Suspension Alignment, Air Conditioning System Servicing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code 1:
FS-DE (2.0L DOHC I4)
Engine Code 2:
FP-DE (1.8L DOHC I4)
Engine Code 3:
ZM-DE (1.5L DOHC I4 - primarily for international markets)
Fs De Horsepower:
Approx. 130-140 hp (depending on specific tuning and market)
Fs De Torque:
Approx. 135-140 lb-ft
Fp De Horsepower:
Approx. 120-125 hp
Fp De Torque:
Approx. 115-120 lb-ft
Mazdaspeed Protege Horsepower:
Approx. 170 hp (turbocharged)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 87 minimum, higher recommended for performance models)
Overall Length:
Approx. 172-177 inches (4369-4496 mm), varies by body style
Overall Width:
Approx. 67.1-67.3 inches (1704-1709 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 55.7-57.9 inches (1415-1471 mm), varies by body style
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500-2800 lbs (1134-1270 kg), varies by trim and transmission
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) - 2002 model year
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good (2002 model year)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many models and trims.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on select models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems with more speakers, cassette player integration.
Navigation:
Rarely offered as factory-installed; aftermarket solutions were more common.
Cruise Control:
Available on many higher trim levels.
Aux Input:
Not typically factory-equipped; aftermarket solutions often required.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for exact specifications.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Crucial: For FS-DE and FP-DE engines, typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km) or 6-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20, depending on climate and specific engine. Consult manual.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent green/blue type). 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-J3 or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon type automatic transmission fluid.
Common Problem 1:
Timing belt wear/failure (critical maintenance item).
Common Problem 2:
Front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings) wear.
Common Problem 3:
Power steering pump leaks or whine.
Common Problem 4:
Rear wheel bearings can be prone to wear.
Common Problem 5:
Air conditioning system compressor or condenser issues.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizes driving enjoyment and responsiveness, a trait often found in the Protegé.
Generation Bj:
The 'BJ' platform, introduced in late 1998 for the 1999 model year, saw continued updates through the 2003 model year. The 2002 and 2003 models received minor styling refreshes and equipment upgrades.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and Mexico.
Car And Driver Award:
Car and Driver's '10Best' list for specific model years (e.g., 2000 Protegé DX Sport Sedan) for its value and driving dynamics.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received good to very good ratings from Consumer Reports for reliability and owner satisfaction, though some specific model years or components might have variations.
