![]() The Mazda Protege was replaced by the Mazda 3 in 2004. In 2003, the Mazdaspeed Protege was launched with its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine turbocharged to 170 horsepower. The Mazda Protege 5 wagon was launched in 2001 as was the performance-oriented Mazda Protege MP3, which came with lower, stiffer suspension, larger wheels, performance tires and quicker steering. The engine in the DX and LX was enlarged to 1.6-litres and now reached 105 horsepower. The vehicle's structure was reinforced at the door pillars, roof rails and side sills for better protection in rollovers and side impacts. The third-generation Mazda Protege was launched for the 1999 model year and featured a range of improvements. Transmissions included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The base model DX and mid-range LX were powered by a 92-horsepower 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, while the range-topping SE model came with a 122 horsepower 1.8-litre motor. The second-generation Mazda Protege arrived in 1995 with a longer wheelbase, giving it a more spacious interior than the previous version. The premium LX model came with a more powerful 125 horsepower engine, and all-wheel drive was available until 1993. On highways bigger vehicles can make me feel vulnerable because of how small and low the vehicle is.The Mazda Protege debuted in 1990 as the four-door sedan version of the Mazda 323 hatchback, with the base model powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 103 horsepower. The paint is not designed to handle strong heat and fades or peels. The glass seals on the dash board windows have weak seals and I do not know if that is inherent or a defect but I have had to have them resealed. The low profile tires are more expensive and harder to find than regular tires. The car itself is very low to the ground and can be difficult to get in and out of. I can have full view of the sky, no view, open air or partial. I like the sunroof versatility of closed, vented, moonroof, or open. It appears solid to those looking into the hatchback but is actually light weight and easy to remove. The hatchback storage space has a excellent cover to conceal items. There is enough storage space for my needs. I'm hoping I can get another few years out of it (and tens of thousands of miles more) before I have to get it replaced. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to someone who doesn't want to spend too much money on a used car but needs a comfortable vehicle that won't spend too much time in the shop. Steering is smooth and efficient as well, and the spare tire that the trunk is equipped with has been a lifesaver as well. I've only had to replace the windshield once since I've had it, and it can easily go thousands of miles without requiring an oil change. I got it when it had about 40,000 miles on it, and it's been a great investment. The seats are comfortable, which is perfect for the long drives I frequently have to make for my job. The engine runs smoothly, and I haven't had to make any major repairs to it. I had this vehicle since I was a college student and even now, with more than 110,000 miles on its odometer, I feel safe driving it all over the country. I've found the Mazda Protege5 to be a reliable vehicle without too many issues. Just keep the oil changed, tires rotated, and air filter clean and it was unstoppable. That last bit shook the daylights out of it twice a day for 6 months, never had a problem. I can't say enough about how much this little car handled everything I threw at it, from heavy downpours in the South (I mean, it was in Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina, not in New Orleans, but still), to ice and snow in the New Mexico high desert, to a 2 mile long corrugated dirt/mud rode that was daily driven for 6 months. You can put a 50 inch TV in there, no problem. And I say little, but really, inside this thing can fit almost anything you need to carry short of construction supplies. High speed switchbacks and tight turns are where this little car shines. It gripped tenaciously, like it was a slot car. car will suffer that, and somehow the Protege5 almost didn't have it. Extreme limits bring understeer, but any fwd. The steering feels perfect, and at the limit you can feel it gradually start to break away. There's nothing that isn't perfectly placed for the driver, the gear shift and pedals are naturally positioned, the seats were comfortable for my rather large frame.
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