Review and specifications
2000 Mazda Protege
Redesigned in 1999, the Protegé is one of our top-rated small sedans. We suggest opting for the uplevel ES, which brings a smooth 1.8-liter Four; the lower-trim LX has a smaller 1.6-liter Four that provides less punch, especially when mated to an automatic transmission. We also recommend antilock brakes, though they may be hard to come by in this model. Handling is fairly nimble and secure. The ride is on the firm side, especially in the ES, but quieter than it used to be. And interior room is ample for a small sedan, with a usable rear seat.
- Market value
- $2,775
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Manual
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Manual, 5-speed
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 1999
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $2,775
- Retail value range
- $2,775 - $2,825
- Original MSRP range
- $12,215 - $15,315
- Trade-in range
- $515 - $585
Ratings
- Road test score
- 72/100
Fuel economy
- Tested city
- 18 MPG
- Tested highway
- 49 MPG
- Tested overall
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,390
- Cruising range
- 370 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.7 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 10.6 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 144 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 54 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 174 in
- Width
- 67 in
- Wheelbase
- 103 in
- Weight
- 2,645 lb
- Maximum load
- 850 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 2.5 in
- Front leg room
- 41 in
- Rear head room
- 2 in
- Rear leg room
- 27.5 in
- Cargo volume
- 0 cu ft
- Luggage
- 5+0
Brand context
About Mazda
<p>Over time, Mazdas are known to be affordable, fun to drive, and good-looking inside and out. Many of its small crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports' recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. However, its new midsized SUVs have not lived up to the brand’s reliability reputation. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an inexpensive pre-owned car. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades prior, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 9716 First published: July 10, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.