Auto Guide
2001 Mazda Protege
Used

Review and specifications

2001 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
$2,950
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2001
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated June 4, 2026

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
$2,950
Retail value range
$2,850 - $3,950
Original MSRP range
$12,765 - $18,020
Trade-in range
$600 - $1,310

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: 8972 First published: July 10, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

Keep comparing

All Mazda models