1996 to 2002 Mazda Protoges, Any Chronic problems ?

[clydehowell]

Hi, I am new to this forum. I need advice on buying a used Protoge. (one of many other used cars that I am considering)
I am considering the years between 1996 & 2002. I am replacing my failing 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Is there anyone that can tell me which year between '96 & '02 that is the most reliable? If there is a certain year, are ther any chronic problems with it that I should be aware of?
I would greatly appreciate any advice that any of you can give me.

Thank you,
Clyde Howell

[Flash75]

I have a 2002 Protege 5 and have not experienced any problems with it. My son had one and he had no problems. My car has only 33k miles so it's perhaps too early to know if it's reliable. My sons car had about 43k miles when he traded it.

Clifton

[rthrdent]

I bought an '01 ES with 15k and it now has over 40k. I can say this car is AWESOME! Absolutely no problems, 35mpg and a ball to drive. When researching, I discovered that the Mazda is in the same league as Honda and Toyota for reliability, but doens't have the rep so costs less. I highly recommend the car and also visiting Edmunds.com for research and shopping. They have owner forums and reviews on there that are great. Kepp in mind though that the ES model, while being full of goodies, is the sport model with big wheels and low-pro tires so the ride's kinda rough. Goes around corners like a roller coaster though! ;-)

Allen