99 Protege
http://www.edmunds.com/used/1999/maz...ege/index.html
2001 Protege(newer gen)
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2001/maz...ege/index.html
and just for interest the 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/maz...ege/index.html
I Love Mazda. let me start off by stating that. Secondly I've owned a few Protege Models-Protege5 Sport Wagon(not station wagon
) and the Mazdaspeed. I've also had the pleasure of driving every model of Protege and most of the 323 models(no GTX yet-and only North American models). They may not be the fastest cars I've ever driven, however they do maintain 'pep' and quickness through agility.The interior is comfortable and durable for the most part. Space on the interior is to be expected from a compact but gives you enough room for your ass, a bag of grass and a tank of gas...the grass to be consumed after driving driving, obviously.
The ride in the Protege I find to be a very enjoyable smooth ride. Gas mileage is fairly good and a tank can last if you're driving smart(early shifts, no WOT, proper use of gears etc). Something to remember with these cars though is that they are made by Mazda, and racing history or not these cars are not strip cars at all. instead they are much more at home in the finese part of driving. Also known as the real part. The handling aspect of driving is very enjoyable and predictable in these cars. Infact I learned how to control a car in some of the most extreme situations I've ever been presented with and a Protege has helped me through each situation with a nervous giggle and tear of joy. You can enjoy all those corners with the yellow warning signs in this car and if you push it's limits it is a forgiving car. However do not rely on that, always drive within you're limits and only push them in controled situations where it is legal to do so.
Now that was all based on the Handling of a stock 2.0L 01-03 style Protege.Now this model will handle almost the same as the 99-00 1.6L and 1.8L as they are all 3rd gen. The major differences from that model to the 99-00 is engines avail. Theres the 1.6L and the 1.8L.Now unless I am mistaken the 1.8L and the 2.0L engines are very similar and the only major difference is in the stroke. With this in mind I do believe that if you plan on modifying your car I'd get the 1.8L because the shorter stroke makes it a more predictable and controllable engine when introducing forced induction(TC/SC).I may be way off because I read something about this a long time ago, I'll see if I can dig up what I was reading and verify this.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showt...hp?t=123636091
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117286 -this one has stock bore and stroke measurements for the 1.8L FP-DE VS the 2.0L FS-DE
As nice as the Mazdaspeed Protege is with it's unique-ness and all the upgrades and hooplaw, I wish I had of done the turbo system myself on a stock FS-DE as Callaway's sytem is quirky to say the least. Everything else is top-notch and makes the car certainly no slouch when it comes to being quick. Much faster straight sure...but the corners are a huge difference from a stock ride. Put the right tires on this car and it's a dream. Now I'll end my long wind for now until I dig up the information on that Engine thing. If anyone knows more about what I was trying to say let me know, but I'm sure the 1.8L and 2.0L are built off the same block and the difference is internals. The 1.8L being stronger bottom end and top. But thats if you plan on modifying and adding some form of forced induction.