🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: Protege Year: 2001 Codes Chassis Code: BJ Series Platform: Mazda Familia/Protege Platform 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car Target Audience: Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, individuals seeking reliable and affordable transportation Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra Protege Advantages: Sporty handling, good value for money, often more engaging driving experience than some rivals Key Features Manual Value: Provides factory-level repair information, enabling owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper procedures. Vehicle Strengths: Reliability, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride for its class, available sport-oriented 'MP3' trim. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Trim Levels Covered: DX, LX, ES, MP3 (including specific variations within these trims) Body Styles Covered: Sedan, Hatchback (Mazdaspeed Protege chassis variants potentially included) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system Drivetrain: Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear discs/drums), ABS Electrical: Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, SRS (Airbag) system Body: Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers, exterior lighting, seals Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, belt replacements Repair Rebuild: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, alternator/starter replacement, HVAC blower motor replacement Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Trouble codes (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, emissions system diagnostics Installation Adjustment: Component installation (e.g., timing belt, water pump), alignment procedures, clutch adjustment, brake bleeding Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text content for quick information retrieval Print Quality Printability: Printable for physical use Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: FP-DE Engine Displacement 1: 1.8 Liters (1839 cc) Engine Type 1: DOHC Inline-4 Horsepower 1: 122 hp @ 5500 RPM Torque 1: 118 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM Secondary Engine Engine Code 2: FS-DE Engine Displacement 2: 2.0 Liters (1991 cc) Engine Type 2: DOHC Inline-4 (Variable Valve Timing - VVT-i equivalent, known as VVT on Mazda) Horsepower 2: 130 hp @ 5500 RPM (standard), 170 hp @ 6600 RPM (Mazdaspeed Protege) Torque 2: 135 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (standard), 145 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM (Mazdaspeed Protege) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended) Performance 0 60 Mph Estimate: 8-10 seconds (depending on engine and transmission) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type 1: 5-speed Manual Optional Type 2: 4-speed Automatic Features Transmission Fluid Spec Manual: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic: Dexron III (or equivalent) Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring (manual transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 171.9 inches (Sedan) Width: Approx. 67.5 inches Height: Approx. 56.5 inches (Sedan) Wheelbase: Approx. 102.8 inches Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 11.1 cubic feet (Sedan) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and options) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3600 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: 4/5 stars (2001 model year testing) NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: 4/5 stars (2001 model year testing) IIHS Crash Test Performance: Good (for models tested, depending on year and specific crash test) - often rated well for its class. Active Features ABS: Available on most trims, standard on ES Traction Control: Not commonly available on this model year Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger front airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims. Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette, typically 4 or 6 speaker system. Base models may have fewer speakers or no CD player. Climate Control: Manual HVAC controls with A/C and heater. Automatic climate control was not a common option for this generation. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on LX and ES trims, optional on some others. Anti Lock Brakes: ABS was available, standard on higher trims like the ES. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary input. Aftermarket solutions are common. Bluetooth: Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket head unit installation is required for Bluetooth connectivity. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed (check for dirt/obstruction) Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. iridium) Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial!...
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, individuals seeking reliable and affordable transportation
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra
Protege Advantages:
Sporty handling, good value for money, often more engaging driving experience than some rivals
Key Features
Manual Value:
Provides factory-level repair information, enabling owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper procedures.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride for its class, available sport-oriented 'MP3' trim.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Trim Levels Covered:
DX, LX, ES, MP3 (including specific variations within these trims)
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear discs/drums), ABS
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, SRS (Airbag) system
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable for physical use
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
FP-DE
Engine Displacement 1:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Engine Type 1:
DOHC Inline-4
Horsepower 1:
122 hp @ 5500 RPM
Torque 1:
118 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM
Secondary Engine
Engine Code 2:
FS-DE
Engine Displacement 2:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc)
Engine Type 2:
DOHC Inline-4 (Variable Valve Timing - VVT-i equivalent, known as VVT on Mazda)
Horsepower 2:
130 hp @ 5500 RPM (standard), 170 hp @ 6600 RPM (Mazdaspeed Protege)
8-10 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type 1:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Type 2:
4-speed Automatic
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring (manual transmission)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 171.9 inches (Sedan)
Width:
Approx. 67.5 inches
Height:
Approx. 56.5 inches (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.8 inches
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11.1 cubic feet (Sedan)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3600 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 stars (2001 model year testing)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 stars (2001 model year testing)
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Good (for models tested, depending on year and specific crash test) - often rated well for its class.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on most trims, standard on ES
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on this model year
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette, typically 4 or 6 speaker system. Base models may have fewer speakers or no CD player.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls with A/C and heater. Automatic climate control was not a common option for this generation.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on LX and ES trims, optional on some others.
Anti Lock Brakes:
ABS was available, standard on higher trims like the ES.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary input. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Bluetooth:
Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket head unit installation is required for Bluetooth connectivity.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed (check for dirt/obstruction)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial! Every 60,000 miles for 1.8L FP-DE, 70,000 miles for 2.0L FS-DE (interference engine - failure can cause severe damage).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.3 US quarts (4.1 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Engine Performance Minor:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Ignition coil pack issues can lead to misfires.
Suspension Wear:
Worn sway bar end links and bushings can cause clunking noises over bumps. Front control arm bushings are also common wear items.
Electrical Issues:
Intermittent issues with power windows, door locks, and dashboard lights can occur due to worn wiring or switches.
Exhaust System Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion on exhaust components, especially in areas with road salt.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Heritage:
Founded in 1920, Mazda is known for its innovative engineering and focus on driving dynamics, often referred to as 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one).
Model Evolution
Protege Generation:
This 2001 model is part of the third generation (BJ series, 1998-2003) of the Mazda Protege/Familia.
Bj Series Updates:
The BJ series introduced more refined styling, improved chassis dynamics, and a wider range of engine options compared to previous generations. The 2001 model received minor updates, potentially including revised options and features.
Production
Assembly Location:
Hofu, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (under Ford's ownership/joint ventures)
Production Years Bj Series:
1998-2003
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best 10:
The Protege family, particularly the Mazdaspeed variants and well-equipped trims, often received positive mentions for value and driving dynamics, though specific '10Best' awards for the 2001 model are not prominent.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated average to above-average for reliability in its class for this era, with specific models and engines showing varying performance.
Certifications
Safety Certification:
Compliant with all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2001 model year.