The commercials showing a Mazda Protege whipping down a winding desert road, filling the mirrors of a wildly flailing Miata aren't off the mark. The 2001 Mazda Miata delivers sprightly performance and can maintain its own against all comers in this price range. Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!
Though already outstanding, the Mazda Protege got a major makeover for 2001.
More power is available through the addition of an optional 2.0-liter engine. Four-wheel disc brakes are available. Ride and handling, already excellent for this class, is further improved through significant chassis and suspension reinforcements. The interior is more hushed with substantially improved insulation and anti-vibration measures, and the interior has been revised for enhanced convenience.
The mighty Protege offers as much interior roominess as many higher-priced mid-size sedans, and it's as comfortable as it is spacious. Ride quality is comparable to larger, pricier cars. Sporty handling makes it fun to drive and easy to maneuver in today's crowded world.