Topic: 2001 Mazda Protege LX vs. 2001 Corolla Sport: Fair Fight?

[geezer]

 I'm considering replacing my venerable 1994 Corolla (356,000 km and counting) mostly because it seems like I'm in the process of slowly rebuilding the beast: new brake line, new rad, new struts. I need new tires, too (190,000 km can really wear down a set of Michelin X-Ones).
My current replacement candidates are a 2001 Protege LX and a 2001 Corolla Sport. So, Protege/Corolla owners (and ex-owners), let's hear from you: What's so great and not so great about these cars?

[blappo]

 I recently bought a Protege5, but that is close enough to the Protege LX.  The protege is fairly nimble with good handling capabilties for an compact car.  The 2.0L engine has a good bit of mid-range power, although it could use more under 2000 RPMs.  They are roomy, comfortable, well-built cars and they look a lot better than a Corolla Sport IMHO (I think the Sport package actually makes the Corolla look worse).

I'm getting 9.0L/100km which is mostly city driving, but the Corolla should do better than that.  The Protege's gears are too tall on the MT, so on the hiway you'll be at 3500 RPMs at 120km/hr which is a bit loud to cruise at (not sure about AT).

I looked at both cars, but I thought the Protege was more fun to drive, looked better, felt peppier and had better financing rates.

[dip]

 I second Blappo on Protege. Having rented/borrowed both in my carless days, I found the Mazda to be more comfortable and more fun to drive. The "Sport" package on a Corolla adds about as much sportiness as the rear spoiler on a Caravan.

On the other hand, the Toyota will probably have better reliability and better mileage, so you have to decide what's more important to you.

[mp3butt]

Hi,

I did dangle between a Protege ES, Civic sport and Corolla Sport before settling withe Pro ES. The MSRPs don't differ much, but since Mazda 3 is coming out soon, I got 0% for 4 years and 90 days with no payment. Car-wise, I love Pro's nimbleness and excellence brake. The ride is on the harsh side and a little bit more horse is desired from the 2.0 L pony. Civic and Corolla are nice too, and each has very distinct character. However, in terms of choosing a compact sedan, you won't go wrong with any one of them.

MP3Butt

[mazda3]

 The newer Corollas are absolutely incredible, and if you choose one you're getting an amazing amount of car for the price.  They have more rear seating room than the Protege and are somewhat better on gas.

[multipath]

I love my '02 Protege ES, which incidentally will have the same engine as the '01 LX that you are contemplating.  Which tranny will it be - 5 speed or auto?

What I like about my car:
*  fun to drive, good handling
*  decent acceleration for its class
*  generally good fit and finish, inside and out
*  no reliability issues yet, no major warranty claims (only replacement of bolts that like to disappear from the manifold heat-shield, and a check of the A/C system), granted it's only got 36k on the clicker - brakes also wearing well, with over 60% left on the front pads.


What could be better, but not major issues:
*  not fond of the white-faced gauges on the ES trim level, but that of course is personal preference
*  would have liked a 4-spoke steering wheel instead of 3
*  low-speed (under 20 km/h) roughness of drivetrain - a common issue with the 2.0L in either tranny
*  lack of power lock switch on the passenger side
*  lack of variable intermittent wipers

Gripes:
*  not the greatest fuel-economy in it's class, but if I do a road trip, I can manage up to 32 MPG (using American, not Imperial gallons)
*  A/C is weak, hence my taking it in for a check.  Found to be within spec.  Also a common gripe on the vehicle from other owners.
*  horrible OEM tires - 15" Potenza RE92's seem to be the worst tires ever made for wet weather.  The 16" Dunlops apparanently don't get too warm a reception from owners with those, either.

Overall, you can't go wrong with the FS-DE 2.0L engine Proteges - a good bang for your buck.  Of course, Corollas are solidly built cars as well.

See which one floats your boat and go with it.

[Keith_moon]

Did you like your 1994 Corolla enough to consider purchasing another one? 356,000 km's aint too bad to get out of that car

[geezer]

The '94 was great, except that it was a bit gutless and the handling was soft.
The Protege, on the other hand, seems to handle significantly better, and has more torque under foot. I also find it better in terms of finding a comfortable driving position. My two biggest problems with a Protege are the fuel economy (or lack thereof) and there's no dealer near where I live.
The '01 Corolla is close to the Protege in terms of power, but is behind when it comes to handling and braking. You can't beat the fuel-sipping, though.
I've had 2 Corollas, so I know what to expect with them. I'm just not sure what to expect from the Protege.

[Mdxtasy]

I found the fit and finish of the Mazda a little below Honda and Toyota.  It's not bad but when I looked at the Protoge 2.0ES....it just didn't feel as substantial as the Honda and Corolla.  The way the door and trunk closes....the way the knobs and handles felt.  

[safristi]

Yeah and YOU being an expertKNOB and ALL!!

[Mdxtasy]

You and I both buddy.