Get the Best Priced Mazda Protege5 Parts

The origins of the Mazda Protege date back to the early 1960s, by which time Japan's post-war economy had recovered and average Japanese consumers were able to afford such luxuries. Known then as the Mazda "Familia," it was a gas-sipping economy car, priced to be within the reach of virtually everyone. However, it was more than a decade before the first model was exported to North America. In 1977, the first models arrived in U.S. dealer showrooms. Known as the GLC (for "Great Little Car"), it was a sub-compact with rear-wheel drive, powered by a 1.0 liter four cylinder engine, putting out a mere 44 horsepower - but it would go a long way on a gallon of gas.

The first time the vehicle was exported to the U.S. as the Mazda "Protege" was in 1994. By then, the car was in its seventh generation as a compact. The four-cylinder gasoline engine offerings ranged from a 1.4 74 horsepower model to a 2.0 version, rated at 144 horsepower. Beginning in 1995, a 2.0 liter engine was offered as well. Styles included a four-door sedan, a three-door hatchback and a station wagon. Mazda ceased production of the Protege/Familia in 2003 after a forty-year run.

The Mazda Protege5 was one of the last models sold in the U.S. It was the company's attempt to build and market a sportier station wagon - and on this score, Mazda was reasonably successful. It's 2.0 liter ULEV engine was able to put out a respectable 130 horses, able to take the Protege5 from zero to 60 in just over ten seconds. With a top speed of 118 miles per hour, the Protege still averaged 25 miles per gallon. Handling was worthy of its sports-car relative , the Mazda Miata roadster, with fine-tuned power steering and a strut-tower brace for keeping the vehicle on track.

Inside, the interior cabin was pleasant, if not lavish. It included faux suede door inserts, a dimpled vinyl texture for the dashboard and unique instrument "speed lettering." For $17,000, it was a decent buy as far as a sport wagon goes. One of its drawbacks was the lack of cargo space; compared to other station wagons in its price range, it came up short in this respect, with only 24 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.

Over the years, the Mazda Protege has proven to be a reliable, durable vehicle. Long-term owners (who have held on to their vehicles for ten years or more) report that the Protege keeps running strong long past the 250,000 mile mark with the usual maintenance and minor repairs that come up along the way. The only annoyance is the headlights, which need to be replaced frequently.

A used Mazda Protege5 is a good buy, provided it has been maintained in good repair. In junk yards, Mazda Protege5 vehicles are not seen very often, but can be a source for Mazda Protege5 parts for sale. If you're looking for newer components and even Mazda Protege5 performance parts, a better source is PartsGeek.com, which has a range of automotive components at discounts of up to 80%.