Against 263 other 4-cyl cars rated 2001–2003, the Protege sits right on their 24.3 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1990, the 1.5L 4-cyl (1995–1998), does 29.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2L 4-cyl (2002–2003), 24: $298 a year apart.
Every Mazda Protege engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 26.3 / 34 | 1995–1998 | $1,302 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 25 / 31.8 | 1990–2001 | $1,391 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 24 / 33 | 1992–1994 | $1,422 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 22 / 28 | 2002–2003 | $1,600 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 27.3 mpg, the Hyundai Accent 28 mpg and the Mitsubishi Lancer 26.3 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2003 Protege. The Protege costs the most of them to run: $229 a year more than the Hyundai Accent.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2003) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2001–2003 | +$20 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,271 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2003 Mazda Protege gives up 6 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 22 in the city, $374 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2003) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (27%) | Typical for its type |
How the Protege changed over the years
The Protege peaked in 1996 at 30 mpg (27 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 24 — 6 mpg apart, or $320 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2003 car does 24. The biggest single-year change came in 2002: 28 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2002 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2001 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2000 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1999 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1998 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1997 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1996 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1995 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1994 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1993 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1992 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1991 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1990 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Mazda Protege — 4 engines across 1990–2003. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,271. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2003 Mazda Protege get?
24 mpg combined, 22 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1990 the Protege has averaged 27.5 mpg.
Is the 2003 Protege more efficient than the 2002?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which Protege year has the best gas mileage?
The 1996, at 30 mpg combined (27 city, 35 highway).
Does the Protege get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 24 mpg for the 2003 Protege against 27.3 for the 2004 Ford Focus, about $193 a year more to run.
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