 I've owned 6 Mazdas (2 626s, 2 MPVs, Millenia, and this Protege) this is the most fun to drive so far.  I loved my Millenia, but I missed having a 5-speed, so I traded it in on the Protege.  This car, like all Mazdas, has been very reliable.  It is fun to drive and it handles very well.  I've had 2 other verisons of the 2.0L engine.  It is an excellent engine and the one in this Protege is the most powerful so far.  My son has the same engine in his Ford Escort. It's no match for the power mine produces.