 I purchased a 99 Protege DX (used for 
only 5 months - repo'ed) in 1/00 for my 
wife.  I have had to invest no money in 
this car other than for gas and oil.  
No electrical problems, no mechanical 
problems.  Comfortable for our family 
of four.  Adequate acceleration for a 
1.6 auto; don't expect to be pushed 
back into your seat.  Good fuel 
economy -  high 20s to low 30s in 
mostly urban driving.  Nice, 
conservative styling.  
 Could use more sound insulation, though.
 I recently acquired a Montero for my 
wife, and plan to use the Protege 
myself - it'll make a good substitute 
for my 96 VW Jetta money pit.