Mazda Protege
25.3 MPG The 2000 Mazda Protege is EPA-rated at 25.3 MPG combined (22.8 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 593 gallons, $1897 a year in fuel, or $0.126 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1992–2000 run it averages 25.2 MPG, improving by 0.8 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.099 | $988 | $1482 | $1976 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.119 | $1186 | $1779 | $2372 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.126 | $1265 | $1897 | $2530 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.138 | $1383 | $2075 | $2767 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.158 | $1581 | $2372 | $3162 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.178 | $1779 | $2668 | $3557 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.198 | $1976 | $2964 | $3953 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 25.3 MPG | 22.8 | 29 | $2475 | 353 | 4 |
| 1999 | 25.3 MPG | 22.8 | 29 | $2475 | 353 | 4 |
| 1998 | 25.5 MPG | 22.8 | 29.8 | $2463 | 351 | 4 |
| 1997 | 25.5 MPG | 22.8 | 29.8 | $2463 | 351 | 4 |
| 1996 | 26.3 MPG | 23.3 | 31 | $2400 | 342 | 4 |
| 1995 | 25.7 MPG | 22.8 | 30.7 | $2458 | 349 | 6 |
| 1994 | 24.3 MPG | 21.5 | 28.8 | $2588 | 368 | 4 |
| 1993 | 24.5 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2550 | 364 | 4 |
| 1992 | 24.5 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2550 | 364 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Mazda Protege ranks 91 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Skyhawk (25.5), Cadillac CT4 (25.5), Chevrolet Cavalier (25.5), Dodge Neon (25.5), Pontiac Sunfire (25.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 353 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda Protege get?
The 2000 Mazda Protege is rated at 25.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 22.8 city and 29 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 25.2 MPG, ranging from 22 to 30 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda Protege cost in fuel per year?
At 25.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 593 gallons — roughly $1897 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.126 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2000 model is $2475.
Has the Mazda Protege become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 24.5 MPG in 1992 to 25.3 in 2000 — an improvement of 0.8 MPG, or 3% across 9 model years.
Is the Mazda Protege efficient for its class?
It ranks 91 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 1.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.