Mazda Protege is a compact car that was produced by Japanese automaker Mazda from 1989–2003. It was succeeded by the Mazda3/Axela for the 2004 model year. The Mazda Protege was offered in sedan and station wagon models, with a choice of 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter, and 2.0-liter engines. The Protege was well-known for its reliable performance and great value.