 I bought this car to replace my old 2002 Toyota Celica GT (engine went at 19,000mi).  I had looked at other cars, namely the Audi A4 but decided against it due to high maintainence costs.  Then I looked at this 2002 Mazda Protege ES which provided a BMW like driving experience along with an attractive, sporty interior/exterior.  I have had this car almost 7 months; there have been no problems whatsoever.  Which is suprising since I learned to drive standard on this car.  You would think all the bucking, stalling and over revving would have damaged it, I guess not.  The car is as strong as ever *knock on wood.* Great car for the money.