Mazda
The compact that spawned the MazdaSpeed Protege turbo. A fun, tunable sleeper.
The Mazda Protege is a compact sedan and hatchback from the 1990s and early 2000s, known for fun handling and, in the MazdaSpeed Protege, a genuine performance edge. The MazdaSpeed Protege used a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned chassis, becoming a sleeper favorite among budget enthusiasts. The Protege blended Mazda driving focus with affordable practicality, and the Protege5 hatchback added versatility. It was succeeded by the Mazda3, which carried forward its driver-focused character. The MazdaSpeed Protege remains a cult tuner pick. On WhipJury, Protege submissions favor the MazdaSpeed and Protege5.