The Mazda Protege debuted in the 1990 model year as the upscale 4-door version of the company's base model, the 323. When the Protege was redesigned for 1995 it became Mazda's entry-level passenger car, after the 323 hatchback was discontinued. While the Protege boasts one of the largest interiors in the compact-sedan class, sales were initially slow due to high prices caused by its production in Japan. Adjustments to equipment levels and prices seem to have helpedsales have since increased. Mazda redesigned the Protege for the 1999 model year and freshened it for the 2001 model year.