Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Do not buy this car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jbshagg - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. if you truly read up you will find that most other owners complain about the axles, brakes, rotors, and loadness when driving on the highway. I have it in the shop AT LEAST twice a year. It is great on gas but too light in the snow in rain. I feel unsafe in the car, and want to trade, but currently owe more on it than it is worth.

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  Best choice - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mazdagirl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Protege5. I spend alot of time in my car and these seats have to be the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive driven! The 5-speed is FUN and the car handles great. I couldnt ask for anything better at this price.

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  Practically Fun - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Morgan Andriulli - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its amazing how adding a hatch and some spoilers turned the unnoticed Protege into a real looker. Men, women, kids (and insects) all tend to like my Yellow P5. Athletic handling and adequate power match the racy looks. It handles like my 90 Miata, but can haul a lawn mower. It seems that Mazsa build cars with all the reliability and three times the character of Honda and Toyota. Nobody ever asked me about my Corolla at the gas pump. I kind of want some more power and taller gearing. Everything seems to fit and complement each other just so. I am afraid to upset the balance trying to mess with a good thing. Maybe I will grow up and graduate to the new 6 in a few years. Nah!

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  The best in its class. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By sokokid - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I think mazda has a hidden gem in its protege series. The handling is the best in its class, the manual transmision is slick, and the 130hp, while not likely to blow your doors off, is geared to give great power off the line and in low to mid rpms... perfect for racing around town. Throw in great styling, a great list of standard equipment, and a practical hatchback/ wagon design and I cant even imagine why anyone would consider a civic/corolla/sentra. This car is not simply "reliable transportaion", but a fun car to drive that I am proud to own... something I didnt expect when spending only $15k.

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  Zoom Zoom Zooom Zoom..... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By spdboy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! Comfortable and stylish and yet functional.

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  2002 PR5 vs Honda Fit - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mustangleader - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  Bought new 165,000 miles. Read a review by a person who traded in his PR5 for Fit claiming how it was a much better car. Huh? PR5 has more space and is a bigger car. Mileage is slightly better via Fit because its a smaller engine. Fit owner claims it drives like a go cart. Well, I drove a Fit and no comparison. Stock PR5 still out performs Fit and with some aftermarket things like cold air filter, magna flow system, and computer update for less than $800, the PR5 outperforms fit in every area except for mileage which I get 25 in town, 32-34 on the road depending how fast I drive. If you can get a low mileage PR5, the cost is cheaper than a Fit and these cars last.

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  Little Wagon that could. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Huckster357 - September 8 - 8:43 pm

  Exterior is both good looking and functional. Front bumper a little low. Interior nicely excuted and supportive but roof line a little low. Center arm rest needs better placement. Performance: excellent handling & ABS brakes. Engine needs more power. Great versatility w/ individually fold down rear seats. Seat position and pedal placement hard to adjust for maximum comfort. Many bonus extras in a low price package makes it more attractive than its competitors.

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  20,000 and counting...... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By lovinmymp5 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my mp5 for almost a year and I love it. The build quailty is great, no squeaks or rattles, and the engine has run flawlessly. I drive around 50 miles per day, on country roads, and get 28 mpg. Its a great looking "economy car" for money.

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  The Best Sports Wagon for the Price - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Teepee - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We bought this in Delaware because none of the NY dealers could/would get us the Vivid Yellow one in the Summer of 2001. Been perfectly reliable and the subject of a great many enquiries at stop lights. Far the best looking vehicle in its class. So much fun to drive it is difficult to keep within the lease miles :-) Handling is great but probably needs more rubber in the front, particularly in the wet. You need to keep the tire pressure correct to maintain the handling. Brakes excellent. Good for tall (63") and short (51") drivers. Plenty of room for the Mother in Law in the back.

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  A Blast To Drive... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DuManchu - July 30 - 3:03 am

  I bought this car in the spring of 05. I put on about 30K miles in the time I owned it. Only had to replace brake pads and resurface the disks. The car has been perfect. The only other problem with it was the 12V socket pulling out from me overusing it, but I understand its a common problem on these. This car is just hands down a BLAST to drive. Ill recall a time I was on "Peak-to-Peak" in Colorado (west of Denver) and I was trailing an Acura 3.2CL. While I couldnt keep up with him on the straights, I gained serious ground on the turns. I was cornering so hard I got DIZZY at one point but the car never wavered. The only thing this car NEEDS is 30-40 more HP.