Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Problems - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By lallabear - February 16 - 10:43 am

  I expected the car to last with proper maintenance. However, even with proper maintenance Ive replaced the engine coil and now the a/c has gone out as well. It is also starting to make a strange sound when accelerating. (I havent had this checked out yet, just started). It was a fun economical car to drive until 60,000 miles.

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  really like my car..so far.... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By monk - January 31 - 5:36 pm

  I do enjoy my car thus far...It is a little on the under powered side coming from a 91 civic SI. I do however see some huge potential if I can spare some bucks...Plus it is a lot easier to get two kids in(as opposed to the SI). My only real complaint(other than the power issue) is the anti theft alarm which came stock on the model I bought..It is just to darn sensitive..My Motorcycle sets it off along with loud trucks and busses..The dealership says that they can do nothing about it as does mazda corp..Other than dealing with that.... buy this car...It is fun and DAMN good looking(for a 3 door oooops 5 door)

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  Great Deal - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By wampratz - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This car was a phenomenal deal. Every other car I looked at priced well over 18k. I got the base model, which still had ac, power windows / locks, and I got it for $14,995 with the 4.9 financing. So I dont think theres a better deal under 15k.

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  out of storage - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Graish - January 10 - 3:13 am

  I purchase my PR5 in 03. Drove it for two years and put it in storage for five because of my overseas employment. Its now back on the road with 40k on it and shinny as she was when I put her up. She still has the "new car" smell. Ive fell in love with her all over again, especially now that she has some age on her, you dont see too many of them running about and mine has very low mileage. Ill be doing to official key turnover ceremony to my college bound son this coming Summer. I hope it last him for his four years hell be needing it. A trip home to daddys workshop over few months will keep her running.

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  Great, practical car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By srutig - December 21 - 8:58 pm

  This car is so fun to drive! It feels fast even at lower speeds and handles great. It is still a joy to drive with the automatic transmission. This is an extremely practical car- great for everyday commutes or for first time drivers. This car is also very reliable and running great after 11 years.

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  One nagging question - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ROOKIE - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  Why does this M5, a Mazda product have to be primarily manuf. in MO? Appears all things fit but am concerned that Japanese tend to on average put together products w/ more costomer care in mind.

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  Lots of bang for the buck. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Moosejohnson - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I live up here in the Great White North so I have the Canadian version of the P5 Only options A/C, Auto, Moonroof. Got them all. Total out the door $27000Can now thats a Great price with all the with all the standard options included...PS, PB(Disc),PW, Airbags,CD player, ABS, Speed sensitive steering etc etc. No other car offers so much. I tried the Focus ZX3 but found it to be a very badly made vehicle although the engine/transmission setup was better. I would suggest a K&N filter to improve power and gas milage.A good $40 investment.

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Memo - November 7 - 10:03 am

  The Protege 5 is a great vehicle. It is fun to drive, yet humble enough for use as a family car. It is a very solidly built vehicle. Too bad they were only made for 2 years.

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  too soon to say anything - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By new mazda owner - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Just got a silver with auto. I test drove the following: 1. rodeo 2. focus 3. cavalier 4. hyundai sonata 5. hyundai elantra 6. protege 7. camry 8. corolla 9. altima 10.honda accord 11.honda civic and liked altima(wow wow wowo, too bad they had no summer incentive) and corolla has created a lot of space. I have a old corolla already. So, I bought protege (0% apr and 500 college rebate) and no such deal on altima. The car handles great, but the ride is very rough compared to my corolla (which is smooth at least on windless days). Other than that, this is great looking car and fun and very well styled. It is quite underpowered.

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  Perfect - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By rwantin - October 25 - 10:00 am

  If theres another vehicle that looks this good, is this much fun to drive, as reliable, economical, or useful at this price I have yet to see it. Its no wonder it won that Car and Driver comparison test in the 6/02 issue.