Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Good Car for What I Paid - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By allister - December 5 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car used at CarMax. It has 36K and is a good deal at $12,500 with all the extras including ABS. This is the first non-Honda Ive driven in 10 years. I am having to get used to the poor gas mileage compared to my Hondas 30+ MPG. City driving I get anywhere between 23-27.5 if I drive like grandpa. I like the roominess. I wish it had a better stereo. Also a lot of squeeks and noises from the front dash and doors. I read other reviews and this seems like the norm. The deal I got I cant complain. I wish for better mileage. Otherwise happy so far.

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  My Mazda PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Sol - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Pr5,as i liked the styling,and the look.It is almost nine months and have no complints,except one.The quiteness of the interior leaves a lot to be desired.Gas mileage is good,twenty five to the gallon.It handles and responds well.I have had a Mazda Millenia[lease]in 1997,and had very satisfactory experience,which led me to purchase this Pr5.

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  Wife wrecked one with 4,100 miles - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bengie - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Wife was rear ended by a Honda CRV going 45 MPH afer she had stopped for an accident on the I 285 Beltway around Atlanta. CRV hit the rear, ran under Protege5, tiping nose into the ground. The cars frame collapsed perfectly, and even though not one piece of glass was broken, and all doors would open, and the car would run, the car was totalled. My wife received a sprained neck and back and only missed a day of work. She was sick that we could not get another car just like it. Our dealer worked hard to fine one 400 miles away and we are going to pick it up. This car is not only fun to drive, but protects you as well.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bruce - November 2 - 12:46 am

  I wrote a review at 165,000 miles. Drives like a go kart due to tight suspension. Doesnt like rough roads but smooth twisties, its a dream. Normal main. only except for H2O pump at 80,000 miles. Original clutch. People complain about lack of power but overall comfort, fun to drive and cargo space outweighed the hp. I added turbo exhaust, K&N filter and had the computer reprogrammed. Sporty sound now. May have added 10-15 hp and car is fast as I want to maintain 31 mpg/hwy. Better daily driver than my 2007 Speed 3. 5 speed is much smoother than the 6 speed of the Speed3. Rough ride on harsh roads due to sport suspension, still better than Speed 3. The car is a keeper if you take it.

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  Can it be any better? - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By cycling40 - October 12 - 11:30 pm

  Picked up the car on Presidents Day. Put on a hundred miles on it. Best car Ive ever owned if you compare to the cars Ive driven and owned (Trans Am, Camaros, Datsun 280ZX, Toyota Corolla/Camry, Honda Civic/Accord). As others have said, could use a little more power but quite adequate as is. Bought the car based on reviews, no test drive. The five-speed manual is a honey. If the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe can improve on this, Id truly be disappointed. Just a gem of a pocket rocket.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ProtoJoe - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This car currently has less than 1000 miles, but I am pleased thus far. I dont think you can find another car of this variety that offers the features and style given for the price. My car was one of the first built, so were a couple of minor problems that were probably corrected in later builds. This car loaded came in about 4000 less than a WRX. Granted it lacks the HP and AWD, but if you are going to be carrying a child, it causes you to drive a little more sensibly. ;-)

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  Not so quiet zoom zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By FS_DE - September 13 - 5:30 pm

  Bought this car used with 17k miles. From day one it has been a truly awesome car to drive. The quality of craftsman ship and design, with all the stock options that come with makes it superb. Items to note: The lack of power (as many complain) is easily overcome by a cold air intake, ever since install its been getting better midrange power and noticeably more torque when you need it. The cold gear grind in the manual transmission has completely gone away after i replaced the gear oil with synthetic oil. I did 70,000 miles in two years and its still a fun to drive car, no known problems what so ever. Maintain this car and you can easily reach 200k without a single problem.

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  definitely a fun car to drive - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By av - September 5 - 4:53 pm

  Almost bought one in 2002. It was a toss up between a loaded Civic VS Protege5. Ended up with the Civic simply because I was able to get a better deal. I finally bought one recently because I found a good deal. Pros: Fun car - excellent handling and braking Reliable Looks great Cons: Overall quality isnt great *Interior feels cheap (its a regular protege underneath the shiny stuff) *Interior ergonomics is almost non- existent *Motor mounts are poor quality *Poor rust protection *Horrible paint quality (some colors were single stage paint) *Whiny motor

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Jack - August 12 - 2:26 pm

  Brought Mazda new and have never regretted it. Fun to drive and a sporty look even after 7 years - I think Mazda made a mistake with the new Proteges - my Progete5 looks better then the new updated versions. Price and reliability are first rate, with good gas mileage and great interior room. Only thing Ive replaced are the low profile tires - went up to 205 from 195 - does not change look and tires dont wear out - 195 are expensive to replace and dont wear well and are hard to find.

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  Incredible! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By flowbee - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is one awesome car. Like one gentleman below, I was looking a Tribute. The Tribute is a great deal, but then I saw the Vibe and thought Id try it. The 130hp engine on the regular Vibe didnt do it for me, so I thought Id check out the 180hp GT. Then I tried the Protege 5. Wow! Much better than a Vibe. Definitely much smaller than the Tribute, but this thing is loaded, a lot cheaper, has better gas mileage, has sufficient room for my needs, and sportier. I thought Id be severely disappointed, coming from an Acura CL with 225 horses. But I was wrong! This thing kicks. Reminds me of my 1998 Acura Integra but has more room. Buy it! You wont be disappointed.