Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  loved and lost - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Brandon k - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car and wow,not what I was expecting. The 2.0 four cylinder feels more like a six,maybe thanks to the five speed attached to it. Handling that feels like a little sports car, thats what my insurance company said too. Great audio system and overall lovability. But like most cars it couldnt handle black top, but loved ashalt and black top is where i wrecked it, thus loved and lost.

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  Still Happy after 60K miles - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By garv214 - August 14 - 8:03 pm

  Bought my car new back in 2001 and have enjoyed it thoroughly. A blast to drive in day to day driving (great handling). Replaced the tires at 40K with Firestone Fusions (uprated to 205mm) which fixed the poor wet weather traction of the Dunlops. A couple of common minor gripes: burned out headlight bulbs (4 so far - what is up with that?), wind noise from the roof rack is present, passenger window rolls up more slowly than drivers side, and had to replace the coil to correct an engine miss. Overall, the car has been a joy to own. I get 28-30 mpg routinely, can fit 4 adults comfortably, and haul a bunch of stuff as needed. Add good looks and great handling and you have a real winner. =)

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  bobngretchen - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By belike - August 1 - 2:00 am

  great car wife loves it

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  Hubby has the last laugh . . . - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By TReegs - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to the P5 from the first moment I saw it. Prior to that, I had a Matrix in mind.On the road its obvious The P5 is a superior looking automobile. The P5 was the smartest choice we could have made. Loaded with options & priced lower than anything in itsclass.I found the ride was strange at first, because I was used to a more plush ride in our Concorde LXI (o.k.-my wifes car) Also, because I had never owned a Mazda before. Now I look forward to hopping in every morning and zipping to work. My wife is equally impressed & has asked me if I want to switch off and take the Chrysler some days. I have to keep myself from giggling, "thats okay honey, Ill take the Mazda . . .

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  Needs more horses! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By cactusrose - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is a hoot to drive, or it wold be, if it had a bigger engine. Everything about this car says "zippy" - the looks, the tires and especially the chassis. But when the pedal is down, wheres the zoom zoom we hear about? It just feels like an underpowered rental in the engine department. Kick the ponies up north of 175 and this car will perform like it looks and handles.

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  Finally A Spriting Affordable Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JJ - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Absolute blast to drive and I get comments often on how good looking it is. The downside its not as well built as our 2001 Honda Civic. The protege5 has more annoyances at 2,000 miles than our Civic at 13,000 (these include windows that go up an down at different rates, some squeaks and rattles, and the drivers side window makes some weird sound.) The engine is adequate with lots of lower end torque, but kinda fights revving in the higher rpms. I just think its first year quirks thatll hopefully be addressed.

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  Finally A Spriting Affordable Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jj - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Absolute blast to drive and I get comments often on how good looking it is. The downside its not as well built as our 2001 Honda Civic. The protege5 has more annoyances at 2,000 miles than our Civic at 13,000 (these include windows that go up an down at different rates, some squeaks and rattles, and the drivers side window makes some weird sound.) The engine is adequate with lots of lower end torque, but kinda fights revving in the higher rpms. I just think its first year quirks thatll hopefully be addressed.

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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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  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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  Fun, quirky hatch - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By threeer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Love the way this car handles the twisties! Its always cool to lift the hood and see the strut brace. Continue to be impressed with the room inside. Layout is logical. On the down side, disappointed in the gas mileage, as well as long-term driving comfort. Its very busy at higher speeds, and tends to drone on.