Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  One recurring problem - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Peter R. - April 30 - 5:33 am

  I was initially happy with the car. The handling was superb and it suited my needs. However the odd size tires 195/55 16 are hard to find and expensive. The worst part has been the brakes. The left rear caliper siezed after 18 months and was fixed under warranty. I have had the same problem occur two more times in 7 years of ownership. I have replaced the rear rotors twice and the rear calipers once in 80,000. Plus 2 sets of pads and a rebuild of the the seized caliper twice. This is an unacceptable issue in my mind. My benchmark is my 1994 corolla that had zero problems in 120,000 miles.

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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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  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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  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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  My Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Trey Evans - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a midnight blue Protege5. The looks attracted me, but it was the drive that sold me. This is a tight, fun to drive car. The engine is peppy, but not fast, however the suspension handles better than sports cars I have owned. the interior is roomy, and well thought out even though some of the materials are cheap in feel and appearance. My only real complaint is the A/C just wont blow really cold air during our hot Texas summers, which is a must (this makes sense if you have ever been in Dallas in August. All things considered I love my car!!

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  MP5 Review - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By karak - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Totally a head turner. I actually have people talk to me about the car and tell me that they think its sharp. Great on gas and loaded with extras. The only thing that it is missing is a giant key on the back window. It drives like a wind up toy. Leather seats and a bigger engine would make this car a perfect 10.

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  Protege 5 was an Ok car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By zoolander - May 21 - 2:16 am

  Ive owned the car since new. The original Dunlop tires were worn out quickly and would have been expensive to replace had I not put new rims and all season tires on the car. Brakes, especially the back brakes have been a sore spot with me. The rear brakes have seized on several occasions and usually I need to replace rotors and brakes all around every year. That is far too frequent to be acceptable. The car has quite a bit of rust around the rear wheel wells and a spot on the hatch door. Paint has faded badly. Plastic parts, like the bumper, are of a different color than the paint due to aging and bleaching from the sun. Fuel economy isnt great.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Chris - April 22 - 2:20 am

  What can I say. Ive had the car for two years now and I love it! Many will complain that it doesnt have enough power, however I am satisfied with the 130hp. It out performs anything in its class so what more do you want? This car has a sports car feel while still remaining utilitarian and economical. Mazda got this one right, I cant say the same for its predecessor, the Mazda3. I wont be trading in my Protege5 anytime soon.

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  Happy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By englishmastiffzeus - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with our choice. We got the car with moonroof, ABS, side airbags and alloy wheels for $16,750. Excellent value. Fun to drive. Pretty big inside, even for my 67" frame. My biggest beef is that the car has some wicked interior rattles on the highway. They drive me crazy. I will be taking it in to the dealer to take care of these. Also, you absolutely cannot store anything in any of the storage compartments without them rattling. A power point in the cargo area would be nice. Right front cupholder is unusable if you need the 12 volt power point at the same time. Handling is awesome. Would have liked a 175 hp version like the Matrix/Vibe.