Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  Fun fun fun - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Egprotege5 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, economical, fun to drive compact, this one is for you. I am the proud owner of a 2002 Protege5 that has 83000 miles on it and it still looks, runs and rides as if I bought it last week. Fuel mileage is excellent on this car as I regularly get 30 miles to the gallon. Even after all these miles, the interior is still rattle free. If I had to complain about onything, it would be the unimpressive power that this de-tuned 2.0L engine produces (130hp/135lb-ft). Handling is impeccable and ride is firm, but not jarring. Braking is of the best that I have ever felt. Mazda made a winner with this car.

• 

  MasdaP5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By ABQrich - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Much better value than Honda. Some reviewer want more power, but it has all the power Ill ever need. Suitable for all ages not just zoom-zoom st

• 

  PROTEGE5 user from OTTAWA CANADA - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bernie K - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car for over 6 months now and have not regretted it since. The car has excellent power and acceleration for a car in its class, although it does need high revs before power kicks in. The standard conveniences are superb, but A/C seems a little weak on really hot days. The handling is tight and feedback through the wheel is ample, even in winter climate.

• 

  P5 Envy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jeff203 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The P5 really is a great car! Easily the best looking in the growing small sport wagon niche. The car is an absolute blast to drive, even with the underpowered engine. If it had another 30-40 hp, Id be in heaven. It handles like its on rails. The suspension is very tight and the accelerator is extremely touchy. Just the way it should be. The car is solidly built. I dont have any of the rattles that others have mentioned. I would definitely recommend the car to those looking for something very sporty, who at the same time need that space for the kids, etc.

• 

  Fun At Last! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Mootarjim - March 21 - 10:00 am

  So I just got my MP5. It really does handle the road just as well as youve heard, especially considering the under-20K price tag. Plenty of zip from the 130hp 2.0, and not as bumpy as Id expected. The interior is excellent, and the black cloth will stay "clean" much longer than other colors. Gas mileage is a little sub-par, but this is the most fun Ive had driving in a long time, so Im gonna overlook its thirst at the pumps. I looked at the Corolla, Matrix, Civic, and Sentra before getting my new Yellow MP5. Great car for the money, and much more fun than anything in its class.

• 

  Great wagon and easy on the wallet - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iusta - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Other than the power vacancy, this car is awesome. Great style, incredibly comfortable seats, plenty of room for my dog. What the car lacks in straight-line acceleration, it makes up for in handling. Also, the car is wonderfully forgiving on the highway. Makes the miles slide by comfortably. After driving a Jeep Cherokee for the last three years, Im happy to get into a reliable and affordable car that fits all of my needs. And besides, Id just get in trouble with the law if the car was as fast as Id like it to be.

• 

  Awesome little car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By acroy - March 10 - 9:23 pm

  We have 7 yrs and 105k. We like how it looks, drives, and handles. It’s been very reliable, very practical. It is sporty and involving. 5 spd drivetrain is responsive, a bit noisy but not bad. Mileage is 28 mpg mixed. Ride is firm and responsive. 195 width tires are not common but 205 are easy to find. Reliability is outstanding. I redid the brakes at 40k and nothing since. Interior fits like a glove, Mazda knows sport ergonomics. Supportive seats etc. Build quality is great. No loose trim, leaks, suspension wearing out, etc. It rides and feels solid. Overall: for the money you can get more mpg, more space, more cush. But you will not get more combined fun & practicality.

• 

  The car that I waited for years - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Lenin Rincon - February 1 - 10:00 am

  great design, performance and fun to drive

• 

  Mazdas comeback!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jammocaz - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle. I got a great deal! I am so glad mazda set the pace for others to follow!(hatchback market) The competition is stiff but mazda comes out a notch ahead!

• 

  Again&Again&Again&Again.... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By bgfeordjr - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I love Proteges,I bought wife an LX & Pro5 for me. Remarkable car for the money. Perfect steering. Five-speed is fun & not too long in the throw. Ample power, with 2300 through 4000 rpm producing very good response. Weighs 2716 & produces 135 feet pounds of torque. Beauty of the car as a commuter--dont need peak rpms to get power/gets more than 30 mpg. Id have liked some choice in the interior colors, but dark charcoal looks very nice with the Black Mica exterior(found some silvery-grey floor mats that look great). One word describes exterior-BEAUTIFUL. Thanks Mazda(and Browns) for the wonderful car at the great price(less than 15K).