Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Bolt-on mods - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Craig - January 9 - 3:26 am

  I read all of the reviews on this car on Edmunds.com AFTER I purchased it and have noticed a recurring suggested improvement: power. I agree. The engine is rated at 142 horsepower stock but what it needs is more mid-range power and torque. After installing Racing Beats cat-back exhaust system and K&Ns Typhoon Intake the Protege5 not only sounds great but now produces just the right amount of power and torque at the RPMs I prefer: 3000 to 5000. The Protege5 is a sports car at heart, it just wants to breathe better. Whats better is that the intake and exhaust were not that difficult to install -- floor-jack, jack-stands and metric tools are all you need; just follow the directions!

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  It doesnt get much better than this - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Johnny Five - December 3 - 5:50 pm

  Bought it from the original owner with 52000 miles; have added 3000. 5-speed manual rocks! Have not had any problems so far....and its more than 4 years old. I really love this car. Its "pimped up" without looking like a teenage car. It wont win any races, but its still fast or at least feels fast. Ive yet to feel a need for more power! Cornering is fantastic, ride quality is great (I enjoy feeling road bumps gently but not harshly). This is for folks like to "feel" their car. The Protege5 balances sportiness and comfort perfectly....you feel the engine and road bumps pleasantly but never uncomfortably. I couldnt be happier with my PR5!

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  no complaints here..... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By darthmedic - November 21 - 12:50 pm

  Almost bought a Honda Civic, but being a tall guy I didnt exactly fit. I like the Protege 5 much better, driving style and handling are much more user friendly than the Civic. The shifting is simple, and the drive is smooth. Engine seems to rev at high rpms over 70 mph in 5th gear, but it doesnt even come close to the red line. Just drove in rain today, and it was a carefree drive.

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  Fun little car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By LuvMyP5 - October 23 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car used, and have loved it ever since. Very reliable - the car has 80k miles on it, and other than normal wear n tear, everything is great! Its a blast to drive, and I really look for curves to really enjoy the handling.

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  iamzs review - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iamz - September 5 - 3:26 pm

  With the P5, Mazda gave me the form I was looking for and did not sacrifice function one bit. Some have complained that the 130 horses and 135 ft-lbs of torque tucked under the hood, are not enough. Well, I have not found that to be the case. The torque comes in nice and low and churns out nicely. The handling is near perfect. It seems at times, the harder you push the P5 into a curve, the more stable and flat she becomes.

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  Great fun to drive car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Jezz - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car never gets old. Every time you drive its like the very first time. The gear ratios are a little short, 4th and 5th gear could be taller, but the car handles great, and is loads of fun. Interior is on par with a german luxury car, good finish on all the trim and plastic on the dash and interior. the entire car is just designed and put together with thought.

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  Outstanding Car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Delbert Mazda - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed. Great handling, very reliable, good performance. I love the silver with the dark interior. Closer to a hatch than a wagon.

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  Matrix? PAH! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Edgewater Joe - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Thought about the Matrix, but this blew it away! Its handsome, its hot, it turns on a dime -- this is going to be a wise blast!

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  A good experience - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By p5sd - June 19 - 10:13 am

  The only real negatives about this car are in the performance and maybe the size, although interior space appear to be plenty for most people. All the car needs is about 20 more horsepower to compete against other cars. This car is absolutely fun to drive. The gear ratio is a little on the low side which suits city drivers well, I guess.

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  Fun and affordable - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Guntherdriver - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This car was a gift for attending an in-state school, and the money saved from the lower tuition went to this purchase. This has been an amazingly reliable car for all my needs, be it packing it with people for a night out, or carrying a load of surfboards.