Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Steve Prescott - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great for the money. My wife owned a 2001 Acura CL 3.2 Type S prior to the Protege 5 and she loves it. The Mazda has half the power and a fraction of the luxury but is great to drive. The handling and look is sporty and the quality is top notch. We drove the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe before driving the Mazda. The first two were thousands more and in our opinion were no more superior. Mazda really seems to stand behind there product also, with a great warranty and a commitment to customer satisfaction. We would highly recommend the 5 for anyone looking for a sporty compact wagon with the heart of a sports car.

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  Awsome! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DJP5 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the P5. Great tuner car with above average handling, priced to buy and great styling. A+

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  Better than the matrix and vibe - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By anonymous - May 28 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the protege5 (5- speed manual), pontiac vibe (manual), and toyota matrix (automatic), I decided to purchase the protege5 for many of the same reasons that the editors of Car and Driver (June issue) rated the vehicle best in its class. The protege5 handles, brakes, and rides better. It has more usable torque and is more fun to drive. The protege5 is more comfortable and more attractive. It has excellent fit-and-finish and was recommended in the annual auto issue of Consumers Report because of the excellent reliability of the protege line.

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  Great Used Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sean Taylor - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  Bought this car when I moved. Starting out, it had a TON of problems. However, after 1 year I had all problems fixed and it didnt even cost more than $1000. Parts are a little more expensive than your run-of-the-mill Honda, but the reliability of those parts is far greater. It handles like a dream and faster than any 4cyl Ive ever owned. There is one CON to this car and its the very common idle problems. The EGR Valve and IAC Valve crap out at least once in this cars lifetime. From experience I would highly recommend spending the money and getting the correct part. No need to pay dealership prices on installing because its MUCH easier than it looks. All in all, I give this car a 9.5 out of 10. I will continue to drive this car until the end of its life.

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  Couldnt be happier with my Protege5! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Rich - May 1 - 6:40 pm

  I wanted a sporty hatchback, and was choosing between a couple of Subarus and Toyota Matrix at the time. Protege5 styling was very sleek looking in 2002, and nice looking chrome alloy wheels and low-profile Dunlop sport tires sealed the deal. The only problem I had with this vehicle was with the headlights. There was some kind of electrical/wiring issue there necessitating frequent replacements. Other than that, its a dream to drive, performs very well in braking, acceleration and overall ride comfort for a relatively small car. The engine isnt that powerful, but I have a 5spd so you get the nice Zoom Zoom experience anyway. Love this car!

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  It Rocks - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Dagpotter - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money.

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  Practical and Fun - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jenmorgan - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Im thoroughly in love with my new P5 -- lots of room and great handling. Great price, too. A nice mix of luxury and sportiness.

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  We Luv our Maz - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Chris - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car from new - 3 years and 40,000 miles ... nothing has gone wrong with it. Everything about it feels just right. Great for zooming around town but the often quoted lack of power is only noticed out on open country roads. Forget about the automatic - you just have to have the manual shift to get the most fun out of this car - it loves to rev. Love the looks from the front but never really got used to the hatchback end (ps. its not a wagon). Problems: clutch judder when cold but it hasnt got any worse since new, slightly gruff noise from engine for the first minute in the morning, stock Goodyears were very prone to potentially lethal aquaplaning.

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  My first Mazda !! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lance - March 28 - 2:00 am

  But definitely not my last. My family has always driven Mazdas but I had never owned one myself. That will change after purchasing my Protege5. I am hooked on Mazda as the dealership service was excellent both in sales and after-sales service. Not to mention the Protege5 is definitely the best handling and best looking car I have ever owned.

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  went outside the box - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By indianared - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Have been a Ford person for years. Noting the less than favorable reviews on the Focus, saw a Protege 5 and fell in love. Have had it 2 /12 months and is everything I wanted. I am retired and use it for daily trips locally. Average 26-27 mph. Husband has big 350 diesel 4x4 and we use the Mazda for our outings. He is 6 tall and 230 lbs. and have plenty of room.