Used 2002 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
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Should have bought a Civic
canadiancarguy, 07/26/2007
2002 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought a 2.0 ES GT with a 5 spd brand new back in 01. The car was the best value in its class (for Japanese makes). Engine has always sounded rattley at start up, though this hasn't caused a real problem yet. The EGR valve needed replacement at about 60,000 kms. Now at 75,000 kms the alternator failed. These two problems don't bother me as much as the corrosion problems I have had with this car. I live in Toronto, and they use road salt heavily, but it is still no excuse for the amount of rust this thing has on it for its age. Every piece of metal attached to this car is rusty , body panels or any mechanical part. Even the horn has failed due to corrosion. Mazda is still behind the rest.
2nd time around
Mike, 06/15/2009
2002 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I needed a second car for the family and immediately suggested to find another '02 Protege. You cannot beat them. You can easily get 200k+ on these cars. Very reliable. Perfect car fo a teenager as a first car.
Great small car for short trips around town
W. Graham, 03/06/2017
2002 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I inherited this car as it was my mothers. When she passed (2008) it had a whopping 14,000 on the car. She literally only drove it to store and church. I am not joking. In 2008 the car was still like new and the paint clear coat was coming off. The paint is crap. The seats are fairly nice except they are not comfortable on trips. My husband is 6'2 and he has trouble with sufficient room driving it on trips. The fuel economy is excellent. When I worked and drove 22 miles a day to a job the car would run on a tank of gas for two weeks. It's a wonderful car if you are not around 6' tall. I still have the car today and the clear coat is almost gone. Mazda didn't do too good on the paint with this one. One last thing is the car has terrible road noise. If you are in the rear seat you can't hear anyone speaking to you from the front
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After 6 years it's still fun to drive!
JimmyJam, 08/23/2008
2002 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car new since I just got out of college. I have revved the engine to redline on a regular basis (I have a stick), and maxed out at a top speed of over 140 mph (on the way to Vegas - note the throttle just shuts out till your speed drops down). I have to say that this is probably the best car I have ever owned for the price! I have only done quasi regular oil changes, one set of breaks, one set of tires, and a fluid/transmission flush, oh and a battery replacement, that's it! No lights or fuses have been replaced, I have never even replaced the batteries in my remote keyless! The spare set still looks brand new! She is paid off, and I am keeping her and getting a CX7!
Great Car!
Annie, 02/17/2010
2002 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 25,000 miles on it and it now has 125,000 miles after 6 years. I have NEVER had a major mechanical issue with it (other than the AC about 6 months ago). It's the greatest car and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap, fun, reliable car.
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