Used 2002 Mazda Protege5 Consumer Reviews
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Excellent Bang for the Buck!
yfrnaks, 11/24/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most trouble-free car I have ever driven. I currently have 131,000 miles on it and have only gone in for maintenance and one repair. In addition, the shop mechanics have never found anything that would need repair. Only repair: Replace EGR valve ($370 Seattle, non- dealership). Driving: Drives terrible in the snow, even with Michelin X-Ice tires and traveling well below 25 mph. If driven faster than that, you can expect the car to slide two school bus lengths when braking. Rain, car slips a lot too.
MP5 Rules
ominous1121, 05/25/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fast, fun to drive car. Real zoom zoom for the money. Very stable, rigid, manual transmition is superior. Supention has no competition.
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My Zoom Zoom
Trey Evans, 08/06/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!
I love this car
87mustang, 08/12/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've got an yellow P5, automatic. Bought it on 8/19/01 and have 19600 miles as of 8/11/02. This car handles great, looks awesome and I have no regret that I bought this car. Mazdaspeed parts are coming out soon and should make this car faster than SVT Focus (too many problems with Focuses) or Civic SI (too ugly). Since its a hatchback, when you sit inside you get a feeling of openess and a much bigger car.
PR5 a great buy
TeeGee22, 05/27/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought the PR5 and it's great to drive. Very tight and holds the road extremely well. The power is fine unless maybe you want to race. The 5 speed shifts smooth and easy. Can't beat the 4 wheel dics either. Paid $15,540.00 out the door. Only extra's were mats, cargo net, and perimeter shock sensor alarm. Best buy for the money.... looked all the rest... honda, toyota, kia, etc.....
P5
P5, 08/09/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car turn heads and it is fun to drive. But the engine need a little more horses...
so far so good
canadaboy25, 08/13/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
so far so good
P5 in Silver
Kevin Sullivan, 04/03/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This review is for a P5 with no options (which is strange, seeing as how it is loaded with amenities already). About the only thing this car is small on is the effort to drive it! I have only had it for one tank of gas, but have found it an extreme pleasure to drive. The storage capacity is great (about three weeks of groceries for a family of four). I am a little disappointed in the amount of noise that enters the cabin. I also promptly removed the luggage rack to reduce wind noise at speed. The stereo is easy to operate and has great sound. Shifting through the gears is nearly effortless. And, for a little car, the get-up-and-go is wonderful.
Follow up review
mustangleader, 07/28/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After another 18,000 miles since last August when I wrote a review. Car is very reliable and keeps on going. If power is your concern, do modifications as I said in my first review. The cost is nominal and cost effective. Never felt the car was underpowered due to it's power band at low rmp, but if you modified as I did, you'll have performance, comfort, economy of an everyday go-kart car in high gas mkt.
Best choice
mazdagirl, 05/09/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Protege5. I spend alot of time in my car and these seats have to be the most comfortable of any vehicle I've driven! The 5-speed is FUN and the car handles great. I couldn't ask for anything better at this price.
Better than the matrix and vibe
anonymous, 05/30/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
an offer you can't refuse!
bearcat, 08/17/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my new Protege 5 in July 2002 and couldn't be more pleased. I highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a sporty compact car that loves to drive. PLUS, Mazda is offering some incredible financing options - 0% for 48 months, $500 college grad program and NO PAYMENTS until Jan 2003! All in all, this car comes fully equipped for under $16,000! Bottom Line: It's an incredible deal on an incredibly fun to drive car.
Awesome Bang for the BUCK!!!!
dan the man, 05/17/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A loaded car with moonroof, ABS and side airbags for 17200.00 is a hell of a deal in my book. I have read many reviews and the complaints seem to revolve around three issues: Power, Stereo, and Roof Rack wind noise. Why buy a car with 130 HP and an engine under 2000cc and then say it has too little power? The car has plenty of get up and go. The stereo is not the greatest, however, that is easily corrected at your local stereo dealer. The wind noise is not too bad. Sure when the moonroof is open at 70 MPH it gets a little loud, but thats natural. In a nutshell, this car looks great, is fun to drive, and wont break your bank.
Bang for da buck!
Former Si owner, 06/29/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sure, you've read all of the other reviews and they all said how great the P5 is. Well, guess what---they are ALL true! I've owned a 99 civic Si and let me tell you, I think this, overall, is more fun to drive than my Si. This is probably the most fun to drive car I have owned since I had to get rid of my 1990 RX-7 Turbo. Well imagine that. The RX-7 is a Mazda to. Coincidence? I don't think so. Do yourself a favor. Go buy straight to your local Mazda dealership and BUY THIS CAR! I guarantee you won't regret it. Oh, my P5 is silver with ABS/side airbags/4- speed shiftable automatic transmission (cool)/and pwr moonroof, plus all standard options.
Good car, good value
The Defender, 04/11/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for two weeks and just passed the 1,000 mile mark. So far, so good. Other than a minor glich with the keyless entry, I have no problems at all to report. Overall the car handles good and looks great. I got the windows tinted and now they look even better. The cargo space is better than I expected for such a small car and the gas mileage is average at best. I got 32 mpg on my first half tank (boy was I excited!), 27 on the second, 28 on the third and 24 on the fourth (reality sets in). The incentives Mazda offered helped in my overall decision to buy this car, otherwise I probably would have bought either a Toyota Matrix or a Pontiac Vibe.
Great Car!
DS, 08/19/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car summer 2001 and have loved it since. It is fun, reliable and great for two people. When you start putting more people in the car, it becomes not so comfortable. Every time I have rode in the back seat, I have gotten car sick. The storage space with the fold down seats is super fun for camping, only wish they laid completey flat. The only thing that is weird is the cruise control. You can never tell when it is on and sometimes you can accidentally hit it. Might be a safety concern. Also, no matter where I park, the front end hits every curb and scrapes the bottom because the front end is extremely LOW!!
It Rocks
Dagpotter, 05/19/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car for the money.
MP5 Review
karak, 05/03/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 it's 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.
P5
pwn, 06/02/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a super fine car for the money. I think I paid about 19,000 fully loaded. It turns heads even on Miami Beach where everyone has a fine car. Only thing this car needs is more horsepower. Other than that it beats spending $30,000 on a BMW 3 series that everyone has.
Perfect
rwantin, 08/28/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If there's another vehicle that looks this good, is this much fun to drive, as reliable, economical, or useful at this price I have yet to see it. It's no wonder it won that Car and Driver comparison test in the 6/02 issue.
all i have to say is wow
i got it first, 07/08/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
wow is this a car it is great in every not too fast to get in trouble with but fast enough to feel young i love this car my wife loves this car my neighbors love this car it handles like a sport car gas mileage of a economy car room enough for 5 and a large trunk area it is absolutley great. also thumbs up to putnam mazda in burlingame ca you guys are the best my salesman nick really knows his stuff and really sold me on the car i wasnt even in the market to buy i was helping a friend well we both bought one and were both overwelmingly pleased with our cars
P5 Envy
jeff203, 05/04/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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, I'd be in heaven. It handles like it's 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 don't 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.
Pretty Cool
Aerdna of Brandon, 07/11/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 18 and I have only had the car for three months. I previously had a 2000 Honda Civic which was fine until I got rear-ended twice. The Protege 5 I have now is a manual transmission and wicked fun to drive. It comes with a strut bar so to me, it sort of feels like a racecar. I feel sporty in it and with some investments into the engine, I think I can actually be sporty. I would recommend this car to just about anyone that loves driving. It goes a long way on just a little gas too.
Sporty Station Wagon
SunPatch, 04/04/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When looking for a new car my husband still wanted something fun and sporty, me being more practical wanted something more family oriented for our new infant son. Then my husband introuduced me to the MP5, it's perfect! It's fun and sporty... our vivid yellow MP5 is really an attention getter and doesn't feel anything like a practical family car, but with 4 doors and a roomy back seat it's the perfect combination of fun and practicality. Our only complaint is the power but if you take it out of overdrive it gets a little more power for in town driving. This car is a must buy in addition to being fun and practical the price is great!
More Like Vroom-Vroom
Matthew Aguayo, 05/21/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased this vehicle because with a $19,029 sticker, 1/3 down at 9.5% still came out to $500 a month payment. My credit is very good, and these numbers are the finance departments' numbers. I was not crazy about the idea of leasing, but my wife wanted the car. We still purchased the car there because the price was the lowest of any of the Mazda dealers in our area.
Fun At Last!
Mootarjim, 05/04/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So I just got my MP5. It really does handle the road just as well as you've heard, especially considering the under-20K price tag. Plenty of zip from the 130hp 2.0, and not as bumpy as I'd 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 I've had driving in a long time, so I'm 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.
My PR5
Alfie, 04/14/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great value, Fun to Drive, Excellent handling, Good looks, Easy on the wallet due to good gas mileage, It's Worth It!
Great wagon and easy on the wallet
iusta, 07/27/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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, I'm happy to get into a reliable and affordable car that fits all of my needs. And besides, I'd just get in trouble with the law if the car was as fast as I'd like it to be.
great, cheap, good-looking car
patcmcd, 08/27/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great bang for the buck; who needs a more expensive car even if you have the money?
Zoom Zoom Zooom Zoom.....
spdboy, 08/01/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a blast to drive! Comfortable and stylish and yet functional.
Great Looking and FUN!
westports94, 04/09/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had it a day, but this car is FUN! The P5 should be gaining in popularity since others, besides the 20- somethings to which it's being marketed, are starting to discover it: hatchbacks are practical at any age. I gave up on my 1988 Civic hatch that I loved. I missed it, but not anymore. P5 is definitely an upgrade in handling, hp, looks, goodies. A sportyish ride, but reasonablely tame. Mostly it just feels like it wants to go, and begs to take corners. A short test drive did it for me. Compared to Acura RSX, which was too sporty for me (too low, no adult-height back seat), the P5 is more fun for thousands less. Looks GREAT, gets peoples' attention... a test drive makes the sale.
PROTEGE5 user from OTTAWA CANADA
Bernie K, 08/07/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Definately a pleaser in it's class.
Sonata, 05/25/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Over a great car. What sold me on the car was the handling. I couldn't lose control on a curve if I tried. It was amazing! This was my first 4 cyl car so the 2.0 was adequate but with a few passengers it becomes a bit sluggish. Otherwise a very responsive and enjoyable to drive. I commute 250 miles per day and always get at leat 2 miles to the gallon of gas. Even at 'elevated' speed levels ;)
One good car
musicman, 08/10/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one fun to drive car. It handles very well and looks great. It's very good on gas and has shown to be very capable of handling a wide veriity of loads. I used to drive a Honda Civic Si and this is more of a family car. The Honda was a great car, but so far the Mazda has proved to be more useful and as reliable.
Practically Fun
Morgan Andriulli, 05/09/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's amazing how adding a hatch and some spoilers turned the unnoticed Protege' into a real looker. Men, women, kids (and insects) all tend to like my Yellow P5. Athletic handling and adequate power match the racy looks. It handles like my '90 Miata, but can haul a lawn mower. It seems that Mazsa build cars with all the reliability and three times the character of Honda and Toyota. Nobody ever asked me about my Corolla at the gas pump. I kind of want some more power and taller gearing. Everything seems to fit and complement each other just so. I am afraid to upset the balance trying to mess with a good thing. Maybe I will grow up and graduate to the new 6 in a few years. Nah!
i ve fallen in luv with this car
pr5rox, 08/10/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
gotta love sport tuned suspension,, nice braking , good acceleration considering its a wagon, 130 hp 2.0 dohc engine feels like it got enuff power to deliver for me yet its got low gas /mileage ,, the same engine is used for tribute th mazda suv dx model) and i like that th power packages and lots o other goodies come in standard. plus i ve got best deal which i m paying like only 450 dollars above the invoice price with like 4 options plu 0% apr and 0 money down or 48 months yeah^^
P5, not your fathers station wagon
satisfied owner, 04/16/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great car, fun to drive, nice to look at. I keep telling my wife a bought a station wagon, she says it is a sports car, who is right, maybe both of us. Some people say it could use more power, but for everyday driving it has more than enough.
King of the sport wagon
Seth, 05/10/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently traded my 1999 miata ls in for a loaded 5 speed protege 5. This car is awesome. I get more looked and asked more questions about this car than my miata. I worked for a mazda dealership for almost 4 years and now work with BMW, but would rather be with mazda anyday. This car has great comfort, handling and so many features available. I truly believe mazda has a better product overall than honda and toyota, but just doesnt have the nameplate. I love my car and i think anyone that has one will agree it is a best buy in anyones book.
Zoom Zoom Zoom!
Steve Prescott, 06/10/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Quik Silver
clt1btr, 08/14/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After taking a job 134 miles round trip away from my house, I needed a car that would be good on gas. After a sorrowful goodby with my Toyota 4Runner I purchased my P5. However, much to my suprise, the inexpensive commuter car quickly turned into one of the best cars I have ever had. Within a week after owning my P5 I was noticing countless stares and questions from people who were impressed with the car. The P5 is definitely an eyecatching, fun to drive, and exciting car for the money!!!
The Most Bang for the Buck!
diamond, 08/20/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It looks cool. It's quick. It's fun. It's sporty. It's roomey. It handles awesome. What more is there to say. Oh yeah, put oil and gas in it and it will last forever.
Mazda Protege 5 - 2002 it is the best!
cisco19, 06/09/2009
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I do not know how to put in words how fun and exciting it is to drive the 2002 Mazda Protege 5, I hate to admit it but I am a slow driver but for me to get a speeding ticket going over 75 miles per hour on the freeway, I know is stupid but believe it or not, I took it as a compliment that I have the talent and the automobile to go fast on the road. The gas mileage is fantastic! in addition the 2002 Mazda Protege 5 is unique and will always be in my point of view one of the best automobiles that I have ever owned. In addition, if I have the chance and the opportunity to have another Mazda Protege 5 no matter what year, I would certainly take full advantage of that.
alarm too sensitive
penfield, 08/25/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the car! But, avoid a real pain in the butt and have the dealership reset the alarm sensitivity before you drive off the lot. We bought ours on a friday and spent half the weekend babysitting the WAY oversensitive alarm system, and half the weekend with the horn fuse pulled. Check sensitivity by tapping-kicking the tires. We have since been informed (by a salesman at another Mazda dealership) that the P-5 comes set at maximum sensitivity and needs to be reset to the lowest level.
7000 miles oh! oh! Engine Light is on!
CarlosCA, 05/10/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle in August 2001 and I have loved it, until one week ago. I stopped the vehicle in a gas station and started filling with gas. When I finished, I tried to restart the engine and it was not responding. I tried several times and finally it started as nothing has happened. Today I was driving my car at 25 mph and suddenly boom! an incredible loud noise coming from the engine. The engine light in the console appears. I will take it to the dealer today, to see what happenned. I will keep you informed.
Couldn't be happier with my Protege5!
Rich, 12/23/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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, it's a dream to drive, performs very well in braking, acceleration and overall ride comfort for a relatively small car. The engine isn't that powerful, but I have a 5spd so you get the nice Zoom Zoom experience anyway. Love this car!
More power to me
Pr5 Owner, 06/14/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I've owned sports cars suv's everything. This has got to be my favorite. I had a guy in a Jag tell me how nice my car is. I can't believe the looks it gets. And the handling is superb. All I ask is just for a little more power. Other than that who cars.
Happy
englishmastiffzeus, 04/11/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 6'7" 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.
Love My Protege5
pciskowski, 04/16/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent vehicle. I don't think it is underpowered like the press does. I think the styling is better than the Matrix or Vibe. I have removed the roof rack, and the ride, noise, and gas mileage improved considerably. I have noticed a rattle in the front passenger door. On the plus side, I find the seats to be very comfortable. Given the wheelbase, wheel and tires, and suspension, the ride is somewhat harsh but the handling is excellent. Note that the tires develop a slight flat spot after 24 hours and need 5 minutes of driving for the ride to smooth out, so don't judge the ride before that point. I would buy this vehicle again in a second!
One recurring problem
Peter R., 12/22/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Car
JOHN LEE, 06/15/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a muscle car (Mustang 68 Fastback) but needed a new daily driver. Tested the Vibe, Matrix, and Corolla. Car handles the turns almost as the car I sold 240SX Nissan. Read all the reviews by the mags as well as USA Today's ... the car has more than adequate power. Can handle highway inclines without downshifting or losing power like the cars I tested. Matrix with the 180 horses doesn't have the torque power at the 30- 70 range of the Protege 5. Plus, I didn't want a car that gets its power at 6,000 rpms ... too noisy. I'll take the Mustang for that, plus that's much faster.