Used 2002 Mazda Protege5 Consumer Reviews
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Not bad, not bad!
stinkypete, 04/24/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2002.5 model Protege5 just over a year ago. I've traded it in since for something larger, but after putting 22K on it in one year, I have plenty to say. The car IS reliable. Just one small part (EGR valve) had to be replaced at 65K and that was it. Tires and oil changes were the only maintenance. The car is well designed and open. I'm 6-2 and I fit pretty nice in it. The leather seats were a nice touch. The stock 6 disk cd player had very good sound, although with road noise it always had to be loud. The paint scratches easy and the resale value (esp. trade-in) is close to nothing.
High Mileage and Reliable
Limric, 05/04/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Protege5 as a new model after doing considerable research. I found it to have more features for the dollar than any of the competition. After 120,000 miles, it has been almost bullet proof. The only issue has been warping front brake rotors. Coming from an amateur racing backround I can say that it handles as well as cars costing 10s of thousands of dollars more and consistently get 34 mpg to boot. The only thing I wish it had more of is horsepower.
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Fabulous and Fun!
tklines, 08/27/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Stumbled upon this car and never considered any other. It called my name. Very fun to drive, peppy and reliable. Very stylish, have had strangers tell me it's a cute car. Takes corners beautifully, but it's a rough ride on our freeways. Rather bouncy, like a truck. (Maybe it's the freeways?) And the tires wear out quickly. But with the sunroof, tinted windows, and CD changer, I'm a happy camper. The hatchback and seats fold down to an enormous amount of space for storage.
My Baby
Blake, 09/12/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my Mazda, used of course, and I just love it. Something about the Protege5 that has everything I need. Sleek look, great for towing and moving, fun to drive. I love it! I just wish they made newer models.
Still Zooming!
DT, 06/12/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had driven 10 company cars over the years, and when it finally came time to purchase one myself, I chose the MP5. I had one in 2002 when it was new, and loved it. Have driven Volvo XC70, Cadillac SRX, Ford Freestyle, Focus, Mazda6, Matrix, Fusion and this car beats them all. Outstanding handling, 4 wheel disc brakes, it's a blast to drive. This car always puts a smile on my face. My wife loves it because I'm like a teenager when there's an errand to be run - I love driving this car! It's stylish, and since it was only sold in the US for 2 years, it stands out without being seen everywhere.
Great Everyday Car
mustangleader, 08/26/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best overall car I have owned for everyday use. I just purchased 2007 Speed3 with turbo which is obviouly a faster car. However, I like the PR5 because it drives like a go-kart. Original power was good but added a turbo muffler, cold air intake and had the computer reprogammed. Total cost was $800 which was well spent. I have plenty of power to pass on So Cal highways. I have 143,000, same clutch and only water pump had to be replaced. With slight modifications which I did, the car is great: fun to drive with its cornering ability, highway over 32 mpg if I keep the speed under 80. A great, dependable fun car. Speed3 is faster, but PR5 is easier to drive.
A latter day GTI?
p5_in_ca, 11/30/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first car was an '83 VW GTI. This car reminds me of it in many ways. Great fun to drive. Reasonable straight line speed. An absolute blast in the twisty bits. Excellent ergonomics. Even the bad points are similar: too-low gearing (too many rpm's at highway speed,) and so-so mileage (I get mid to high 20s for mixed use, and maybe 30 for highway.) This is my first Mazda, after 6 straight Hondas, and it is so much easier to work on compared to Hondas. I just changed brake pads and coolant in this car and a Honda Insight last weekend. Wow, what a contrast! The caliper swings up & stays up, out of the way. The coolant doesn't need to be filled and bled from four different places. Kudos Mazda!
Nothing better in its class!
js, 03/08/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We just purchased this vehicle and couldn't be more satisfied. From my first test drive I couldn't believe the incredble way this car drove. It feels solid and inspiring. No cheap plastic pieces used for the interior. And the exterior design very attractive. A total package for less than you might think!
Great Car
Mark, 11/27/2007
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am probably one of the few people to put this many miles on a car in just a few years. I have 180,000 miles on it and the car never quits. Other than basic maintenance I have had only two problems in all my miles. 1) Power steering pump started leaking and 2) rear brake caliper froze (probably due to Chicago winters). The engine is still strong. The wear ability of the products used to build this car is superior. The car interior still looks very close to new. I cant say enough about this car. If you're looking for a reliable, fun to drive, fuel efficient all around do everything car, look no further. The problem will be trying to find one. They only made them in model year 2002 and 2003.
Awsome!
DJP5, 02/06/2003
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the P5. Great tuner car with above average handling, priced to buy and great styling. A+
can't get enough of the PR-5
mom2maniacs, 05/20/2003
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WOW! I am so impressed by this car and would more then recomend it to others. The handling is great, it has alot of pickup, and a great stereo. Also, its small sleak and sporty yet roomy enough for 5. Go buy one!!!
Finally A Spriting Affordable Wagon
jj, 10/04/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolute blast to drive and I get comments often on how good looking it is. The downside it's not as well built as our 2001 Honda Civic. The protege5 has more annoyances at 2,000 miles than our Civic at 13,000 (these include windows that go up an down at different rates, some squeaks and rattles, and the drivers side window makes some weird sound.) The engine is adequate with lots of lower end torque, but kinda fights rev'ving in the higher rpms. I just think its first year quirks that'll hopefully be addressed.
PR5
Pat, 03/12/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This thing really handles well for a inexpensive car. Power is a little less than what I hoped for, but it has potential (cold air intake, cat back exhaust) to be a zippy little toy.
Still lovin my MP5
gfree, 03/14/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my black MP5 for over a month and I still love driving it. I have heard a lot of knocks against the HP, and I admit a little more would be good, but I like the 130hp, because it is more than the vehicle I had before so it is an upgrade for me. People have asked me what kind of car it is, and some are suprised when I tell them it is a Mazda Protege5. I have received lots of looks and lots of complements. This car has given me a renewed interest in driving.
Zoom-Zoom!!
Zoom!!!, 03/18/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car! I drove about 200 miles to get mine due to the options I wanted and it drove absolutely great on the way back. I think everything on the vehicle is well put together for 18K, it is a lot nicer in my option than the Lexus. Sure the Lexus has more power, but overall in my mind it wasn't work the extra 14K. Some of the pros are the 5sp, the suspension and handling, and the overall look of the vehicle. I also read the reviews talking about lack of power; well mine gets up and goes without a problem, and for the people who complain about the power, PUSH THE GAS PEDAL! :)
Still Going After 170K Miles
Bryce Be Quick, 03/31/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Outstanding build quality and handling. Dumped the original equipment Dunlops in favor of less expensive/better wearing Kumhos, and this has eliminated the hydroplaning issue as well. A true overdrive 5th gear would help the gas mileage. This is the car which helped make Mazda: other than the Miata, before this retooled Mazda sedan debuted in 2002, there was nothing in the Mazda stable to make good on the Company's "Zoom-Zoom-Zoom" ad campaign. Actually prefer the P5 to the second-gen Mazda 3 - yes, the 3 more refined, and with more horses, but the 130 HP P-5 has a kind of teenage spunk, whereas the 3 more the mature adult.
We love our Pro5
Clif, 03/22/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We needed a small, fuel efficient and flexible little car. We owned 3 Miata's in the past and they were dependable and a blast to drive. The Protege 5 is the same. A great all around little hauler that corners like a sports car and zips through traffic easily. And you can still haul a healthy load. We are very happy with it. Plus it would appear to be rock solid and dependable like every other Mazda we have owned.
Great Midlife Cure
Wes W, 03/23/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
About 20 years ago I had a '76 Ford Capri from Germany. Haven't found anything that's as fun to drive until now. This car holds the road very well and almost seems to dare you to take that turn a little faster. It has cured me need for a motorcycle for now.
Surprise!!!
Nebulous, 03/23/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mazda actually came out with a car that looks nice and is fun to drive. This car actually has good cornering, and acceleration.
really like my car..so far....
monk, 03/24/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I do enjoy my car thus far...It is a little on the under powered side coming from a 91 civic SI. I do however see some huge potential if I can spare some bucks...Plus it is a lot easier to get two kids in(as opposed to the SI). My only real complaint(other than the power issue) is the anti theft alarm which came stock on the model I bought..It is just to darn sensitive..My Motorcycle sets it off along with loud trucks and busses..The dealership says that they can do nothing about it as does mazda corp..Other than dealing with that.... buy this car...It is fun and DAMN good looking(for a 3 door oooops 5 door)
Great Deal
wampratz, 03/24/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was a phenomenal deal. Every other car I looked at priced well over 18k. I got the base model, which still had ac, power windows / locks, and I got it for $14,995 with the 4.9 financing. So I don't think there's a better deal under 15k.
Fun little car
LuvMyP5, 04/06/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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! It's a blast to drive, and I really look for curves to really enjoy the handling.
Very Very Happy
billinalex, 03/27/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm so happy with my Red Protege 5. Many of my friends have Civics, and they feel and look so dull by comparison. It's a fun car to drive, and very versatile car for urban folks like myself. My only complaints are minor, even downright silly, see below. I agonized over the decision, but opted for an automatic instead of a 5 speed. It's still fun as heck to drive though, and the transmission seems to always shift exactly when it should.
The Golf Wagon
Kayse Nix, 04/11/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Upon retirement I wanted to replace my Explorer with a sporter car. One that would carry 2 sets of clubs, a push cart and luggage. Vacation and golf were 2 things that was on my mind. I found that in my 02 Mazda Protege 5. I could not have been happier. I don't know if I like the body style of the new 5, but I love the looks of my car.
Big Value, Big Fun!
Morgan, 03/29/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Edmunds describes this car as a Lexus SportCross for the masses, and I totally agree. I don't think there's a better balance of practicality, reliability, mileage, looks, and performance out there. I rarely get beyond my driveway before this car's performance puts a smile on my face.
Matrix? PAH!
Edgewater Joe, 03/30/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Thought about the Matrix, but this blew it away! It's handsome, it's hot, it turns on a dime -- this is going to be a wise blast!
Just keeps going....going... going....
jes, 04/29/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car brand new. I have put 148,000 on it, and it is very reliable! Besides regular oil changes, haven't had to do anything else. I have only had to replace a thermostat! It's wonderful! Definitely have gotten my money's worth!
I call my P5 Little Zippy
mrt823, 05/18/2008
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used 4.5 years ago and I couldn't be happier. I did a lot of research before hand and this car just completely blew away the competition in safety, looks, and pure driving enjoyment. My husband is used to his truck, but even he loves the pep of this car. Now that gas has skyrocketed, I'm getting an even better deal, averaging 27 mpg in town/30 hwy. I dumped the standard sport tires after replacing each one twice in short order. They are super responsive, but very expensive and low longevity. I replaced a broken thermometer on it about 15 months ago (~$90 with labor) and that has been my only cost, other than reg. maintenance.
Mazda's comeback!!!
jammocaz, 04/01/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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....
bgfeordjr, 04/01/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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--don't need peak rpm's to get power/gets more than 30 mpg. I'd 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 Brown's) for the wonderful car at the great price(less than 15K).
almost perfect car
prodagee5, 04/02/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car really fits my lifestyle and personality. it may not be that fast or powerful but it has GREAT HANDLING for being a cheap & economical car. the standard features already comes with all the options you need. its the everything i needed. its the perfect 1st new car for me.
My Mazda-roddy
Lily12pedals, 03/09/2025
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After losing my KIA SUV to a break in with drug activity, I was quite displeased. This senior did not want or need new car OR loan! My nephew in another state reminded me that he had his Mom's car (my sister). I KNEW the car! Very long story short, he delivered it to me in October. I had mechanic do what was necessary for this 2002 with 228,000 miles. $$$. After 5 months, I love this manual transmission vehicle. It's fun to drive and I love it. It was a good day in the Mazda factory when this car was born.
Great Wagon
eflocco, 07/09/2002
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
At the time I need a new vehicle after mine was destroyed in an accident, it was the only foreign wagon available. After owning it for almost a year, I'm even more certain I made the right choice.
Mazda Protege5
brent_va, 02/09/2003
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
funnest car i've driven. more practicle that i would've thought.
Do not buy this car
jbshagg, 10/13/2010
2002 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is the worst car I have ever owned. if you truly read up you will find that most other owners complain about the axles, brakes, rotors, and loadness when driving on the highway. I have it in the shop AT LEAST twice a year. It is great on gas but too light in the snow in rain. I feel unsafe in the car, and want to trade, but currently owe more on it than it is worth.