Used 2002 Mazda Protege5 Wagon Consumer Reviews
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P5 Envy
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.
A Little Disappointed
Got a great deal on this car but prepare to pay for brakes early on. I had to get the brakes replaced at 25K miles and now at 32K miles they need replacing again! Traction is horrible on wet roads. Other than that it is a great car. It was the perfect answer at the time for me as a new parnet ready to move from my 2 door celica to a 4 door car, but wanted to stay with something sport and that didn't yell "Mom's Taxi". The interior is a bit cramped but no more than any other car in this class.
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,998376 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $1,299729 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $6,9951,004 mi away
Pretty Cool
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.
We Luv our Maz
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. it's not a wagon). Problems: clutch judder when cold but it hasn't 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.
great, cheap, good-looking car
Great bang for the buck; who needs a more expensive car even if you have the money?
More Like Vroom-Vroom
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!
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.
mp5
I love this car
Small, fast and fun!
I love the car! It drives good, handles even better. I didn't want the usual Civic/Corolla type of car. Every major car magazine rated this tops in every car camparo they did. This car seemed to fulfill everything I wanted in a small car. Great looks, superb handling and good comfort. After a test drive I thought the ride is a bit stiff, but thats because of the stiffer suspension. Our other car is a 96 Camry and this one is worlds different from it in terms of handling and performance. You cannot find a better car in this category. Except of course the 2004 3 model. It's got a more powerful engine and improved looks.
My PR5
Great value, Fun to Drive, Excellent handling, Good looks, Easy on the wallet due to good gas mileage, It's Worth It!
Great Rise
I had to sell my Jeep due to the gas prices but wanted something that had utility but with better MPG and could sit a 6'-2" person comfortably. The Protege5 was the one. The car is solid as a rock, handles VERY well, is well designed (except the door locks), plush inside and good on gas. I'm averaging 29 mpg with the optional sport shift transmission. I recommend this car highly. The engine is very revvy and a bit on the noisy side. The stiff suspension provides a nice amount of road noise. Braking is also very good, the steering very responsive and the steering wheel itself is very comfortable. The door lock system is the only poor design issue I see in this car.
Great wagon and easy on the wallet
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.
this car rocks
This is a very reliable car. Fun to drive and great handling. It's hard to believe it's a wagon! I've had it for 4 years now and hope to have it for many more.
P5 Rocks
Overall a great car. Traded in a Volvo S40 and never looked back.
LOVE MY PR5
Its just an all around great car.
Zoom Zoom Zooom Zoom.....
This car is a blast to drive! Comfortable and stylish and yet functional.
Ride on Rails
Sure, it's only been a few weeks, but never has 130hp thrilled me so much. It kills me that Mazda cars get short-changed in the market-- they are SO well-designed... A friend of mine has had two Proteges over a span of eight years with not a single problem among them. He also got blind-sided hard and walked away from it with just a sore neck. This reeks to me of good design, which is why I bought my black beauty...
Great Looking and FUN!
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.
wow the car is tough
For the price and comfort there is no FUNNER car to drive than the P-5
PROTEGE5 user from OTTAWA CANADA
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.
Fun fun fun
If you are looking for a reliable, economical, fun to drive compact, this one is for you. I am the proud owner of a 2002 Protege5 that has 83000 miles on it and it still looks, runs and rides as if I bought it last week. Fuel mileage is excellent on this car as I regularly get 30 miles to the gallon. Even after all these miles, the interior is still rattle free. If I had to complain about onything, it would be the unimpressive power that this de-tuned 2.0L engine produces (130hp/135lb-ft). Handling is impeccable and ride is firm, but not jarring. Braking is of the best that I have ever felt. Mazda made a winner with this car.
Definately a pleaser in it's class.
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 ;)
NEW ENGINE
ON MY WAY TO WORK, MY REAR WINDOW BE- CAME VERY DIRTY. ALSO THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. BY LUNCH TIME MY ATTEMPT TO GO TO THE DEALER FAILED & I WAS PUSHED & HAD TO BE TOWED. DEALER INFORM ME THAT ALL OIL PRESSURE IN THE ENGINE WAS GONE & A NEW ENGINE IS BEING INSTALLED (THANK G-D FOR THE WARRANTY) AS WE SPEAK. SOMETHING AINT RIGHT!!!!
Zoom...
The P5 is FUN! It is a great car to drive, handles fantastic and is versatile. The only drawback of the car is horsepower but it has good torque that just about makes up for that shortcoming. It has a very flexible engine without the peaky power that some small cars have. Comfort is great as I have done over 700 miles in a day (solo) in this car. Very nicely carries both a canoe and a kayak on top with Yakima racks.
One good car
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.
great idea
I have owned my protege since 10-2001 and have only had minor hiccups that would be expected when a car is driven as hard as I drive this thing. I have gone through 3 sets of tires, changed the engine mounts, upgraded the brakes and have plans to use some sort of forced indution in the near future. The car still rides as if I bought it last week despite having 89,000 on the clock. Great car.
Practically Fun
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!
Nice little hatch
I don't like those common small cars. It was made in Japan and not as common as other Japanese sedans. I test drove the sedan but didn't like the seats and ride. I bought a Protege5 because it had more comfortable seats and and gave me a little bit of "road feel". The driving experience of the hatch was more closed to my old Saab (Of course the Saab was better). I don't understand why people don't like hatchback. It doesn't have typical noise from a hatchback. The car performs quite good in the city but it is quite noisy at highway speed. The autostick stick is fun but it needs a 5-speed auto instead of a 4-speed auto.
i ve fallen in luv with this car
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^^
Love my zoom zoom
I had to hold out a little while to get my P5 because I wanted the leather interior and tip-tronic shift, but it was worth the wait. I still smile when I look at my car and often get compliments on it. It is a blast to drive and I have yet to have any major problems with it. The interior is comfortable to sit in, cornering is exceptional, and the hatch cover makes a great table to use at tailgate parties! Gas mileage is a bit lower than I anticipated but not bad. The only other dislike is that the paint seems to chip rather easily.
Fun surprise
My Protege5 is at 70,000 miles and I still love it's sporty handling. It's the funnest economy car I've ever driven.
Quik Silver
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!!!
This car just gets better and better...
I would never imagine that after having a car after 4 years would still make me smile just by looking at it. Mazda hit the nail on the head with style vs. functionality (they just should've done a little better with performance). The paint is a little thin, minor road pebbles can go right to the black primer coat of the car. The tires are an odd size that are not readily available in case you need them (which I did, a monster pothole at night going 50 mph took care of the passenger side). This car, even though its a little underpowered, lives up to the zoom-zoom moniker that it delivered to the world (this was the first zoom-zoom car in Mazda's ads). It handles like a go-kart.
Fun Protege 5
I have had this car for 2 years....no problems whatsoever! Extremely fun to drive, awesome handling, and great interior which does not look like cheap and plastic like most cars today. We bought this over a 2001 Passat so you can bet the car is great! I'd highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive and likes sporty suspension. A 9 out of 10 in my mind. My next car will be a Mazda 6!!
MasdaP5
Great car. Much better value than Honda. Some reviewer want more power, but it has all the power I'll ever need. Suitable for all ages not just zoom-zoom st
Protege 5
A great looker and handles the road awesome. Comfortable seats and has enough legroom and headroom(even with sunroof). A couple minor gripes are that there are no cupholders in the rear and the ones in the front are not very deep. Could use some pockets on back of front seats. No choice in the interior colors. Some people complain about lack of power. Seems enough for me especially going from 0 - 40.
MazdaMeASAP
Mazda is cleary the most under appreciated car company in the market. The Protege5 is in a class by itself for people who know they don't need 800 cubic-feet of space, love to drive (not ride) and can still appreciate a good looking example of automotive design (no snarling hood nostrals, bat-wing fins and exessive door ribs).
The Most Bang for the Buck!
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.
p5 over 1 year and 25,000 miles later...
We are a 1-car family and rely on our p5 for everything. We have taken 2 1000+ mi trips in this car and a 2500+ mile trip. All with the baby. Still like the taught suspension and great steering feel. Fun to drive. Easy to drive. Can get around slower traffic with ease. Very stable and safe at higher speeds. Interior is squeak and rattle-free and materials are holding up well. Easy to stay comfy driving long distances. Still get plenty of "cool car" comments! Needs more power and less noise. No mechanical problems. We will probably keep it for 4 more years or up to 2 kids. Over 2 kids, shut up and get a minivan.
My Mazda PR5
I purchased this Pr5,as i liked the styling,and the look.It is almost nine months and have no complints,except one.The quiteness of the interior leaves a lot to be desired.Gas mileage is good,twenty five to the gallon.It handles and responds well.I have had a Mazda Millenia[lease]in 1997,and had very satisfactory experience,which led me to purchase this Pr5.
Wannabee mmer
Cruise control just went out. Might have been the fuse.
Excellent sporty, versatile subcompact
Mazda wasn't even on my list of cars I considered when I was shopping for one. However, the Mazda dealership was next to the Mitsubishi one, so I stopped there... I test drove the Civic, Focus, Eclipse, Tiburon et al., but there was no contest. The handling of the vehicle is in a class of its own. The ride is firm, precise, sporty. The interior is very attractive, all the materials look and feel very high-class, no cheap plastic. Nice versatility with the form factor. Has needed nothing except for regular oil changes. Standard maintenance very cheap. Seats four adults comfortably.
7000 miles oh! oh! Engine Light is on!
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.
So Far So Good
I have had my PR5 for over 8 months now. I was in the market to trade in my awful, terrible, never buy one, Mercury Cougar. I wanted a used car, but after test driving the PR5, I was hooked. I wanted an automatic, but manual was all I could find. However, the manual is so fun and easy to drive, that I barely notice it's not an automatic. If things go well with the car for through 60,000 miles, I may be a Mazda owner for life.
High Mileage and Reliable
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.
Not bad, not bad!
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.
Perfect!
We are very happy with the car. It is the perfect combination of cost, capability and fun-to-drive. It gets plenty of looks, and there aren't many around in my area so it has some exclusivity. There were a few car that I thought about waiting for.. the Matrix/Vibe, the SE-R Spec-V, and even the Altima. I'm glad I didn't wait. Those cars have all come in at higher price points, or have been disapointing in some way. My Pro5 was $17.5k out the door, and I can't think of ANY car I'd rather have at that price.
So far I am a happy camper!!! Zoom Zoom
The P5 has an outstanding style, from the exterior and interior. It has the capacity to respond when I demand sudden acceleration, not to mention an amazing curve handling. This car drives like a sport machine. The low profile tires help handling those 30 MPH curve at 50-60 MPH w/o a glitch. As for the interior, P5 offered a nice European styling, as opposed to the competition (i.e. the Civic, or Acura which I test drove). My hope is that the reliabilty of the P5 is as good as my Nissan Quest Van which we owned since '95!!!
Love It To Death!
I initially purchased a PT Cruiser near the end of January, but I always had a nagging feeling that I should've given the P5 another shot. Not even 2 months after I purchased the Cruiser, the P5 got another shot, and in my mind, it blew the PT away! I traded on the spot and I've never looked back! The P5 is a great car, no doubt about it. Many people seem to the think that the stereo leaves something to be desired, but I find it to be quite adequate. The interior and exterior are very attractive. Every time I get out I always take a look back just to admire its good looks! Unlike with the PT, I'm looking forward to the next 71 months, hopefully they won't seem so long!
Best car ever!
I bought this car off the showroom floor in '02. In all these years I still get compliments and people are always asking if I just got a new car and what kind it is. It still drives solid and very comfortable. Only routine maint. has ever been required, we've never had any mechanical problems. The controls to everything are conveniant and the car has lots of room. With recent additions to the family I have hsd to purchase a new mini-van, and my husband took over my mazda...I sure do miss it.