2002 Mazda Protege LX review from North America
"My 1978 bronco handles and performs better"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine needed to be rebuilt beacause too bad head and other problems at 40000 miles. I have met other 2002 Mazda that have had the same problem.
Stereo shorted out 4 times.
Cd player replaced 1 month after owning the car.
Shakes very badly when it get around 70+ mph so I have put new tires on the car and still hasn't fixed the problem.
Rims rusted very badly after one winter.
Exhaust system replaced and transmission shifts hard at low speeds.
General comments?
Mazda customer service is great they shipped the car to me after the engine blew in New Mexico and I flew home.
Interior is nice, but they need to move the cup holders, make the cabin more sound proof and, but a power door lock button on passenger side door.
Has overall good brakes, but needs better handling at highway speeds.
Recommended reviews
  | Drives like a 3 series costs like a Mazda |
| Nice in a lot of ways, but overall unrefined and illogical |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 4 miles |
| Most recent distance | 43000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 7th January, 2005 |