2002 Mazda Protege ES review from North America

I have owned the car for nearly a year and a half, and have had no issues worth noting.

I have replaced the brake pads and 4 tires.

I purchased this 2002 Protege ES after owning a 1998 Audi A4. I have been pleased thus far and have had no real issues of any kind with the car.

Mazda's claim of "zoom zoom" fits as the car is quick, but by no means fast. 0-30 response is good for a car of this kind (Mazda's entry level sedan), but the power unfortunately does not last throughout the power band. However, the power is still adequate.

Handling is crisp with little effort, although it could benefit greatly from either of the suspension upgrades of the MP3 or Mazdaspeed entries, as there is more body roll around rolling corners than I'd like.

A big positive is this car's excellent gas mileage. I can usually get 24-27 MPG if I get in some highway driving.

A big selling point of this car when I saw it was that it had a tougher appearance than it's competitors (Civic or Sentra Base). The car is very appealing with fog lamps, 16 inch wheels and a stock spoiler.

Inside, the car is much cleaner and well designed than I would have expected from such a low priced car. Dark gray upholstery with blue stitching and a few well places brushed aluminum and carbon fiber accents, accompanied with the white guages make you feel like you are in a more expensive car. Plenty of room for 5 people too.