2002 Mazda Protege MP5 2.0 from North America

Summary:

I love to Zoom!~

Faults:

I have had not problems at all.

This is a great car!

General Comments:

I can see where there are slight improvements to be made (but it looks like the Mazda 3 is the answer to just about all of them).

The center console of the car is not very accommodating. The cup holder will only allow for about 20 oz. cups or water bottles, and nothing too tall. You cannot charge your cell phone while having a cup in the cup holder, nor can you access the small storage spot below the radio with a cup there. The storage compartment between the seats is rather small and pushed back rather far. It is not very comfortable for long trips when you like to rest your arm there.

I am not sure if it is the low-profile tires or the suspension that makes you feel the road a lot more than you would like to, but it is not so bad that it would persuade me not to buy it.

Someone else had said that the windows do not "squeegee" when rolled down, and I have found this to be true. It is a minor irritant, which I help to correct with lots and lots of Rainx.

Overall, I love this car!!! It is so sporty and stylish~far more than any of the competition. It handles wonderfully, gets great gas mileage, and has plenty of pep!

The ability to cram everything, but the kitchen sink into it is fabulous! Although now, I get recruited into helping everyone move. I love that it has the practicality of a 4 door wagon, but the feel of a sports car. It took me quite a while to adjust to the size. It feels so roomy that when I try to make a turn or park into a small spot, it does not seem as if it should make it, but it always does. It zips in and out of traffic and when I park it, I only take up 3/4 of the parking spot! It is wonderfully compact, and yet able to carry everything!

The stereo will soon be replaced to something with a bit of a cleaner sound, but even still, it is ok for a factory stereo.

I love this car! I love it! I love it! As I said, all the minor flaws it has seem to have been improved and perfected, even, by the Mazda 3. I think I like the exterior look of the MP5 better, but either way, they are both fabulous cars and once I put a few years of miles on this car, I will be purchasing a M3.

If you are thinking of buying a Protege5, I do not think you will be disappointed. It is reliable, safe, and fun as much as practical. It is a great "mom" car, without having to look or feel like a mom. Take your time to investigate what people think of their cars~this website is a GREAT source for this kind of information. And of course, enjoy!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2005

2002 Mazda Protege LX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

My 1978 bronco handles and performs better

Faults:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2005

29th Jun 2006, 21:16

I can't believe this guy is comparing his car with a vehicle that is twice the weight and size of his Protege! Come on, compare it with a Cavalier or Pinto or something, not a truck that can possibly drive over top your car!

6th Dec 2006, 13:52

I have a 2002 Mazda Protege' and it has 60,000 miles on it. It's been in the shop now for 2 weeks and has been to two different mechanics. The transmission has metal grindings inside as well as the transmission oil when checked. I will never purchase another Mazda. Toyota is the only way to go if you're look for value and dependability.

7th Mar 2007, 10:26

3 of the calipers have been replaced within the last 3 months on my Mazda Protege 2002. The anti-lock brake system was replaced and I am still having problems with the brake system. The brakes seize up and need to cool down for 30-60 minutes. before the car will even move!

8th Mar 2007, 17:23

I suggest the original poster find a new tire shop. +70 vibrations are imbalanced tires, period.

I would also suggest the brake-seizing guy find a new brake shop.

Seriously guys, this is one of the most reliable cars on the road. making bad reviews like this just screams "user error"

10th Mar 2007, 04:27

Agree that this is one reliable car. I have owned 2002 Protege LX since new (Feb 2002). Now have 50,000 miles.

Have had NO mechanical issues.

Here's my list of what's been done:

Every 3-5K Miles -- oil change.

20K Miles New wiper blades.

30K Miles New front brake pads.

40K Miles Flushed coolant and trans fluid.

48K Miles New Tires BF Goodrich Traction T/A radials.

I'd say not bad for five years of driving !!

The new tires are much better than the original Bridgestone Potenzas that came with the car. They are quieter on the highway, and handle as well as the Potenzas on dry pavement.

This spring will install an after-market stereo. Timing belt/water pump will come at 60K.

2nd Aug 2007, 11:19

I agree about user error...

Some of these posts are...well... ridiculous! I'm on my second P5 and I love it.

If you take care of this car... it will take care of you!!