2002 Mazda Protege 5 from North America - Comments

The rear wiper blade wore out prematurely. (cost to replace $14 big deal)

I replaced the crummy tires with better ones at 41k miles. (cost to replace $400)

A light bulb socket corroded at 42k miles (cost to replace= $10)

I used synthetic oil since day one. And it made a difference. I got extremely good gas mileage and the car NEVER broke. EVER.

Handling is incredible. Speed and acceleration is not.

My brother owns too a Protege 5 and I got him to put in a synthetic oil and a K&N air filter. Big difference.

A problem with his car is the antipollution part has been changed twice at a cost of about 230 dollars + installation each time. Apart from that it works great with all options, but only the 3 speed automatic. I recommend this car to anyone not looking too much for performance, even if it is peppy enough, but for someone who goes camping, on long trips, and someone who needs lots of carrying room, but does not want an SUV.

I purchased my 2002 MP5 used in 2004 and I can't say anything negative about it. Great HANDLING car for the money.

Looks like a Lexus IS Sportcross & handles like it for much, MUCH less money.

So far, I've added:

Performance:

TEIN S-Tech 1.8” lowering springs

ADR SZ-1 wheels in 17x7 trim

Mirada Sport GTX rubber (Yokohama subsidary)

HKS twin filter short ram intake

Tsudo Racing N1 2.5” exhaust system mated to a 5Zigen rear section

Style: JVC KDG800 CD/MP3 SIRIUS equipped head unit

Custom mounted MAZDASPEED Protégé Kenwood subwoofer & amplifier combo

Stock tweeters w/front & rear speakers

Monster Cable wires

Painted Interior

Painted Head lights (JDM styled black housing)

Painted Tail lights (Smoked/Ghost red)

Painted Side markers (Smoked)

Painted Front 'Flying M' badge

Painted Rear 'Protege5, Flying M & Mazda' badges

J-Spec Sport-20 decals

Carbon Fiber Side view mirrors

DGM Carbon Fiber eye lids

20% Black tinted windows

DGM Urethane Ducted Front Spoiler

DGM Carbon Fiber Rear Valance.

I added turbo muffler, megna flow, had the computer reprogrammed. It has more power than needed especially when it hits powerband. Much quicker to with go kart drive/feel.

I also own the new Speed3 which of course has a lot more power, but the MPR5 is a lot more fun to drive on a daily basis. More agile, better mileage.

But the Speed3 is more comfortable, cruising car. And when you want the power to blow by the BMW's, you feel great since those drivers always feel they are better than you in a Mazda.