2002 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews

2002 Mazda Protege

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2002 Mazda Protege

Kelley Blue Book Retail $3,625–$4,625  

Average Rating

4.5 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:3.9 out of 5
Performance:4.1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.4 out of 5
Interior Design:3.9 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.6 out of 5
Reliability:4.6 out of 5

14 out of 14 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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best car i have ever owned

by jeremy
from verona, ny | December 15, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"i got this car in spetember, it has been the best car i have ever owned, i have a stick shift. it is fun to drive, sips gas. just an all around great car. for me. i am a college student adn it fulfills all my needs, it can get a little crowded, being i am 6'4" and my friends are not exacly small, but for my use it works well!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Still going at 200,000 miles!

by Lizzy
from Arizona | February 6, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Bought the car new and it has been very reliable. I have a long commute and it averages 31 mpg on highway. And for a 4 cylinder, it has a lot of pep to it! This car is one that could be handed down to other family members. Truly is a GLC (great little car)."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Awesome car

by Cat girl
from Beverly Hills, 90210 | August 18, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"Bought new and love it. I will buy another Mazda. Fits all my friends. I love the stereo and sunroof."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Best handling small car

by Atlanta speeder
from Atlanta, GA | August 18, 2010

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"My first drive in the Protege impressed me so much I ended up buying it the same day. That was in 2002 and eight years later I am still proud of my decision. The car handles like it is on rails. My favorite drive is up in the North Georgia mountains along the twisty roads. I am 6'4" and have plenty of legroom up front and headroom without the sunroof. The back seat is pretty tight and don't usually have more than one person back there. The 2.0L engine has plenty of power to get around town and onto the freeway. My gas mileage is usually in the upper 20s around town and on a trip to Orlando last summer recorded 34mpg. It just turned 87,000 miles and have had my check engine light come on a lot lately. Each time it comes on I take it to a mechanic that tells me something is wrong with the emissions system. We've been trying to troubleshoot it now for six months. Fortunately, the engine runs nice and smooth, so I imagine the problem must be minor. Other than the check engine light I have had no problems with the car mechanically. The display on my radio went out about two years ago. Found another stock radio on the internet, and the display worked great until recently, it has begun to flicker in and out. This is common so there must be something wrong with the factory installed Mazda radios. I am now a loyal Mazda enthusiast and am currently saving up to purchase a Mazda 3."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Great Value and Reliability

by Happy Mazda Owner
from San Francisco, CA | May 24, 2010

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"The ES has so many great features! Have had mine for 6+ years and 90k with very few issues. Great gas mileage too (30+ mpg)!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Very Happy and Satisfied

by Jim
from Tehachapi, Ca | January 29, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Bought my 2002 Protoge sedan new, and have been very happy ever since. A simple, 4-door, roomy vehicle with all the power features (even a moon-roof, which I use almost everyday), and purchased for a lot less than a comparable Honda Civic. The car has get up and go when you need it (a 2.0 liter motor), and gets decent fuel economy when you get off the pedal (up to approx 30 mpg). Have just shy of 200,000 miles on it, and have had no problems at all with simple regular maintenance. Will buy Mazda again, maybe the "3". Hope this was helpful!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Perfect Reliability and Great Handling

by Economical Enthusiast
from Worcester, MA | March 30, 2009

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This car is perfect for anyone that enjoys taking corners quickly but is also looking for a car that is cheap, reliable, and socially acceptable. Engine noise does become noticeable above 60 MPH, which is also the point where your highway mileage will start dipping below a generous 32 mpg. The front disc brake calipers may become rusty and need replacement if the brakes are worked on sloppily (the piston seal may become damaged.) Rear passenger often comment on how quiet the car is (since they can't hear the engine noise.) I like this car much more than the two civics I have owned previously (1989 and 1995)."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Very dependable

by mr. commute
from cocoa,fl. | March 25, 2009

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 2 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This car never breaks down 145.000 miles new fan belts and timing belt.but radios seem to stop working . I would buy another"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Great little car.

by LX02
from Virginia | January 5, 2009

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I bought a new LX (manual transmission) in 2002. Have had the car for the last 7 years and have put over 120,000 miles on it. Only non-routine work has been the timing belt, which I had replaced at 70,000. Some of the interior features weren't put together well and knobs fell of the radio. All minor interior issues, but for the price, I feel this is a great car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Best bang for the buck

by Ford/Mazda Man
from Nashville, Tennessee | October 9, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"You get the Japaneese reliability without the high cost. Over 90,000 miles on this car and running strong. No it's not the largest, most comfortable car, but that's not what you are buying it for. This is a small, efficient car that has some great zip. It has 5 seats, but the back seat is not suitable for more than one adult. My second Protege and third Mazda. At 26 years old, I plan to buy many more Mazda vehicles"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: N/A


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

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*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.