2002 Mazda Protege Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

25 City / 30 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

130

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Peter

Engine valve stem seals

Great car underrated only problem was valve stem seals went due to the car not being ran on a regular basis great project car minus the 6th gear needed for freeway use

Malory P

I bought her recently used and she is still in tip top shape. She gets good mileage even though her tank is on the small side. There seems to be some wires loose in my dashboard, it just makes it so I can't see the display of my radio.

Cute, compact, but not a speed racer. Takes a little while to get up to speed.

Dale G

It is fun to drive and gets many miles per gallon.

Is gets good mileage - about 35 mpg. Easy to park - small can usually find a place. Reliable - have had very few problems.

Dee T

Great traveler car, good gas mileage

I get great gas mileage. The driver seat area is small but it's fine. It handles well and the AC is strong. It accelerates well.

Jules

Reliability

Best Bang for the Buck EVER My 2002 Mazda Protege ES Manual has been the most reliable, dependable vehicle I've owned. Odometer reads almost 232,000 miles. Passed 2021 inspection. I am having some long overdue work done, belts, timing belt, shocks & struts, clutch. All that because I intend to drive this responsive, peppy sedan for several more years, going for 250k miles. Interior still looking good, some vinyl armrest fatigue, driver seating carpet is worn. Buts that's aboi about it

Jenna O

It is small but reliable and has been through a lot for a little car.

This has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned with minimal problems. The check engine light has been on the car for over 1 year and nobody can figure out why after over 1, 000 in diagnostics.

Brandy S

It is an extremely reliable car that has never left me stranded.

It has been very reliable. Easy to work on and fuel efficient. Poor paint job that chips easily.

Robert B

4 doors coupe engine transmission great . Low on gas.

Runs very good. Never had a major problem. With this car its relatively small vehicle . So for someone big it could be uncomfortable . Made on 150. 000 mil so far and just cannot say bad. Ward about it.I services the car every 3000 miles. No major repairs I could recommend this car to anyone any day.

Negative Owner Reviews

braden h

Not to get it because it may look fun but it cost a lot in parts

It leaks oil every 200 miles something breaks and it has a lot of rust holes all around the car but mostly on the back

Ya H

Not to get it but if you do make sure your paying less than 1000.

It's a pile of trash everything is wrong with it trans went out rusting away everywhere on the car leaks a lot of oil and gear oil.

Debra D

They are known for rusting out.

Rusty but trusty, good on gas. Good air good heat. Hole in floor board from rust, trunk latch in car no longer works do to rust have to use the key.

Bree L

That it has a sunroof, and the heating doesn't work.

Its wearing out, needs lots of repairs. I like the gas mileage, and its trunk space. Just would like a newer car.

Rebecca A

It is reliable in all weather conditions.

What I do not like about my car is it is an old car that breaks down a lot. What I like about my car is I like the look of my car.

Mykayla B

My vehicle is a silver Mazda, it is great

My vehicle is very reliable and great. It runs very well with gas. The only problems I have with my vehicle are the breaks and sometimes my engine.

Tamara M

Steady and reliable transportation. Not flashy at all.

My car is elderly and is starting to wear down. It still runs pretty reliably but I'm to the point where I don't want to put any money towards repairs. It has been a great car for 16 years.

Elijah D

Doesn't have an aux, or a Bluetooth option.

Purchased the vehicle at 136, 000 miles. Alternator died. Rip Lucy. The car handled fairly well. Lasted a while.

Mazda Protege Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

130 HP 28-28 MPG 5 Seats

Base

130 HP 28-28 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2002 Mazda Protege Owner Reviews

3.98

54 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

35%

4 stars

35%

3 stars

22%

2 stars

1 star

Jules on April 8, 2021

Reliability

Carol A on March 4, 2021

I love it so much. It travels really good and it has nothing bad on it.

Nothing that I dislike. I love everything about it. This car has been amazing and it is not bad at all in gasoline. I love that if something breaks is an easy fix.

View All Reviews (54)

Ranks #11 Small Cars by Owners

The 2002 Mazda Protege has an average owner rating of 4.00 out of 5 which ranks it #11 of 24 other Small Cars.

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage

2002 Volkswagen GTI

4.8

2002 Mazda Protege

3.98

Ranks #10 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Mazda Protege has a combined MPG of 33 which ranks it #10 of 24 other Small Cars.

2002 Toyota Echo

41 MPG

2002 Honda Civic

40 MPG

Tie

2002 Mazda Protege

30 MPG

Is The 2002 Mazda Protege A Good Car?

Yes the Mazda is a really good dependable vehicle. It works great. It also has a good engine as well.

Amanda S.

Yes I'm happy with it it's good on gas. And it runs great. My car is a four door with windows that lock for child safety. The air conditioning works wonderfully. It's decent size on the inside but... Read More

Lyndsey J.

It's a great vehicle: Agile and fuel efficient. Fun to drive, too. I have two cars. This is the only one I drive regularly

Jacqueline V.

Yes, for an older car it still has most of its original parts. Besides the paint chipping, my car is useful and reliable.

Jenny K.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Mazda Protege?

Yes it does have an issue with the power steering belt needing the pin and also needs to have the brakes changed as well

Ray B.

My car is very reliable I've not had any major mechanical problems thus far. And it's great on gas. I've also been told that my car is cheap to work on.

Ashley R.

It's totally reliable as a daily driver. It has no problems that I'm aware of. That I'm aware of. It gives me zero problems as a 'daily driver.'

Brandon M.

I replaced the starter one time, and she has been reliable ever since. I usually stick to buying Mazda's because of the safety and reliability.

Barb L.

Is The 2002 Mazda Protege A Good Value?

I'm not sure how much it is brand new but the price my fiance's mother paid was 3,500 and yes it is good value considering that it only had 70000 miles on it

CorriE M.

I bought mine you so I only paid $600 for it. Which was a steal in my opinion. As far as the cost of brand new ones I'm unsure. I would recommend a Mazda Protege

Tricia R.

I bought mine for 1400 bucks. I consider it to be a great value. Find me a 20-year old car which serves its owner any better

Carla H.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2002 Mazda Protege vtcs solenoid valve location?

Answer: The 2002 Mazda Protege VTCS solenoid valve location is found by watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2JzyMigEY0 The transmission fluid needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Along with fluid...

What's the 2002 Mazda Protege speed sensor location?

Answer: The 2002 Mazda Protege speed sensor location is at the transmission output shaft. The transmission is one of the most critical parts of the vehicle. You will face issues at some point. You could experience...

What's the 2002 Mazda Protege fuel pressure regulator location?

Answer: The 2002 Mazda Protege fuel pressure regulator location is on the drivers side of the engine, near the intake. Vehicle parts will eventually become ineffective. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every 30,000...

What is the 2002 Mazda Protege crank sensor location?

Answer: The crank sensor on a 2002 Mazda Protege can be found at the bottom of the engine near the crankshaft. This is near the crankshaft since the main job of it is to measure the rotation of it. The crankshaft...

What is the 2002 Mazda Protege cabin air filter location?

Answer: When equipped with one, the cabin air filter in the 2002 Mazda Protege should be changed once per year or every 20,000 miles, whichever comes first. In this vehicle, it is located behind the glove box on the...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Not Rated

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety