2002 Mazda Protege: Road Test
Archived Review
2002 Mazda Protege ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $13,075 -$16,455
- Invoice: $12,097 -$15,214
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mazda Protege
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2002 Mazda Protege includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mazda Protege from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mazda Protege, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mazda Protege help you decide if a 2002 Mazda Protege is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
OK with manual transmission but labored with automatic, especially in passing or hill-climbing. Test LX did 0-60 mph in a disappointing 9.8 sec with manual shift.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test LX averaged 24.5 mpg, including performance tests. Test Protege5 averaged 20.6. Both had manual transmission.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.1 |
Jiggly and thumpy on mainstream models, even more so on ES and Protege5. Buckboard stiff on MP3.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 4.9 |
All models have a solid feel, quick steering, and agile cornering with little body lean. Stiffer suspension and performance tires sharpen ES and Protege5 responses; MP3 drives almost like a sports car. Braking good but not exceptional even with ABS.
QUIETNESS
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
Only class-average. Main problems are marked coarse-surface tire thrum and slightly throbby, coarse-sounding engines that aren't very quiet except in gentle cruising. Engine and tire noise higher in MP3.
CONTROLS
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.6 |
Nothing special, but simple, convenient, intuitive. MP3 audio system sounds great, but has a needlessly busy electronic display and woefully undersized controls. All Proteges have pleasant cabin decor and generally fine fit-and-finish save slightly tinny door and trunklid closings.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Good head room for up to 6-footers and ample leg space for all. Visibility very good to all corners. Standard height-adjustable driver's seat on all but DX helps tailor basically good stance, but may not raise high enough for some.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Two adults is the comfortable limit. Leg room scarce with front seats pushed fully aft, head room average, but decent knee room and underseat foot space. Entry/exit quite easy for a small 4 dr.
CARGO ROOM
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 3.3 |
Sedan's trunk is about average for the class, but standard locking 60/40 folding rear seat is a plus. Wagon rear seats fold forward without removing the headrests, but lay at an angle about 2 inches above the level of the cargo floor; overall capacity is about average for the class. Standard on wagon are a roof rack and rigid cargo cover. MP3 trunk loses space to large audio amplifier.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4.7 |
Protege disappoints on ride and refinement, but matches class leaders in most other ways while offering great dollar value and an appealingly frisky personality. Recommended, but also check out the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Jetta.
Total Score
| LX, man. | ES, auto | Protege5, man. | MP3 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 49 | 53 | 46 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
