The 5-speed manual transmission's lever on the tested car is easy to manipulate. The throws are short and spot-on. The clutch is light. In the past, I was able to drive an automatic-equipped 2.0L Protegé ES. Although the transmission functioned well, it seriously hampered performances.
Where the Protegé really shines, regardless of the trim, is in its driving dynamics. This is probably the car's best attribute after the high quality assembly and interior volume. I would even say that this car's drive represents the perfect compromise between a Volkswagen Jetta and a Honda Civic. Steering is light and precise. If the car is shod with the available 16" wheels and tires, turn-in is crisp and lateral grip is impressive.
The Protegé5 features a front strut-tower brace that increases rigidity and limits body flex. On a sinuous mountain road, the car's stability and agility is surprising. The downside of the car's sporty nature, for some, is that the ride can become a tad uncomfortable on a bumpy road.
Safety
The Protegé has standard dual front air bags and available ABS brakes
(N/A on base DX trim). The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) in frontal impacts for both front occupants. From 2001 on, the driver's side rating increased to 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result). The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rated the Protegé "Average" in its category.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a used compact car, chances are that you will come across a Protegé through your searching. If you are the type of person that enjoys driving and feeling good about their car, the Protegé is certainly the right choice. The Civic is a close second although the first few years of the 7th generation (2001-05) were plagued with suspension issues.
Reliability is very good but it is not at the same level as a Toyota Corolla, the benchmark in this segment. Certain replacement parts remain expensive although Mazda has regularly revised many of the prices on most of their replacement parts.
Good stuff:
Great drive
Handling
Protegé5 model
Not so good stuff:
Engines need more torque
Automatic transmission
Tested model:
2002 Mazda Protegé5 with 35,000 km
Problem areas:
Broken stabiliser links
Automatic transmission that has not receive the proper maintenance
 |
Where the Protegé really shines, regardless of the trim, is in its driving dynamics. This is probably the car's best attribute after the high quality assembly and interior volume. I would even say that this car's drive represents the perfect compromise between a Volkswagen Jetta and a Honda Civic. Steering is light and precise. If the car is shod with the available 16" wheels and tires, turn-in is crisp and lateral grip is impressive.
The Protegé5 features a front strut-tower brace that increases rigidity and limits body flex. On a sinuous mountain road, the car's stability and agility is surprising. The downside of the car's sporty nature, for some, is that the ride can become a tad uncomfortable on a bumpy road.
Safety
The Protegé has standard dual front air bags and available ABS brakes
 |
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a used compact car, chances are that you will come across a Protegé through your searching. If you are the type of person that enjoys driving and feeling good about their car, the Protegé is certainly the right choice. The Civic is a close second although the first few years of the 7th generation (2001-05) were plagued with suspension issues.
Reliability is very good but it is not at the same level as a Toyota Corolla, the benchmark in this segment. Certain replacement parts remain expensive although Mazda has regularly revised many of the prices on most of their replacement parts.
 |
Good stuff:
Great drive
Handling
Protegé5 model
Not so good stuff:
Engines need more torque
Automatic transmission
Tested model:
2002 Mazda Protegé5 with 35,000 km
Problem areas:
Broken stabiliser links
Automatic transmission that has not receive the proper maintenance