2002 Mazda Protege
Should You Buy a 2002 Mazda Protege?
The 2002 Mazda Protege is a compact sedan that offers a blend of practicality and performance, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers. With a 2.0L I4 engine producing 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a respectable driving experience, especially with its 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle achieves a combined fuel economy of 24.0 MPG, making it a sensible option for daily commuting. Priced at an MSRP of $13,075, it provides good value for those seeking reliable transportation without breaking the bank.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some concerns reflected in NHTSA complaint data. With 133 total complaints, including 19 crash incidents and 23 reported injuries, safety should be a consideration. Notably, issues have been reported with seat belts and the automatic transmission, particularly at lower mileage. Despite this, the Protege boasts a high reliability score of 98.2/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with the vehicle over time.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families seeking a reliable and economical daily driver.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 98.2/100
- +Affordable price point at $13,075
- +Good fuel economy at 24.0 MPG combined
- +Sporty handling with a manual transmission option
- +Spacious seating for up to 5 passengers
Weaknesses
- -Reported issues with seat belts and automatic transmission
- -Presence of crash incidents and injuries in complaint data
- -Limited power compared to competitors in the segment
- -Older model may lack modern safety features
- -Potential difficulty in finding parts for repairs
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2002 Mazda Protege has recorded a total of 133 complaints, with notable issues primarily related to seat belts and the automatic transmission. While there are no deaths reported, the presence of 19 crash incidents and 23 injuries suggests that prospective buyers should conduct thorough inspections and consider the vehicle's safety history. Overall, while there are some concerns, the reliability score of 98.2/100 indicates that many owners have found the vehicle dependable.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 24
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- –
- Width
- –
- Height
- –
- Wheelbase
- –
- Curb Weight
- –
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –