Segment:
Compact Car / Small Family Car
Positioning Statement:
The 2002 Mazda Protege represented an affordable, reliable, and engaging option in the compact segment, often lauded for its sporty handling and solid build quality, directly competing with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra
Standard Features Highlights:
Available in sedan and hatchback (MP3) body styles, offering a good balance of fuel efficiency and practicality.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine repair, overhaul, and diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission repair, maintenance, and overhaul
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including axles and differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, and troubleshooting
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, ABS, discs, drums, and related components
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, and linkage
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, fan, coolant, and related plumbing
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, and emissions control
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, and accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body And Trim:
Interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, and glass replacement
Chassis And Frame:
Frame repair and component mounting
Body Control Module:
BCM diagnostics and related functions
Diagnostics:
OBD-II codes, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting charts
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems
Rebuild:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic guides for common and complex issues
Adjustment:
Alignment, clutch adjustment, brake adjustments
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, and measurements for all components
Depth:
Factory-level detail for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required special tools and diagnostic equipment
Engine Code:
FS-DE / FS-Y (Performance variant)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower:
130 hp @ 6000 rpm (FS-DE)
Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (FS-DE)
Engine Variant Performance:
Mazdaspeed Protege featured a turbocharged FS-Y with 170 hp and 167 lb-ft torque.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Minimum)
NHTSA Front Impact:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims
Traction Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Airbags:
Front airbags standard, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Not typically available from the factory for this model year.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trim levels.
Aux Input:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions may exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 90,000 miles or 7 years (Crucial due to interference engine design)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ; ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 U.S. Quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (Mercon)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Catalytic converter failure (especially on higher mileage vehicles), minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, occasional CV axle issues, and wear on suspension bushings.
Intermittent Issues:
Some owners reported sporadic electrical gremlins or HVAC blower motor issues.
Brand Focus:
Mazda has a long history of producing sporty and engaging vehicles, often offering good value for money and a driver-centric experience.
Generation:
Third Generation (BJ Chassis, 1998-2003)
Key Updates For 2002:
Minor styling tweaks, revised suspension tuning, and potential feature upgrades across trim levels. The Mazdaspeed Protege was introduced for the 2003 model year, but the platform was refined leading up to it.
Production Years:
1998-2003 (BJ generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
