Market Position:
The Mazda Protégé 5 was a popular compact sport wagon known for its practicality, engaging driving dynamics, and distinctive styling, often targeting younger buyers and families seeking a versatile vehicle.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other compact wagons and hatchbacks such as the Subaru Outback Sport, Honda Civic Si Wagon, and Volkswagen Golf. It differentiated itself with a sporty chassis and a more upscale interior for its class.
Key Features:
Unique sport wagon body style, well-tuned suspension for sporty handling, practical cargo space, available manual transmission, sporty interior appointments.
Systems Covered:
Instrument panel and controls, starting and driving, controls and features (e.g., climate control, audio system, cruise control), seating and seat belts, safety features (airbags, ABS), lighting, instrument cluster indicators and warnings, maintenance and care, emergency procedures, basic troubleshooting, towing, specifications.
Procedures Included:
How to start and stop the engine, operating the transmission, using various controls and features, adjusting seats and mirrors, understanding dashboard warnings, performing basic maintenance checks (e.g., fluid levels, tire pressure), changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, using the jack, emergency roadside information.
Technical Depth:
Basic owner-level operational and maintenance information. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or component-level specifications typically found in service or repair manuals.
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS - optional on some trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, side-impact door beams, LATCH child seat anchors.
Infotainment Features:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system with subwoofer. Basic climate controls with manual or automatic temperature settings. Cruise control is typically standard or optional depending on trim.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS is standard. Traction Control System (TCS) was an option on select models. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era; typically no Bluetooth or USB ports. Auxiliary input jack may be present on some audio systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-II or GF-III certified SAE 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with de-ionized water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Known Issues:
Some owners have reported issues with the power steering pump (whining noises), ignition coil failure (misfires), and the Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor needing cleaning or replacement. Rear wheel bearing wear is also a possibility.
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and engaging vehicles, often emphasizing sporty driving characteristics and innovative design within its product lines.
Model Evolution:
The Protégé line, introduced in the late 1970s, evolved through several generations. The '5' variant, introduced for the 2002 model year, was a significant redesign and the first to offer a distinct sport wagon body style in the North American market, built on the BJ platform.
Production Years:
The Protégé 5 was produced from 2002 to 2003 model years in North America.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Japan
