Mazda Protege
2002–2003 model years · Generation introduced 2002
Compare the years. Keep the details.
Compare model years ↓
- Available years
- 2002–2003
- Yearly records
- 2
- Reported market values
- $3,175–$3,463
The overview
The Protegé remains a solid small-sedan choice. For 2002, Mazda dropped the weak 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine in favor of the smooth, 130-hp 2.0-liter, which is now standard on all models. Handling is fairly nimble and secure, but the ride is stiff and choppy. Interior room is spacious for a small sedan and includes a fairly comfortable rear seat. A four-door hatchback/wagon, called the Protegé5, joined the line. Large fog lights, wide tires, and exaggerated bodywork lend it a sportier appearance. It was discontinued after the 2003 model year, replaced by the Mazda 3.
Generation summary from Consumer Reports. Year-specific figures appear below; missing values mean unavailable, not zero.
Compare the years
Each row keeps its own source data.
| Model year | Market value | Reliability | Owner rating | EPA combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 ↗ LX sedan 2.0-liter 4 (130 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 4-speed | $3,463 | Not rated | Not rated | 27 MPG |
| 2002 ↗ LX sedan FWD 2.0-liter 4 (148 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 4-speed | $3,175 | Not rated | Not rated | 27 MPG |
Values depend on trim and condition. Ratings are source-reported; road-test results may describe a tested configuration.
Year by year
2003 model
LX sedan 2.0-liter 4 (130 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 4-speed · Conventional · Used
Find 2003 listings ↗ Specifications
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door hatchback
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 2002
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $3,463
- Retail value range
- $2,925 - $4,600
- Original MSRP range
- $13,580 - $20,480
- Trade-in range
- $725 - $1,900
Ratings
- Road test score
- 54/100
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 25 MPG
- EPA highway
- 30 MPG
- EPA combined
- 27 MPG
- Tested city
- 19 MPG
- Tested highway
- 34 MPG
- Tested overall
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,845
- Cruising range
- 375 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.6 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 10.3 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 137 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 53 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 175 in
- Width
- 67 in
- Height
- 56 in
- Wheelbase
- 103 in
- Weight
- 2,715 lb
- Maximum load
- 850 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 2.5 in
- Front leg room
- 41 in
- Rear head room
- 1.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 28 in
- Cargo volume
- 0 cu ft
- Luggage
- 4+0+0
Vehicle ID: 8806 First published: July 10, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
2002 model
LX sedan FWD 2.0-liter 4 (148 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 4-speed · Conventional · Used
Find 2002 listings ↗
Specifications
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door hatchback
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 2002
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $3,175
- Retail value range
- $2,975 - $3,425
- Original MSRP range
- $13,075 - $16,455
- Trade-in range
- $750 - $1,110
Ratings
- Road test score
- 54/100
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 25 MPG
- EPA highway
- 30 MPG
- EPA combined
- 27 MPG
- Tested city
- 19 MPG
- Tested highway
- 34 MPG
- Tested overall
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,845
- Cruising range
- 375 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.6 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 10.3 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 137 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 53 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 175 in
- Width
- 67 in
- Height
- 56 in
- Wheelbase
- 103 in
- Weight
- 2,715 lb
- Maximum load
- 850 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 2.5 in
- Front leg room
- 41 in
- Rear head room
- 1.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 28 in
- Cargo volume
- 0 cu ft
- Luggage
- 4+0+0
Vehicle ID: 1955 First published: July 10, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
Behind the data
Latest source update: September 11, 2026
Vehicle summaries, specifications, pricing and ratings come from Consumer Reports vehicle records. Auto Guide groups these records by model and reported generation start year.
Available years are listed explicitly. Gaps do not imply that a model was discontinued. Prices are source estimates, not live offers. No first-hand road test by Auto Guide is claimed.
