Mazda, the automaker originating in Japan but allied now with Ford Motor Company, enthuses its 2002 line of cars and trucks and wagons with attributes of performers like the racy two-seat Miata roadster.

As a class, Mazda’s vehicles for 2002 exhibit sporty manners due to tight chassis with tuned suspensions and exuberant powertrains.

Latest example is a nifty hatchback called Protege5, a five-door wagon cast from the compact-class Protege sedan.



It’s a practical car that’s also fun to drive.

The same is true for Tribute, Mazda’s compact-class sport-utility wagon built on the chassis of a front-wheel-drive car rather than a rear-wheel-drive truck.



Mazda’s diverse product line for 2002 also includes sedans in three sizes with flagship Millenia, mid-size 626 and compact Protege. And the compact B-Series pickup truck from Mazda achieves best-in-class power.



Best-selling Mazda is the four-door 626 sedan, which fosters sporty ride and handling manners. For 2002 issues, 626 divides into three versions, one with a four-cylinder engine aboard and two upgraded with a V6.



Mazda’s compact four-door Protege sedan in notchback shape breaks the mold of the typical inexpensive but dull economy car due to its zippy engine, precise suspension and rigid chassis that together induce sporty characteristics.



For the Miata roadster, perfect weight balance sets up that Mazda magic of predictable vehicle control for a driver. The 2002 versions draw on a dual-cam 1.8-liter and four-cylinder engine that produces 142 hp.