Ok, it's been a couple of years since my last Protege (a 92 model). You would think that in 10 model years, they could improve their manual transmissions! Still notchy and long throws, with a particularly difficult shift from 1st to 2nd.

And what's with the shallow cupholders? I almost spilled a 20 oz container of Pepsi just turning the corner! I understand the newer P5's have better cupholders. I wonder if I can get them from the dealer?

Anyway, even though I have a couple of gripes, I'm very satisfied with the car. The power is adequate, though it could use about 20 more hp, the handling and steering are great and the car is very roomy.

 

I don't think if the new cupholders are deeper in the 2002.5s.

Anyone know???

 

one word for you.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

 

I thought they were, but then I measured them. Only about 3.5-4" deep. How deep are the early ones? That said, I haven't spilled or come close to spilling any BK or Micky D's cups in my car

 

 

I'll have to go to the dealer and check to see if the new ones are deep enough to even warrant changing them. Sorry to gripe about something so minor, but I've never had a car that had such shallow cupholders. If I wouldn't have had the cap on my bottle of Pepsi, it would have spilled. Not something I want to do in a 1 week-old car.

It's still a fun car to drive and I'm getting used to the manual trans and hope it loosens up a little with more use. I still get annoyed when people call it a station wagon, though.

 

no one is allowed to eat or drink in my station wagon. j/k, couldn't resist that one.