Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom = Fun Fun Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Joy joy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my Protege5 six days ago, so I cant say much on reliability and build quality quite yet, but it is fun to drive. Very peppy and stiff handling. The options dont cost an arm and a leg either. Good wind noise protection, but bad road noise at 60 plus mph.

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  Cant complain - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Tammy - July 12 - 7:36 am

  Have 27,000 miles on my car and needed new tires. Cost over $700 to replace... ouch! I like the looks and feel of this car and no troubles except has had problems staying in alignment. Choppier ride than I care for but Ive been in worse cars.

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  Zoom-Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By adam - July 7 - 4:26 pm

  Bought this car brand new in spring of 03 and couldnt be happier with it. I have kept up with most suggested maintenance and oil changes and have not had to service at all except for brake pads! Car has over 60,000 miles and is running wonderfully. Pickup is still excellent, as is fuel economy. LOVE the six disc in-dash CD changer and the stereo quality is good for stock. Only problem is that FM reception isnt the best.

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  A complete downgrade - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Vanishing Boy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I was supposed to own a 2004 Mazda3 s 5-door but the dealership ripped me off and landed to this car. This car is mediocre in every way and dissapointing at limit. The stock tires doesnt grip submitting the car to plow on each corner. Engine power is smooth not fast and torque-less, thrashy at limit. At least every time my friends seat on the front passenger seat they end up taking a nap which is good, that means that the seats are very comfy. The steering and engine response are very responsive (although the steering has a slow feed back.

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  Not reliable or maybe not lucky!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sam - June 21 - 7:16 pm

  I bought the car 4 years ago. Recently, the engine started making a loud sound and it seems that it may cost me over $1200 to repair it (with only 86,000 miles on the engine). I was hoping to keep the car longer. At this level not sure if Im willing to spend that much money on a car thats only 4 years old. What would happen in few months if I fix the car! Would it brake again! This is a major maintenance for a car this new. So I would have to say that Mazda Protege5 is not a reliable car or Im an unlucky guy! I hope my comments helped.

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  Fun, inexpensive & practical little car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lee - May 16 - 5:13 am

  They only made this car for 2 years, which is a shame. Its been replaced by the Mazda 3, which is supposedly more refined, better performing, etc .- but they probably didnt need to. Although not blazingly fast, its still "peppy" off the line, and a great deal of fun to drive in almost any situation. Easily hold 4 people in comfort, has an easily attachable roof rack (if yours doesnt already have it) for bikes, skis, etc, and folding down the back seats allow for tons of stuff to be carried. Its definitely sport oriented, so luxury style comfort drivers might not enjoy it as much. For cheap fun, it cant be beat. Car & Driver thinks so too.

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  MAZDA fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ray&kay - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a MAZDA protege5. After test driving the MATRIX and the Ford Focus this was our choice. Sportsy car, nice suspension and lots of standard options. Cargo space is a bit small for a wagon, but it keeps the car small for parking. Lowering the back seats gives you enough space. Nice mixture of wagon, small SUV and sportsy car.

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  Fun little car to drive in city - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By hyc - May 9 - 10:00 am

  very god handling, zipping throught the city road with ease and really fun. but lack of power. nontheless, for the money i pay, i love this car (still love my old civic too) Mazda provide a list of very inexpansive options.

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  i like it! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By funcommuter - May 9 - 10:00 am

  solid ride, not the greatest acceleration but awesome handling. This car is definitely fun to drive.

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  Best all-around sport compact - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lamsock - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year, and its been great. I havent driven that many total miles (<10k), but its been rock-solid. Not one problem. Unlike Mazda3 (Ford), Protege5 is made 100% in Japan, and it shows. Quality is so far beyond anything made in America- even at much higher prices. I find the Dunlops are adequate, as long as you drive with care in inclement weather. In dry, trust me, theyre like glue. EXTREMELY fun to drive! Not that fast, true, but since the revs are high most of the time, you almiost always have a decent amount of power on tap. Ride is firm, but never harsh.