Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Zoom, Zoom.... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By BBVD68 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  A great fun to drive car. Plenty of sports car characteristics, with additional cargo space, Im not buying groceries for a house of 4, so the cargo area is just fine.

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  Great Looking and FUN! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By westports94 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it a day, but this car is FUN! The P5 should be gaining in popularity since others, besides the 20- somethings to which its being marketed, are starting to discover it: hatchbacks are practical at any age. I gave up on my 1988 Civic hatch that I loved. I missed it, but not anymore. P5 is definitely an upgrade in handling, hp, looks, goodies. A sportyish ride, but reasonablely tame. Mostly it just feels like it wants to go, and begs to take corners. A short test drive did it for me. Compared to Acura RSX, which was too sporty for me (too low, no adult-height back seat), the P5 is more fun for thousands less. Looks GREAT, gets peoples attention... a test drive makes the sale.

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  Big Value, Big Fun! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Morgan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds describes this car as a Lexus SportCross for the masses, and I totally agree. I dont think theres a better balance of practicality, reliability, mileage, looks, and performance out there. I rarely get beyond my driveway before this cars performance puts a smile on my face.

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  Great Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By bert - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned the car a short time and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am over 6 tall and have plenty of room. Took the wife 2 kids and all our gear to the beach and had plenty of room. I test drove the Impreza wrx and was impressed w/ the power, but the Pr5 has a much better ride and the design and quality was far superior. Also, the Pr5 is about $7,000 less ($16,900 w/ moonroof and ABS/side air bags).

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  2002 Mazda Pro5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By flgardner - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome! This is my second Protege (first one a 93). Fun to drive. Definitely top quality build. I have the silver car with silver wheels, and it gets lots of looks and comments...

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  PROTEGE 5 STILL A WINNER - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mustangleader - September 25 - 2:40 pm

  I have written a couple of reviews. Bought new in May 2002. Reviews stating car is bad, guessing that either bought car used, abuse it driving or in bad weather areas. Im in So Cal. Runs great after 195,000 miles. Only a fuel pump at 80,000 and a new alternator recently. Normal maintenance. Still original clutch. Thats reliability. Drives like a go kart in twisties gets 31 highway 24-25 in town. Combine: 27 mpg. Complaints light bulbs burning out 2 often - its bulb holder the problem, not bulb. Just drove 2011 Mazda 2 selling 4 what I paid 4 PR5, no comparison. 2 slower/smaller. Tested Honda Fit, sits 2 high. Not as fun 2 drive. Also smaller. 2 bad Mazda stopped making PR5.

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  Great little car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sam - September 24 - 6:13 pm

  I love my Pro 5. The only aspect I would change is the headroom. I am 6 tall and I like to keep the seat bottom a little higher for better visibility. Mine has a sunroof, which decreases the headroom a bit, so Im right at the roof. Of course, I wouldnt mind a little more HP and better gas mileage, but I think it is a good balance. Ive found the interior transporting capacity to be surprisingly large with the back seats folded all the way down. The seats arent the most comfortable, but the leather feels good and has been durable so far. The ride is a little firm, but with the low profile tires, this helps offset the smallish HP when turning and maneuvering.

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  Great Everyday Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mustangleader - September 23 - 7:00 pm

  This is the best overall car I have owned for everyday use. I just purchased 2007 Speed3 with turbo which is obviouly a faster car. However, I like the PR5 because it drives like a go-kart. Original power was good but added a turbo muffler, cold air intake and had the computer reprogammed. Total cost was $800 which was well spent. I have plenty of power to pass on So Cal highways. I have 143,000, same clutch and only water pump had to be replaced. With slight modifications which I did, the car is great: fun to drive with its cornering ability, highway over 32 mpg if I keep the speed under 80. A great, dependable fun car. Speed3 is faster, but PR5 is easier to drive.

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  Mazda Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mdecker - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. It has a great fun factor. I have the 5 speed manual tranny. This is like having a Miata with room.

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  RX-8 of Wagons - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nissan Man - September 15 - 5:53 pm

  This car is the RX-8 of wagons. The car handles like a dream but is lacking in the horsepower/torque area (just like the RX-8). Had the car for a month and has been in the shop 3 times already. Everything that went wrong got fixed under warranty and now i will put the car to the test to see how reliable a Mazda really is. I have never owned a Mazda (I am a Nissan lover; had 3 and never had trouble). Purchased car because I got a great deal on it and the Protege has been ranked as one of the best entry level cars. Hope the car holds up like my Nissans.