Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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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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  One recurring problem - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Peter R. - April 30 - 5:33 am

  I was initially happy with the car. The handling was superb and it suited my needs. However the odd size tires 195/55 16 are hard to find and expensive. The worst part has been the brakes. The left rear caliper siezed after 18 months and was fixed under warranty. I have had the same problem occur two more times in 7 years of ownership. I have replaced the rear rotors twice and the rear calipers once in 80,000. Plus 2 sets of pads and a rebuild of the the seized caliper twice. This is an unacceptable issue in my mind. My benchmark is my 1994 corolla that had zero problems in 120,000 miles.

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  Love It To Death! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By NewMazdaFan - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I initially purchased a PT Cruiser near the end of January, but I always had a nagging feeling that I shouldve given the P5 another shot. Not even 2 months after I purchased the Cruiser, the P5 got another shot, and in my mind, it blew the PT away! I traded on the spot and Ive never looked back! The P5 is a great car, no doubt about it. Many people seem to the think that the stereo leaves something to be desired, but I find it to be quite adequate. The interior and exterior are very attractive. Every time I get out I always take a look back just to admire its good looks! Unlike with the PT, Im looking forward to the next 71 months, hopefully they wont seem so long!

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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.

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  Still Zooming! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DT - April 2 - 3:13 am

  I had driven 10 company cars over the years, and when it finally came time to purchase one myself, I chose the MP5. I had one in 2002 when it was new, and loved it. Have driven Volvo XC70, Cadillac SRX, Ford Freestyle, Focus, Mazda6, Matrix, Fusion and this car beats them all. Outstanding handling, 4 wheel disc brakes, its a blast to drive. This car always puts a smile on my face. My wife loves it because Im like a teenager when theres an errand to be run - I love driving this car! Its stylish, and since it was only sold in the US for 2 years, it stands out without being seen everywhere.

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  9,000 miles of Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By sh8pshftr - March 29 - 3:03 pm

  I bought this car in late September and broke it in on a 2,000 mile cross-country move. It was the most enjoyable "road trip" experience EVER, the cargo space was great, and the roof rack came in very handy. Acceleration. braking, and gas mileage were great even in the mountains with the car loaded down. It was also great knowing that I was automatically covered by Mazdas roadside assistance program, even though Ive never needed to use it. Im at 9,000 miles now and have had no problems.

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  LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By darkmattress - March 25 - 1:17 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 years now and it has been nothing but good to me. I always took it to the dealership so anything related to maintenance and the few recalls were taken care of properly. I put a few modifications on it early on (Injen CAI, Racing Beat Catback Exhaust, Short Shifter) and have enjoyed even better performance and fun driving. Granted, this car is not going to win any drag races, but it is has decent pep and loves corners! Very reliable- never had anything beyond regular wear and tear in 10 years.

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  Sporty Station Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By SunPatch - March 13 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a new car my husband still wanted something fun and sporty, me being more practical wanted something more family oriented for our new infant son. Then my husband introuduced me to the MP5, its perfect! Its fun and sporty... our vivid yellow MP5 is really an attention getter and doesnt feel anything like a practical family car, but with 4 doors and a roomy back seat its the perfect combination of fun and practicality. Our only complaint is the power but if you take it out of overdrive it gets a little more power for in town driving. This car is a must buy in addition to being fun and practical the price is great!

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  all i have to say is wow - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By i got it first - March 7 - 10:00 am

  wow is this a car it is great in every not too fast to get in trouble with but fast enough to feel young i love this car my wife loves this car my neighbors love this car it handles like a sport car gas mileage of a economy car room enough for 5 and a large trunk area it is absolutley great. also thumbs up to putnam mazda in burlingame ca you guys are the best my salesman nick really knows his stuff and really sold me on the car i wasnt even in the market to buy i was helping a friend well we both bought one and were both overwelmingly pleased with our cars