Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  A better G20 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By santag - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a 95 G20 with this car. It is $5K less with more features. I have a fully loaded 5sp (leather, ABS, Moonroof, auto dimming mirror, security system) except for the roof rack. Fun to drive. I can understand why Car and Driver rated it #1 in 6/2002 issue. Doesnt match my Miata but I would rate it very close to the G20 if not better.

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  Great little car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By D R McClees - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Lots of fun on the twisties. Not a Miata, but the next best thing!

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  Best car I have owned to date - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DarylJ - June 19 - 5:03 am

  This car suits my needs perfectly. Has the cleanest running engine. The oil is clean every time I check it. Great gas mileage! Highest was 37 mpg on a long trip. Lowest was 27mpg. I get around 30 normally. Great gas mileage means less muscle which is the better trade off for me (2.0L). Because of this the manual version is the way to go. Sporty suspension and tight turning radius makes for great handling (better than my Eclipse). Handles well in snow. Interior spacing is perfect.

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  awesome car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By clcgirl79 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my pro 5 since last November and havent been happier. Great gas mileage, great sporty look, and many compliments from everyone. Also, great price, not too expensive!

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  Truck luvr goes 4 wagon...and luvs it!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By JKB25 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven pick-ups for the convenience of being able to always have room for my stuff, but I hate the poor gas mileage Ive been getting (with my 2000 Dodge Dakota). The P5 has PLENTY of room for your stuff, is very fun to drive, has a great sound system (mine has the 6CD chanher and a 100W subwoofer) and gets great gas mileage. I feel a little lower than Im used to but Ill get used to it! Buy this car, its a great value and you will love driving it.

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  Best in Class - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By RJBJAB - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The initial quality was flawless. It has more interior room than any other car in its price class. It handles likes your driving on rails due to the precise steering, tight suspension and 16 inch tires. The automatic/manual transmission makes it so fun to drive!! It can go from 40-70 mph faster than any small car we have ever driven. The road noise is far less than our Saturn SW2 and is more agile and the turning radius is incredible. The visibility is good because your not sitting on the floor boards like the Saturn. It also has a standard 48000 mile 5yr bumper to bumper warranty. We are VERY happy with our purchase!!

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  A great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By johnjj - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun. It seems so perfectly designed between form and function and economy. It is the funnest car you can find to drive. Unreal response and pepness. The seats are really comfortable and the interior is laid out perfectly. The 4 cylinder motor has plenty of power and the car has excellent pickup throughout the power band. The 2003 drops the luggage rack and adds a 100watt subwoofer that mounts on the spare tire! The stereo is awsome for a stock system! I say again that this car is one of the coolest cars made today!

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  Best sport-compact wagon available - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By magicjnkie - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Simply all out FUN TO DRIVE!! I sampled each of the comparable vehicles:PT Cruiser, Focus & the Matrix/Vibe twins...taking each for an extended test drive...then I made my choice... The Mazda may be just a touch short on power...but the 130 HP it does provide comes on strong & willing & SMOOTH...The steering is absolutely the high point...just point & go...response from the wheel is accurate & firm. The suspension is tight & grippy..this car was made for cornering! What about the price? Mine came loaded with sunroof, chrome alloys & the compass/self dimming mirror.. all for $16,200...try getting all this in a Matrix!!

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  great little car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lnmop - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little car with lots of good features at a good price. I wish that the trunk was a bigger (it is really really tiny) and that the leather was a little nicer, but what can you expect for 17K? The sound system is great and it is really fun to drive!

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  Do you have this too? - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By vasq - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Im guilty for crying out loud. I walk away from the car and check it out as I am going along. Its so hot. But theres a hitch: its 2 months old and makes a rattling/almost low clatter when the engines cold, does yours? The dealership denies it(took it in 2X) but is obvious as hell. Started about a month after I got it. Besides that, LOVE IT!