Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  My first car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Brian - July 9 - 7:33 am

  I picked my P5 up used from a dealership for about $10k. Couldnt be happier. It fits all my stuff for college, while it is a blast to push through twisties. Decent fuel economy.

• 

  Mazda Protoge5 Review - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Concetta Marotta - June 8 - 12:16 am

  I have had a good driving experience with this car. However, I had to get used to the handling of the car, since it is a sport car and it is quick to respond.

• 

  Great Standard Options - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By skier - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have this car about a year and a half and have put a little over 20,00 miles on it. We like snow sports and take long trips almost every weekend. It is comfortable for me and my 62" husband. With the seats down it is very roomy and the uneven split back seat lets you carry people and your skis, boards, etc. The standard options for this car include power windows/locks, a.c., and CD player. I find it very peppy (standard trans) and fun to drive. The interior has held together perfectly considering the use we give it. Gas mieage and acceleration are great for long trips.

• 

  Must have sport compact car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By CRSMP5 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for less then 3 months and put 9000 miles on it. I had a V-6 Accord with several aftermarket parts before I bought the P5. The P5 will out-handle the Accord any day of the week. The car is much more stable cornering and gives you confidence entering any corner. The car is under powered, but not terribly slow. Not going to win any drags with this car. The 5-spd revs high and is enjoyable to drive. reat stereo and looks are additional compliments. I have owned Hondas for 10 years now and this was my first Mazda. I am a big fan of the company now and would recommend this over a Civic anyday. Give Mazda a shot - they wont let you down!!

• 

  A Very Reliable Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nathan - April 24 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased this car used with about 50,000 miles on it. After 2 years and 25,000 more miles, I had absolutely no issues with this car. I couldnt have asked for more for the money that I spent. Leather seats, in-dash CD changer, sunroof... even the stereo system was good. To top it off I averaged around 30 MPG with mixed driving (I thought it would do better but couldnt complain). Unfortunately, I was just rear-ended and the car was totaled. I am seriously considering buying another Mazda as I was very happy with this car.

• 

  Almost perfect--except transmission - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By HBIII - April 17 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased my P5 brand new in July 2003. Put about 18k miles/yr in highway commuting. No harsh driving, always take it slow and steady. All maintenance performed as required. Everything was great up til 110k miles. The overdrive gear in the automatic transmission failed and I had to replace the AT ($3000). Ive had other Mazdas/Toyotas and nothing like this has ever happened (and shouldnt happen with only 110k mi). Im not sure this is an isolated issue or systemic. Anyway, I really like this car, but reliability is in question. Probably my last Mazda.

• 

  I love my mp5!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jennphishin - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I love it! I have driven several types and brands of cars over the years, but this beats them all! It handles great! Gets awesome gas mileage! Looks like an import without doing any mods on your own!

• 

  Best car Ive tested in every respect! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By abatterbury - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I tested many cars this summer, notably the Impreza and the Matrix--the Pr5 was the best of all of them hands down. Better confort, control, design, features and price (great incentives). I cannot recommend this car enough. Ive owned my own for about a week now and its been unequivicably positive experience. All my friends want one of their own, too.

• 

  Great car, horrible dealership - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By njnyarea - March 8 - 10:46 pm

  Car handles absolutely awesome compared to my Lexus SC300. Not powerful at all, but the fun factor makes up for it. Its decently comfortable and roomy inside.

• 

  Fun to drive with great value! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By SY - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in Aug 02 out the door with tax for $19K. Now with 9K+ miles, great car to zoom around anywhere short or long distance. Can outhandle almost any car, but cannot outperform many cars, need to gun it to get it to move. A little bit of engine knock when using regular grade gas, but you make the call, premium-worthy enough to eliminate the knock? Cannot get to the storage behind cup holders when cups are there. Tiny armrest compartment can only hold CDs and can only rest one elbow. No cup holders for back passengers.