Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Its all that and more... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Defens - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Absolute joy to drive. Solid feeling, comfortable and responsive. Not "underpowered" at all. Plenty of "ooomph" to merge and pass, more horses would just get you in trouble :) Fit & finish is superb. Materials used convey a expensive feel. Just at 32mpg on first 2 tanks (80% highway driving). Loads of standard features. Plenty of room for my 65", 300# bulk in front OR rear seats. You wont be disappointed with this car.

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  Best Car For The Money!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rbranx - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive giving up on the SUV to get a efficent car which has perfect gas mileage for the money. Protege5 is dependable, and handles curves very well, my kids love it. This car is the best car for money. Reliable! If you dont want to make frequent stops to the gas pump the Protege5 will be ideal car for you. Ron

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  Almost perfect--except transmission! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By HB - March 12 - 5:16 pm

  Bought my P5 brand new and loved it up til now. At 110k miles the overdrive gear went out now I have to buy a new transmission. All maint done like clockwork, drive like an old lady, so I dont get it. Mazda reliability has always been good. Most say I must have got a bad transmission or early mechanical failure due to wear. I do put about 18k miles/yr commuting, but geez, this is not acceptable. Toyota 4wd truck w/ 140k and NO problems!

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  The car with the most fun for low price. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Misbehave - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. For style, the aggressive outlook will make people jealous all along the road. For driving pleasure, this car rank number 1 for its class and price. For value, the below 20k price tag gives you all the good things you want most in a sport car. I am proud to own this car. I no longer have to pretend I am driving a sport car, because it is a sport car.

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  Great car for the money! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By steph315 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car and love it! Ive read past reviews where one of the main complaints is the lack of horsepower but this car is zippy enough for me! I used my credit unions fleet dealer and my buying experience was wonderful and haggle free and I paid $16343 which included the sport auto transmission and abs brakes w/side airbags! The car is fun, fun to drive and looks great! Zoom zoom!

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  love my new wheels! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By kitty+randal - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my MP5 for 6 mths. and totally love it. It handles well in the city and highway. Its comfortable, has tons of room for my stuff and looks so cool. Ive never been happier with a car. I dont think there is anything in its price range that holds a candle to this baby! I highly recommend it!!

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  I am not a GRANNY - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Ericasspell - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I chose this car for its roominess, comfort and looks. I test drove a few cars similar in price and I felt as if I were 90 years old rather than 30. I have no kids, but I liked the wagon stlye for the room and the car itself because it is so sporty and fun to drive!!

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  Reliable, fun, and good looking, too! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By BozzieBear - December 28 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my P5 new in August 2004, seeking a reliable, thrifty, commuter car that would still be fun to drive. I like hatchbacks and chose the P5 over the Mini (too cramped) and the Matrix. After 25,000 miles I remain thrilled with my choice: 30 mpg (mostly freeway) and not a single maintenance problem. The P5 was a real bargain and I still look forward to driving it.

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  Fun, reliable car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By McPiv - December 28 - 8:00 am

  First new car that I have ever purchased. I have enjoyed the sportiness of this car. Decent gas mileage. Ive used this car for my personal use as well for work. I have only had to do one repair in the 5 years that I have owned it (replaced erg valve) other than general upkeep.

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  Fabulous Fun Hatchback - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By BozzieBear - December 22 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this car new in August 2003 and am now approaching 38K miles. It has the 5 speed manual transmission and no other options. I wanted a daily driver that was fun and very reliable. The car has exceeded my expectations in all areas. I have had *no* unscheduled maintenance, repair, or warranty problems of any kind. Mileage has been 30mpg (75% freeway, 25% city). And the car has been great fun to drive. It has nimble, precise handling and a taut but not harsh suspension. The engine is peppy, but more than 130 h.p. would have been even better. The lack of a limited slip differential is the only shortcoming that frequently detracts from the daily driving experience.