Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Dont buy one of these! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Scott - December 7 - 5:23 pm

  I had issues with this car from the moment I purchased it. My wife and I downgraded to save money given the economic environment. We bought it in late 2008 with about 68000 miles on it, figuring it shouldnt give us any trouble for a few years. Well, I had put about $500 into it up until August of 2009 which I wasnt happy about. Then in August, the engine went out costing me $3500 for a used motor. Needless to say, I am less than satisfied and will never buy a Mazda again. The Mazda I owned before this one needed a new transmission at 30000 miles. Ridiculous.

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  my P5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Branic77 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!! I couldnt be happier with my choice. I was able to get every extra (moon roof, leather seats, all the perks!) and still stay in my price range. It handles like a sports car, and has a lot more zip than I would have expected. I look good in this car!

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By rmcgoun - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my protege5.I opted for the standard trans. and the acceleration seems adequate. The car seems to really hug the road in turns. I looked at a lot of cars and this one has the best visbility especially when backing up. When comparing the toyota matrix and the ford focus wagon the protege wins hands down. You get 17in mag. wheels with 4 wheel disc brakes standard on the mazda, costs extra on the toy and ford. The price was much better on the Mazda. If you are looking for a stylish car at a reasonable price check out the protege5

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By boyzmom67 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We have had no problems with our Protege 5 since purchasing it new for our 17 year old last year.It is a well made car that is fun to drive.

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  little car can go - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mojoant - November 4 - 2:00 am

  fun fun fun not just for looks but could use a v-6 other than that its a great ride .....

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  A Nice Car At An Economical Price - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Coke - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I compared two cars during my look for a new car: the Mazda Protege 5 and a Volvo 40. One test drive in each car enabled me to reach one conclusion, that there was no comparison between the two. The Volvos turbo whined consistently and its wheels were unbalanced, whereas, the P5 had far better visibility in any direction and was more design appealing inside and out and more user-friendly in all aspects. One look was all it took, and judging from over two years of driving with few complaints, I believe I made the right decision.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rob - October 23 - 2:56 am

  I have 110K on my car, bought it new and do the req. maint. on time. Only ever had two complaints about this car. The first was the original tires that came with it... TERRIBLE. They were Dunlop tires and 2 of the tires developed bulges in the side walls. They also had terrible traction, especially in the rain. The other is gas mileage. For a small car, with a 2.0L engine (5 speed manual trans.) the best it can do on the highway is 32-35. I had a Honda Civic (5 spd.) that routinely got 40-45 and a Dodge Stratus (5 spd too) that got between 35-40 hwy. Otherwise, I LOVE this car. I drive it everyday. Its reliable, comfortable and fun to drive; handles great with the new Kumho tires

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  Proto 5 Review - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By winlet - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Proto 5. All options, sweet leather seats and steering wheel, fun to drive, love to corner it. Drives much better than my new Jetta that I sold. (Had all kinds of problems with that car) This car looks sweet and puts all the zoom, zoom, zoom it claims in its performance. No problem with acceleration here.

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  Fun Reliable Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Mtoth - October 14 - 2:06 am

  I have owned this carr since Aug 2003. I bought this car just before I drove to my first duty station while I was in the Army. This car has made several trips across the US. I have not had to do anything beyond routine maintenance yet to this vehicle. I love this car and plan on keeping it for an extended period of time. I average around 27-29 mpg. I have the 5 speed and notice that it is not as easy to shift in the morning when it is cold. Thats to be expected when you have moving gears. I just did my 60,000 mile check up and needed a new timing belt & battery but my car had been mostly in hot weather. I love this car and will own it until it cant be driven anymore.

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  Chadlis - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Chadley - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car just this month. While I have not bought many new cars. I do have to admit that I LOVE my Mazda Protege5! In my opinion, its the best car I have ever owned. I love the Sportronic Transmission! I love it when people do a second look at my car!