Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mscott75 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, no major problems. Took it in for an alignment issue at about 1000 miles. Other than that its just been in for regular servicing.

• 

  PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Pat - November 30 - 7:10 pm

  This thing really handles well for a inexpensive car. Power is a little less than what I hoped for, but it has potential (cold air intake, cat back exhaust) to be a zippy little toy.

• 

  Worst car ever - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By NEVER buy a Mazda - November 23 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I have owned our Protege 5 for almost 6 years now and it has been nothing but a headache. The sub frame has rotted practically off the car and has been fixed twice already. There are recurring problems with the check engine light and the dealer cannot determine what the issue is exactly. "spend $1000s and still not know if the issue(s) is fixed". Mazda does not stand behind their vehicles AT ALL. Sub frames rotting are a real safety issue and maybe they should look at how Toyota solved this problem. Our other car is a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire and it does NOT have rust issues. The Mazda has even been undercoated more than the Sunfire! Do not waste your money!

• 

  Good Ride - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Roy Keane1 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive, small (enough storage space however) , and easy to get around the city...

• 

  This car just gets better and better... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Craig Rudzenski - November 13 - 8:13 am

  I would never imagine that after having a car after 4 years would still make me smile just by looking at it. Mazda hit the nail on the head with style vs. functionality (they just shouldve done a little better with performance). The paint is a little thin, minor road pebbles can go right to the black primer coat of the car. The tires are an odd size that are not readily available in case you need them (which I did, a monster pothole at night going 50 mph took care of the passenger side). This car, even though its a little underpowered, lives up to the zoom-zoom moniker that it delivered to the world (this was the first zoom-zoom car in Mazdas ads). It handles like a go-kart.

• 

  Great Car, Great Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Equinox - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Originally wanted a Mazda MP3, and learned to love the Protege5 just the same. Very sporty, extremely unique look, aggresize styling, resembles a BMW M Coupe.

• 

  2003 Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By SaraD - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Protege5! Mine is loaded (leather, 6 disc in-dash cd changer, sunroof, and a manual trans). The seats are comfortable - they feel like you are sitting and not slouching. Stearing wheel is small and easy to grip and the buttons on the radio and air are easy to use. You dont have to read the manual to learn how to turn the radio on! Another thing I really like about my car is that you can lock all the doors by using your key in the drivers or passengers door. And on the remote key, if you accidentaly press the unlock button and you dont open a door, it will relock automatically in about a minute. I really recommend this car!

• 

  Protege5 Pleasure - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By eldermp - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Although there was an item or two that needed attention under warranty, none of it would affect any major component, just minor stuff. This car has been wonderful! It is a pleasure to drive. There is a nice balance between performance and common-sense- economy, and it comes almost fully loaded, right out of the box.

• 

  Smallish but the very best in its class - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Joe DeJohn - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I researched for a long time, we miss the availabity of the great Japanese wagons (Accord, Maxima, etc.). This car is peppy, handles great, looks very good although we have gotten some "clown car" comments and is very economical to drive. Its fairly practical as well, do not expect full size wagon accoutremnents but with no kids in the car and the seats down we have carried some fairly large loads. Interior is slightly small otherwise this has been a great car for us, two adults with two small children.

• 

  My thoughts - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By paulj - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Handles great, could use more power though. A cold air intake, larger exaust could push 150 hp. A possible turbo could bolt on could push it upwards of 170 or 180 hp.