Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Its getting better all the time... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By wondergreen - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Love the handling! Very nice around twisties. Engine likes high rpms. I love the crisp throttle response, when youve got the engine above 3000 rpms in 3rd thru 5th gear. Cannot imagine having an automatic when the manual is so much fun to drive! I like the smooth ride and the interior is very nicely thought out (no quirks in the design). Audio is definitely sufficient (6 spkrs - 6cd changer) for the frequent rocker! But the best feature is the handling, steering response, and the handling and the steering response, and handling/steering response is great. I also like the handling/steering of the vehicle.

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  It doesnt get much better than this - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Johnny Five - December 3 - 5:50 pm

  Bought it from the original owner with 52000 miles; have added 3000. 5-speed manual rocks! Have not had any problems so far....and its more than 4 years old. I really love this car. Its "pimped up" without looking like a teenage car. It wont win any races, but its still fast or at least feels fast. Ive yet to feel a need for more power! Cornering is fantastic, ride quality is great (I enjoy feeling road bumps gently but not harshly). This is for folks like to "feel" their car. The Protege5 balances sportiness and comfort perfectly....you feel the engine and road bumps pleasantly but never uncomfortably. I couldnt be happier with my PR5!

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  Worth the money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mbryan - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It handles very well, gets great mileage, and looks great! Get it in silver. I have never been able to turn heads in such an inexpensive car. The interior is rock solid. It never rattles, and the look would be appropriate in several pricier cars.

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  Could use more power - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lawrence Whitmire - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car two days ago. Brand new 2003 off the lot. I was leaning towards a Saturn, but the salesman lied to me. Went to the Mazda dealer on a whim, and was surprised at what the P5 had to offer. It had more options then I cared for. Could care less about the moon roof & CD changer. The black color is sharp looking. Needs more power. Breaks good for not having ABS. Wondering how it is going to handle in the ice & snow, which we have here in Up-State NY for 7 to 8 months out of the year? Over all I am very impressed about this little car, which is the first Japan made vehicle I have ever owned.

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  no complaints here..... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By darthmedic - November 21 - 12:50 pm

  Almost bought a Honda Civic, but being a tall guy I didnt exactly fit. I like the Protege 5 much better, driving style and handling are much more user friendly than the Civic. The shifting is simple, and the drive is smooth. Engine seems to rev at high rpms over 70 mph in 5th gear, but it doesnt even come close to the red line. Just drove in rain today, and it was a carefree drive.

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  cant go wrong for the money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By shred - November 18 - 10:00 am

  great looks, handles great and with all the rebates right now I got mine for a steal with everything in it! for the money, its the best car ive looked

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  Hard to beat for the price! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By MazdaPro5 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Compare the features with the competition and the decision is obvious.

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  Still Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By laferno - November 18 - 10:00 am

  When I first looked at this car I thought that it was a neat little car, but then I drove it and was pleasently suprised at the performance, cargo room, and comfort that this little big car offered. The car I had before this was a 97 Camaro Z28 with some mods and I was still impressed by the handeling of this little car and all of the stuff you get for a basic model.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By enie jr - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Handling is unbelievable. Handles far better then my wifes Maxima. Overall a blast to drive. Could use more power but hopefully the 3 took care of that! Get the AUTOSTICK its worth the money! Overall this is a great compact.

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  Dont want a new car :( - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By My3Demons - November 10 - 4:36 am

  I LOVE my yellow P5. Bought it used in 03 & Im trying not to cry now that I need a mini van. I love the way it looks, handles, & the room. Even with 3 kids in car seats! Only thing wrong is the paint. Its SO faded, even with weekly baths. I live in Florida, maybe thats why? My shift plate (R D N 2-etc.) is damaged and will cost me $125 to fix, let the next owner do that. My other issue is at 60,000 miles my tranny keeled over. I drive it like I stole it & like a mom. Mazda said it was probably previous owner; it had 27,000 on it after only 1 year. Now at 74,000 it still acts a little funny, hope that tranny stays put. :) But otherwise I LOVE it and still get people asking me about it. My fave car so far!