Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Excellent All Around - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Chef GuyPA - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This car handles better than anything else I have driven in this category of cars. The seats are comfortable and the ride is good. Overall, this car is the most fun Ive had driving a new car in a long time. In fact, Ive had mine for 2 weeks now, and I still cant bring myself to take out the paper thats covering the floor mats!!!! While this may not be the most powerful car in its class, it may not be the roomiest car in its class either, but for my dollar, this is by far the most fun and best handling car in its class.

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  No more Mazda for me - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By dbar - February 24 - 2:53 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 as my first car, and off I went to college. It has been 6 years now and I totally regret buying this car. I have had to change almost 3 alternators in this car along 4 batteries. Had to replace the engine at 75,000 miles and that was the final straw, definitely looking for a new vehicle now and it wont be Mazda.

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  No regret - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By VTLee - February 22 - 10:00 am

  bought in August, current 1600 miles, absolutely fun to drive, not a single problem so far, still happy with the purchase

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  Excellent car (for me) - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tiborgh - February 16 - 2:28 am

  Bought the car in 2006 when it was less than 3 years old, with 47,000 kms (about 30,000 miles). Now it has 192,000 kms (120,000 miles). I still love the car, while my wife hated it from the beginning. Very fun to drive, very practical, had less mechanical problems than the 2002 Corolla that we purchased new. Had to replace the original speakers and install an amplifier to have a decent sound. Stiff suspension and loud road noise are a deterrent for many, but that just adds to the overall fun. Recently the rear wheel wells and the doors started to show some rust. Mechanically it was quite robust, only two minor problems so far, an ABS sensor and a tie rod.

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  Beats the Competion - Hands Down. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By logun - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car a few days, but after special ordering the 2003 just the way I wanted it it was worth the wait. This car is Fun Fun Fun to drive and has most all the bells and whistles youd ever want. Read Car & Driver Review June 2002 - they describe this car to a T.

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  Fun car with some annoying quirks - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DCdriver - January 13 - 7:43 am

  I bought this car in 2008 looking for a sporty hatchback on the cheap. At the time there wasnt much in the offering, unlike today where it seems like hatchbacks have caught on again. Its a great car for most occasions with plenty of "get-up", lots of room with the seats down, and a great exterior (imho). Unfortunately its not without its problems: anything exhaust related (EGR valve for instance, the fact that it has TWO cat. converters that like to fail!) and of course the headlights, as most other reviewers have mentioned. All in all its a fun car, but if I had to do it again I might have spent a little more money and gone for a Mazda3.

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  Great Rise - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By craig - January 12 - 8:56 am

  I had to sell my Jeep due to the gas prices but wanted something that had utility but with better MPG and could sit a 6-2" person comfortably. The Protege5 was the one. The car is solid as a rock, handles VERY well, is well designed (except the door locks), plush inside and good on gas. Im averaging 29 mpg with the optional sport shift transmission. I recommend this car highly. The engine is very revvy and a bit on the noisy side. The stiff suspension provides a nice amount of road noise. Braking is also very good, the steering very responsive and the steering wheel itself is very comfortable. The door lock system is the only poor design issue I see in this car.

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  Awesome car!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Penness - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 2 weeks now and love it. I did some research on this particular vehicle and found that it was an excellent car. I checked out consumer reports online and found that other owners thought this was an excellent vehicle also. It was rated very high. I would recommend this car to anyone with or without children. I bought this vehicle for a second car and have only been driving it around town so fuel economy for me hasnt been that great, but driving around town wont get you that great mileage anyway. I really got a great deal on it also which is always a plus! I will be back to rate it again after I get some more mileage on it.

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  pehahiadshdf - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jythhhjghg - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Its a pretty good car. I love it and so does my whole family. It looks good in the rain.

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  Protege5 best in class - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By johnnyB5646 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome handling and aggressive gear ratio in standard transmission let you enjoy the daily commute in style. Add a couple performance or cosmetic items from the suprisingly supportive aftermarket vendors and youll have an outstanding "budget" racer\grocery getter that lets you stand out from the civics and SUVs.