Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Mazda Convert - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Riverwoman - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mazda and I have been pleasantly surprised with my driving experience.I wanted a car that was both a workhorse and a stylish eye-catcher. The Protege5 wears both hats really well. People tend to give me that envious look at stoplights. The P5 has the appearance of a more expensive crossover yet it is economical and eco- conscious. It has some excellent features including a well-designed cabin that offers excellent driving vision; a well-designed keyless entry and alarm system--much better than most. I am totally won over by this car and the P5 has been a great driving experience for the past 4-months.

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  Mazda Protege 5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Carolyn Miller - July 21 - 10:00 am

  All around excellent car. Totally fun. I am loving it.

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  Awesome - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By SDTH - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the Mazda "P-5" as we are calling it. We went for a new car and could not take our eyes off this baby. Used (2002), with 20,000 miles. Mica yellow and fun as all get out. A five minute test drive convinced us that this was our car. Just returned from a 1,900 mile road trip and the car performed exceptional in all aspects!

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  Fun fun fun - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Egprotege5 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, economical, fun to drive compact, this one is for you. I am the proud owner of a 2002 Protege5 that has 83000 miles on it and it still looks, runs and rides as if I bought it last week. Fuel mileage is excellent on this car as I regularly get 30 miles to the gallon. Even after all these miles, the interior is still rattle free. If I had to complain about onything, it would be the unimpressive power that this de-tuned 2.0L engine produces (130hp/135lb-ft). Handling is impeccable and ride is firm, but not jarring. Braking is of the best that I have ever felt. Mazda made a winner with this car.

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  Great handling....poor quality - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By newtonguy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Mazda has created a car with tight steering, good pickup (with the manual transmission) and a sporty appearance. However, check this listÂ…roofrack loud road noise, new auxiliary fan, rusted rear brake caliper pin, new EGR valve, poor power window performance, new rotors needed at 18,000 miles, and A/C turning on without me pressing the A/C button. Gas Mileage is poorer than on the sticker and exterior paint and sturdiness is less than adequate. At 1 year, my trade value was $9K. I spent over $15K. Its a shame because the car is fun to drive and looks great but steer clear of Mazda.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jimbolio - June 21 - 11:23 pm

  My Protege 5 gives me 33-36 MPG on the freeway pretty reliably. Only about 28 around town (5 speed). Drives like a Ferrari. Hauls like a minivan, and runs like a Rolex.

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  Nice little car with electrical defects - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By joz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in 2003 as a new vehicle. Was good until 10000 miles, when a fuse blew that shorted out the tail lights, dash lights and lights on and door open chimes. Fuse was replaced and blew within a few weeks. Now the fuse blows as soon as the car is turned on. The car has been in the dealership for a week now, and they are stumped. Nobody seems to be able to determine the problem, but we have no car for my daughter to drive (unless she drives without tail lights). Mazda corporate didnt know anything about this problem, so it may be just a lemon, but buyer beware of the electrical problems with this car.

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  i love it! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By sterster - May 21 - 10:00 am

  i think its a fantastic car. it looks great and i get nothing but complements. the manual is responsive and the steering has gotten me out of several situations with ease.

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  Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By David Brennaman - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I looked into many of the competing cars in this price range, and found no other as fun to drive or full of features as the Mazda Protege5. For my money it is the best car in this price range. It is practical, reliable, and the most fun to drive out of all the other cars. I fully recommend the Mazda Protege5.

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  Best car under $20000 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jimmy2Bad - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Pro5 for less than 4 months and its got 14,0000 miles on it. Ive driven it in the city,the freeway, the mountains and on the twisties full of camping gear, a dog with a bike on the roof and its still a dream. All the car I need, though if I were dreaming, Id throw in about 20 more horses. One draw back, I got the leather interior. It looks great and is very comfortable, but when folding the back seats dow, the hinges left grooves in the leather. Both the dealership and Mazda have been unwilling to do anything about it but overall the car is a blast to drive, more fun than my the GTI 1.8, really practical and turns heads.