Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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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 list…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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  Not reliable or maybe not lucky!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sam - June 21 - 7:16 pm

  I bought the car 4 years ago. Recently, the engine started making a loud sound and it seems that it may cost me over $1200 to repair it (with only 86,000 miles on the engine). I was hoping to keep the car longer. At this level not sure if Im willing to spend that much money on a car thats only 4 years old. What would happen in few months if I fix the car! Would it brake again! This is a major maintenance for a car this new. So I would have to say that Mazda Protege5 is not a reliable car or Im an unlucky guy! I hope my comments helped.

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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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  Dont know what to do. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Runt29 - August 11 - 4:53 am

  I got this car new with 0 miles on it and when I bought it after a test drive it had 53. Great car at 1st but then tons of issues. Now at 120,000 miles I am having the car miss when driving and it idles rough at times. One day it has issues then the next day it runs fine. I already had it in the shop 5 times and at two different places and they keep putting parts in and the next week same issue. I suggest to watch before you buy. Car is fast and a sweet ride but not worth the buck since it will cost you tons of money and the tires are hard to find and $$. Plus the trade in value is very low.