2003 Mazda Protege5 consumer reviews

So I paid 1.500 for my 2003 mazda protege5 hatchback 2.0l amazing car it had 147000 miles on it when I got it I done your basic upgrades but I had to replace o2 sensor master clutch cylinder and slave cylinder brake caliper and pads lower control arms and I did do a complete flush and fluid replacement I've put cold air intake speed shifter e break upgrade and it does like to kick out of 3rd so I still need to replace the throw out bearings and syncro bearing but still it's a daily driver handling is out of this world by far the best car I've ever driven

Overall it performed better than many b vehicles I owned until it died. Bought it used with 40K miles and died after 83K miles. Fully maintained so l while owning it. Performed full maintenance when purchased. And followed scheduled maintenance. On the 43K miles I had to: - get the clutch replaced - rear brakes worked on (twice) and needed replacement again when it died. - radiator flushed - new head gasket - new sparkplugs - new coils - tires replaced - timing belt replaced - all other belts replaced - fix power locks (all 4 doors multiple times) -fix driver side power window -replace exaust sensors - plus regular maintenace (oil, filters, check fluids) THE GOOD +The zoom zoom factor. Really fun to drive. +Good use of space. +OK mileage (24-30MPG +std ABS ( worked very well) +std alloy qheels +moon/sun roof +stylish +roof rack THE BAD -poor stereo -poor designed roof rack side covers (beauty plastics for edges) break easily and were placed were the load would rest. -Poor rear disc break design. Wears VERY FAST. I had other vehicles with rear dusc breaks, none had issues. -Likely the worst power lock design. plastic gears inside break every other year. -noisy interior. -engine didnt last long. First vehicle owned that didn't run for over 80K miles in my car. (my average before the Protege was ~150k personally driven miles) I owned hard to maintain and poorly design vehicles like RX7, a Chrysler vehicle, a misubishi vehicle and a vehicle that got totalled in a crash. Sure The other brands Toyota, Nissan and Ford truck went over 200K but all vehicles lasted longer than the Protégé5. Likely my last Mazda ever. I wild day avoid Mazda. Specially the Protégé5.

Bought mine a while ago and it’s been nothing but fun. It may not be fast, but it feels like it’s on rails in tight turns. The interior is nothing to write home about, but Mazda isn’t trying to disguise the interior as expensive. Reliability wise it has never failed to start. The bucket seats are comfortable and adjustable in all the right places.

Very responsive to turns; handles like a go-cart. Feels spacious inside. Interior design is very easy to keep clean; sleek, minimal. White gauge clusters are very aethestic, especially with the red backlight. Backseats fold back, I usually leave them this way. Feels like a big trunk. Very sporty body styles, this is not a station wagon; hatchback yes. I think they're one of the most attractive and well-rounded cars out there.

I have own 3 Protege 5s, two currently. I bought 2002 model new and sold it to neighbor with 235,000 miles because he needed a commuted car and wanted a stick shift model. Then I bought two 2003 models, one with auto transmission with dual clutch option and a stick shift model. Ironically both had 133,000 miles when I bought them about 1 year apart. Other than normal maintence and one clutch because I didn't know how the former owner drove it, that's it. 2002 model clutch drove for remarkable 225,000 miles. As Car and Drive wrote, "It's a sports car in a wagon skin." I believe Mazda borrowed suspension from a Miata. Recommend car as a daily driver because it's fun to drive. I have other cars for other purposes like a muscle car but for daily use, this is the car.

I bought this car in April 2003 brand new. I regret not getting it in manual, but I can't complain. I added leather! 1)Florida is hot most of the year and a working AC is a MUST. I've never had to do anything to this car's AC in 18 years!...and it still blows COLD AIR. 2)The moon/sun roof has never leaked water and works as good as the 1st day. In reality, I've only done tires (with rotation/alignment, balance), a couple of batteries, air filters, oil changes and one radiator. The cargo space has been great for my wife and I. Even on a couple of occasions when we had to go to IKEA, we were able to fold the rear seats and fit everything. If you're fortunate enough to buy one used w/low miles and from a person that treated it well...you'll NEVER regret purchasing it!

A fun to drive car. Looks sporty. Grips the road and handles the curves with precision. Responsive steering. Peppy engine but could have been more powerful. Still own mine.... 17 years later and at 250k miles. Very reliable car, and low maintenance cost. Only came out for 2002 and 2003 model years. Get your hands on a low mileage one, and get to experience the thrill of a sports minded vehicle. Zoom Zoom!

Mazda builds some of the best performance cars in the low priced field of anyone! Auto editors call Mazda the "poor mans BMW" and they are absolutly correct! I bought my Protege5 new in 2003 and I loved every one of the 180+K I put on in in 16 years of ownership. I get close to 30mpg with it, and even at over 180k miles it still handles great! The engine loves to rev, and the manual trans is the only way to go. Reliable, fun, economical, and darn good looking and practical vehicle.

I love it and with sport performance and very smooth as fast. It is very good shape body and comfortable too. You of all guy should have Mazda Protage5 sport!

amazing, reliable and last you a very long time, broke on me just once in the 7 yrs I had it, rust took a toll on it but pretty well from the year. it comes with features other newer and better cars lack, like the sunroof, and 6 disc changer, a cassette audio to connect to the iPhone if you want to play your music.