2003 Mazda Protege5 consumer reviews

Mazda makes the most fun cars to drive. End of story. If you're tired of commuting in that stupid toyota or honda you MUST go test drive a mazda. If you're not a "car person" don't bother. Mazda only makes cars for enthusiasts. This is my 5th new mazda in 5 years. I love them.

Ive had this vehicle for a while I love it, its been great on preformance and mileage, fun to drive, The use of the hatchback is great Ive managed to pick up tvs, dressers help people move and its very versatile

The first time I saw the protege 5 in 2001 I fell in love with it so I had to have one. I had it for a year and a half then I traded it for a 2003 Mazda 6 because I wanted something faster and longer. Not being a 100% Japanese car I was not too happy. I only kept it for 7 months and got myself a 2003 protege 5 again especially since it was the last year it would be built. It's one of the best cars Mazda has made in the last couple years. The only problem I have had is that my thermostat went bad at 26500 so i had that replaced. I'm going to keep the car as long as I can because it is worth the money and the history and I can't picture myself driving anything else. Even getting a used one you can't go wrong as long it is kept in good condition.

I have owned it since new, and it has caused no problems (other than 3 tire replacements thanks to the deplorable conditions of New England roads). It handles almost as well as my new MX-5 but hauls a lot more. The automatic does hunt for the right gear sometimes in the mountains on cruise control, but using the manual shifting road cures that. Mine is one of the more fully optioned ones with leather, ABS, 6 CD changer, etc., and I really can't think of anything it lacks. If you want a reasonably priced used car that is fun to drive but practical look at the Protege5.

I traded in my 2001 Mazda Millenia for a used Protege5. By giving up the Millenia I lost a lot of luxury and ride comfort and a little space. However, I gained much better fuel economy and a 5-speed transmission that is more fun to drive. The Millenia balanced a smooth ride with good handling. In comparison, the Protege has a stiff ride, but handles better. The Protege also has much more road noise than the Millenia. The cargo and storage space is good. The passenger space is adequate. The intermittent wipers have no adjustment on them so you only get one intermittent speed. Otherwise, all the features are excellent. I've had great reliability so far. All-in-all a good trade off to gain the fuel economy and the 5-speed transmission.

I opted for the Mazda due to price and looks. Overall, a super little car. The engine is a bit weak, but handles very well in cornering, and gets great mileage. The low-profile tires are a bit iffy in wet weather, and I'd recommend slowing waaaay down in the rain given its tendency to hydroplane a bit. Other than this shortcoming, it's a lot of car for a little money. I love mine.

The outward, sports car, looks of this car belies its true performance. It is no boy racer. But over-all, it's a nice, fun-to-drive, family car that has the potential for aftermarket upgrades for those who,like me, maybe disappointed with its lackluster engine. I have the 5-speed model with fully loaded option. My previous car was a Mazda RX-7. There is a loyal club following, however, that provides ample information on the location of parts, ideas, and how-to modifications. For the cost of these upgrades, versus the purchase cost of a newer model, I am quite satisfied with the upgrade option. For a driving enthusiast the handling and braking are quite decent; so is the interior layout and ergonomics. And after three years of ownership, with excellent dealership service, I have had no major complaints. It was well worth the money!