2003 Mazda Protege5 Review
Fuel Economy
24 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An enjoyable compact wagon that possesses more than its fair share of sports car reflexes.
Pros
Tight suspension, powerful brakes, superb steering feel, comfortable seats, attractive exterior styling.
Cons
Cargo area too small to be considered for real station wagon duty.
What's New for 2003
The Protege5 now has carpeted floor mats as standard equipment, and the moonroof can now only be had with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. There's also a new color this year: Laser Blue Mica.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fun to Drive & Keep!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Purchased new 12-2002 after 350000+ miles on a 1991 Mazda Protege LX. No mechanical problems with the engine in this car!!!Only had to replace lock motor for $400.00. I use Mobil 1 and stay on top of the maintenance. Fun to Drive but you need to keep the tires aligned and rotated or they will be worn in a year.
Favorite Features
Style, cold a/c here in Arizona is a plus!!! Cheap to own!!!
Suggested Improvements
Sound insulation for road noise at freeway speed.
Don't buy one of these!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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 shouldn't give us any trouble for a few years. Well, I had put about $500 into it up until August of 2009 which I wasn't 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.
Favorite Features
It's fairly comfortable for its compact size.
Suggested Improvements
Build a car that will go more than 80k per motor.
Honda and Toyota look out
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
We bought the P5 new for my wife. She drove a '94 Miata daily for years so this Mazda was a no-brainer. Still have the Miata. This is the most reliable car I have ever owned including 3 Hondas, except for maybe the Miata. The only items that have failed and needed replacement are the O2 sensor, starting battery, and a window regulator. I do all maintenance myself - which is minimal. I've put synthetic oil in since the first oil change. At over 100k miles the brakes still have 40% life and the clutch is still strong. It doesn't need new shocks/struts either. We typically get 32-34mpg on the highway. It is starting to use some oil - but we've had it for 7 years!
Favorite Features
The zoom-zoom ad campaign was right. This car is a blast to drive - very capable and confidence building. The exterior and interior styling are great too. Invest in some good sport tires. The brakes and suspension are great. Mazdas compare favorably to Honda and Toyota, especially used prices.
Suggested Improvements
OEM tires were lame as with most cars. Cup holders are not very usable. For those who complain about tire pricing, go up one size in tread width and down one size in sidewall and you will find a whole world of tire options!
Most Reliable I have ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my Mazda brand new in 2003. Today it has 160,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. It has a few minor mechanical problems but that is caused by just normal wear and tear. This is hands down the most reliable car I have ever owned. The styling is outstanding and it is super fun to drive. I would not hesitate in replacing it with another Mazda. The only drawbacks are where the cup holders are situated. I have a 5- speed and when you are in first or third gear, I continually hit the cups in the holder and sometimes I have to move them to get the car into gear. I do wish it had an inside hatch release, but other than these small things I have no complaints.
Favorite Features
Reliability, comfort, 6 cd changer
Suggested Improvements
Inside hatch release, reconfigure the cup holders
Fun little car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car last year at a dealer. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the body design, and i still love it. i think the new Mazda3 is a little too bubbly, when they designed this thing they weren't afraid to add a few edges! Fun to drive, has some of that "zoom-zoom" at lower speeds. unfortunately, the little 4-banger does have to try a bit to get up steep hills, and it is very sluggish when four friends are packed inside. Oil filter is kind of a pain to get to. This baby does have a good clutch though. catches in the exact same place every time. I kind of wish it was RWD, but that's wishful thinking. it's as close as you can get to having a miata that you can haul people in
Favorite Features
Body style, hands down. it looks sensible, yet aggressive. it doesn't take itself too seriously. Fun to drive. solid suspension, good clutch. quick, nimble, good handling. comfy ride, even in the back seats (or so i'm told). fog lights are nice. brakes are solid.
Suggested Improvements
Variable speed intermittent wipers, RWD (I can dream, can't I?), More Horses under the hood. the headlamps are the most ridiculously complicated thing to change on the car. couldn't it just be a simple click-turn? a 6th gear would be nice, but only if it had more power. a full-sized spare.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Mazda Protege5
- 2002 Mazda Protege5
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