Used 2003 Mazda Protege5 Consumer Reviews
Used Protege5 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
DSAP Dead Solid (Almost Perfect)
Slamminator, 11/24/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only lacking in power off the line (Auto Trans.). Sounds and drives like a little race car in all other respects. I bought the automatic as the better half doesn't use the stick. The manual shift option adds another dimension to it! My 17 Y/O said it's like they slapped a hatch on the back of a sports car. Exceeded almost all of my expectations Met ALL of them
Great sports/wagon with excellent finish
EDB, 09/02/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't believe this is in the wagon catagory, it handles more like a German/Italian hatchback..Turn the wheel and that is exactly where it goes. Acceleration is "peppy" not neck-breaking, but the gas milage is well worth the loss of "jack rabbit starts and the styling is superb
2003 Mazda Protege5 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 8 listings
- Base WagonMSRP: $6,495343 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $973998 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $5,7772,019 mi away
See all 8 listings
Zoom, Zoom....
BBVD68, 09/06/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great fun to drive car. Plenty of sports car characteristics, with additional cargo space, I'm not buying groceries for a house of 4, so the cargo area is just fine.
Best you can get for your dollar
wrn108, 11/25/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this car might be the best value for your dollar on the market. It provides a great deal of cargo room/versatility and is a blast to drive. A lot is made of the lack of horsepower...if you are looking for a Mustang, then you are in the wrong market. This car is not underpowered by any means. Would it be more fun with 20-30 more horsepower? Of course. But again, I was not looking for a dragster and I have been extremely happy with the gas mileage I've been getting. (low of 28 high of 32 in mixed driving) On the fun to drive scale, this car is off the charts. It begs to be flogged and thrown mercilessly into corners.
Joy's Ride
bballa, 09/10/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A fun sporty little car( 5 speed manual trans.) that is also economical. There is enough room up front for me (6'2" 210), head and leg room are no problem. The back seats two adults comfortably. Very good value /quality for the money.
i love my mazda pr5
EDLUST, 09/13/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE MOST PRACTICAL,ECONOMICAL CAR I HAVE OWNED. VERY USEFUL INTERIOR SPACE, ADEQUATE ACCELLERATION AND COMFORT BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. PLEASENT TO LOOK AT AND A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. A BIG IMPROVEMENT OVER MY PAST TOYOTA COROLLA THAT WAS A FINE DEPENDABLE CAR ALSO. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VERY QUIET AND SMOOTH
Fun little car
ADrugAgainstWar, 05/28/2009
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
FUUUUUUNNNNNNN. .zzzzooooommmmmm
arby96921, 12/02/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
fun little car... don't need the 200+ horsepower on a small sedan... 130 hp is sufficient enough.. not only is it fun but has a nice "kick" on take off.. this is a car i would diffinetely keep to pass on to my teenage boy... (this is a keeper)
A Blast
TheCoop, 09/14/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for 3 weeks now and it's fun to drive again. I use the manual shifter for short drives around town and in traffic, and I use the automatic for all other driving. The front seats are extremely comfortable but I miss my arm rest on the center console. The car just hugs the road and the steering feedback is great. A breeze to park, the 6 cd radio sounds great with the 100 watt subwoffer, and I have plenty of headroom with the moonroof and plenty of legroom in front and back. No cup holders in rear is something that should not have happened.
Almost 30,000 and still smiling
eldermp, 09/13/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like this car. It is among the most stylish cars on the road and has a zoom-zoom identity that is well deserved. I chose the white. This car is the perfect balance of practicality with enough spirit and energy to let me know that I am not deprived of anything, yet the price is right!
Excellent car, aggressive styling
zoomed, 12/04/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome vehicle. Looked at the civic, corolla and finally the proteze 5. spent weeks on deciding civic or corolla, but on the first visit to the mazda dealer, loved the car and bought it an hour later. Even my kids love it and will not ride in the jeep anymore. This one drives good and it is really fun driving around in the city. Handles tight turns very well.
Fun, practical, but also sluggish
Jason Dee, 09/15/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car is fun to drive, but desperately needs a turbo. Acceleration is slow, and I found the fuel milage to be lower than expected...but handles better than anticipated. The 4-spd auto trans w/manual mode is slow to shift, but still fun to drive. It's a fun commuter car, and a great car for the price. The dealer offered several great incentives.
After One Month
Mariner, 07/19/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I didn't think I'd like another after my 14 year old Toyota but this one does it. It's great taking it for mountain drives here in Washington State. It hugs the road and never loses its grip in the corners.
Mazda Protege5
mdecker, 12/06/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a blast to drive. It has a great fun factor. I have the 5 speed manual tranny. This is like having a Miata with room.
Could use more power
Lawrence Whitmire, 07/18/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just got the car two days ago. Brand new 2003 off the lot. I was leaning towards a Saturn, but the salesman lied to me. Went to the Mazda dealer on a whim, and was surprised at what the P5 had to offer. It had more options then I cared for. Could care less about the moon roof & CD changer. The black color is sharp looking. Needs more power. Breaks good for not having ABS. Wondering how it is going to handle in the ice & snow, which we have here in Up-State NY for 7 to 8 months out of the year? Over all I am very impressed about this little car, which is the first Japan made vehicle I have ever owned.
Best car under $20000
Jimmy2Bad, 07/20/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Pro5 for less than 4 months and it's got 14,0000 miles on it. I've 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 it's still a dream. All the car I need, though if I were dreaming, I'd 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.
Wagon with zip
Schultz, 12/10/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Protege5 is fun to drive and a practical little hauler. The car gets great gas mileage -- about 27 in the city -- yet it has plenty of pep when getting on the freeway or out of trouble. Fold down second seats make for a nice-sized flat cargo area. The paint allows for a great shine and the wheels are quite stylish. I have gotten rave reviews from neighbors and friends. Great little car.
Protege5
David Brennaman, 07/20/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
it flat-out hauls
fast-annie, 11/16/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought in Nov 2002 and have driven my car on long hauls a lot... despite low-proifle tires it rides well, handles beautifully and only needs a good exhaust system to make it perfect! wish the gearshift action was tighter and had more power, but aside from that, no complaints at all! dealers do gouge a bit on oil changes, so I'm looking for a good mechanic instead
My MP5
dlai0001, 08/07/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first few things I noticed is the the MP5 feels sportier, and for some reason I wanted to sit up straight. Given that, the interior felt really roomy. Definatly a lot of head room in all 5 seating positions. The bucket seats in the front feels like they are gripping you, reassuring you through turns. The 6spkr + sub stereo system was nice (even though woofer was weak), good compared to other stock sound systems. As for the downsides, I agree with the editor, but definatly a fun car until you fill it up with 5 people.
Fun, Fun, Fun
silverstreak, 12/13/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The choice was between the Protege5 and the Matrix/Vibe. The PR5 has sportier looks and performance. Exterior styling not as radical as the Matrix/Vibe. I wanted a carpeted cargo area. Interior cloth looks like brushed suede and looks classy. This car seems to appeal to all ages, from the middle aged to teens that like to customize their cars. I find myself volunteering to bring my kids places and run errands just to drive it more. Zoom Zoom!
Love the Zoom Zoom
Toastboy, 08/08/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought it, so far it handles the canyons here in beverly hills awesomely. I love it.
Smallish but the very best in its class
Joe DeJohn, 10/18/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I researched for a long time, we miss the availabity of the great Japanese wagons (Accord, Maxima, etc.). This car is peppy, handles great, looks very good although we have gotten some "clown car" comments and is very economical to drive. It's fairly practical as well, do not expect full size wagon accoutremnents but with no kids in the car and the seats down we have carried some fairly large loads. Interior is slightly small otherwise this has been a great car for us, two adults with two small children.
love my new wheels!
kitty+randal, 01/12/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been driving my MP5 for 6 mths. and totally love it. It handles well in the city and highway. It's comfortable, has tons of room for my stuff and looks so cool. I've never been happier with a car. I don't think there is anything in it's price range that holds a candle to this baby! I highly recommend it!!
a true
Gwa71, 10/21/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best thing I can say about this car is that it is soooooo much fun to drive. The most fun is found on a deserted curvy road and the least fun is found sitting in traffic. This car begs to run.
Great car for the money!
steph315, 01/23/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car and love it! I've read past reviews where one of the main complaints is the lack of horsepower but this car is zippy enough for me! I used my credit union's fleet dealer and my buying experience was wonderful and haggle free and I paid $16343 which included the sport auto transmission and abs brakes w/side airbags! The car is fun, fun to drive and looks great! Zoom zoom!
I love my mp5!!!!!
jennphishin, 10/28/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love it! I have driven several types and brands of cars over the years, but this beats them all! It handles great! Gets awesome gas mileage! Looks like an import without doing any mods on your own!
Pro5; love/hate relationship
jw82, 09/15/2008
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You know, I absolutely loved this car up until about 5k mile ago. I love everything about this car except for the poor design/build quality of the engine and wheel bearings. Had to replace right front wheel bearing at just under 60k, and now the engine is going out on it. My Mazda dealer says its either a wrist pin or rod bearing crapping out at ONLY 64,XXX miles. Other than that, this car would be absolutely perfect! If you plan on buying one of these beauties, be cautious and buy the extended service plan! Better safe than sorry
I finally found the love of my life
suzpaintit, 10/22/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have to tell you I have always wanted a fun sporty little car and this little yellow bird brings my heart back to my teens. It's kicken! runs like shes on rails and still lets me do the Mom thing and when people stop and watch us drive by well let me tell you. This is the car everyone should drive at least once I know you'll have as much fun as I have will will continue to have
Only 2 days BUT
Coruvs, 01/29/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If your in the market for a small car . . . skip the NEONS and Fords . . . Check out the Mazda . . . WOW!
Zooom Zoooom Zoooom Aperautanauoo (sp?)
TominSF, 09/26/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I've owned (esp compared to the Jetta). I live in San Francisco and I feel like I'm in a commercial everyday zooming around the hills.
Mazda Convert
Riverwoman, 08/11/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Love my Zoom Zoom
Sarah, 04/12/2005
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my car for over 2 years and I love it! It is a wonderful little car. Gets great gas mileage and runs so good! I definitely recommend this car to anyone!
THIS CAR ROCKS!!!
dynotrick, 02/01/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first new car and I love it! It is very reliable and super fun to drive and own. No problems at all, overall a great value. It will wipe the floor with a civic any day, and looks 10000000000000 times better than any of it's competitors!
What a bargain!
Climbhi, 12/18/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Incredible brakes and handling. The tiptronic transmission makes an otherwise so-so 4 speed automatic more than tolerable. The car is built incredibly well. Fit and finish are Lexus quality. Interior driver controls are excellent, ride is smooth and communcative, outward vision excellent. Talk about a car that is easy to drive. It provides a sense of sureness.
More 4 your Money
ib1netmon, 08/21/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After exhaustive shopping on features and performance, we bought the Protege5, and it is a great little car - compare to the Matrix base - same HP, but the 130 on the Protege is a lot snappier despite the numbers, 4 wheel disks, and 16 inch wheels. I got this car for more than $4000 less than the Toyota dealer offered me on the Matrix! (including $2200 rebate from Mazda, but who cares WHY it is cheaper). Let's not even go into the ridiculous prices on the Subaru's. You can't touch this much car for that kind of money anywhere else!
Great Standard Options
skier, 11/08/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have this car about a year and a half and have put a little over 20,00 miles on it. We like snow sports and take long trips almost every weekend. It is comfortable for me and my 6'2" husband. With the seats down it is very roomy and the uneven split back seat lets you carry people and your skis, boards, etc. The standard options for this car include power windows/locks, a.c., and CD player. I find it very peppy (standard trans) and fun to drive. The interior has held together perfectly considering the use we give it. Gas mieage and acceleration are great for long trips.
Fully Functional
ajm558, 02/04/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased the Automatic with Sportronic shifting due to its relatively close feel to driving a real manual transmission ( also allows my wife to drive the car). Has good acceleration and muscle for a car with only 130 hp. Fully functional whether hauling around people, dogs or furniture. I am a bit frustrated by the fact that the gas mileage is about 5 mpg less than posted for both city and highway. Fun to drive. Zoom Zoom!
Zoom Zoom
dogs love it, 02/04/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Protege5, I got so many complements from peolple on the street. Its definately a head turning car. It is so fun to drive and performes well in the rain and snow. The interior is very spacious, and passangers in the back seat have ample leg room. My dogs love it too.
i love this car
luvie, 09/04/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love this car. the handling is great!!! i can take a sharp curve at 80 mph and it just hugs the road. Overall, any one of any age looks good driving this car....i get so many compliments about my Mazda P5.
Buy Now!
DMC, 12/18/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun, fast, great value. Why doesn't every car maker produce cars like this? Nothing else in its class even comes close (and I've owned all of the others).
A great car for the young family.
dejan, 09/04/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had this car for a month now but it's definitely the best for our current needs. It looks and handles like a BMW or a Mercedes. The power is there when you need it although there are moments when I could use some more. A great car!
Best in Class
RJBJAB, 11/12/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The initial quality was flawless. It has more interior room than any other car in it's price class. It handles likes your driving on rails due to the precise steering, tight suspension and 16 inch tires. The automatic/manual transmission makes it so fun to drive!! It can go from 40-70 mph faster than any small car we have ever driven. The road noise is far less than our Saturn SW2 and is more agile and the turning radius is incredible. The visibility is good because your not sitting on the floor boards like the Saturn. It also has a standard 48000 mile 5yr bumper to bumper warranty. We are VERY happy with our purchase!!
Ditch the PT
rsnowman13, 02/08/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning a PT Cruiser for 6 months, I dithced it for a Protege5. I had nothing but trouble with the PT and the gas mileage was abysmal (16 combined). The Protege5 outhandles and outperforms the PT in every area accept 1. The PT did have more cargo space. Otherwise, the Protege5 has been a joy. Plenty of room for my needs and waaaaaaay more fun on the back roads. Sure it could use a few more ponies under the hood, but that's what the aftermarket catalogues are for.
Fun Mazda
Violet, 09/10/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It drives wonderful and is very reliable along with it's neat features.
Fun
Nickohos, 12/19/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the way my car feels when I drive it because it handles like a dream. What the Protege'5 lacks in power compared to it's competitors, it more than makes up for in torque and excellent handling. I test drove quite a few cars and none of them were as fun to drive as the Mazda.
Great little car!
D R McClees, 09/11/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little car. Lots of fun on the twisties. Not a Miata, but the next best thing!
great value for all around car
emre, 09/22/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is simply fun to drive this car.you get everything that you want from a car for 19K with all extra features such nice 6 in dash cd and alloy wheels out the door. it gets noisy when you are driving over 60mph
Most Reliable I have ever owned
chere50, 08/14/2009
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Mazda Protege 5
Carolyn Miller, 08/29/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All around excellent car. Totally fun. I am loving it.