Used 2003 Mazda Protege5 Consumer Reviews
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Great looking car that is just so-so not great.
Own only manual vehicles, 12/16/2018
updated 01/16/2024
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Definitely I like the way the car looks. The zoom-zoom factor is there but the implementation kinda fell short likely because of cheaper manufacturing. I like the placement of most of the controls, and it was great to know that many features came standard with the Protege5. Never thought I would like a moon roof but now I think i will need to have one from now on, really like the 2 ways the Protege5 can adjust the moon roof (back tilt open or fully open). Nice to have power windows and locks but the power lock mechanism does not last long (the one plastic part inside the lock motor should be made of better material) so far had to replace all 4 door automatic lock mechanisms at least once and the rear ones went out again. Had tons of problems with the parking brake (something that I know or ever heard of had an issue with, I'm the first ever), twice (two different mechanics) and still have issues. My mechanic hates my car now as he had to work on the brakes 5 times (first time I paid for it, the rest where worked under warranty). Mazda dealer was worst than useless (likely my last Mazda ever because of it). The radio is kinda garbage. The CD changer died, and the radio sounds is mediocre with little to now bass (despite the subwoofer attached to the spare tire). My air conditioning ON/OFF button broke off (I can still turn it off and on but need to stick my finger in the hole to de/reactivate), the driver side map light button is now intermittently defective (sometime it does not stay on). Noisy cabin at any speed but really bad at high speeds. Poor interior quality control. Reliable engine (so far 85K miles), very good brakes (except for the emergency brake which is likely to be the worst ever made in the world) althougth the rear brakes need changing more often that the front and I may now have an issue with one of the calipers. Would prefer if the Protege5 had a timing chain instead of a timing belt (like many other manufacturers of 4 cylinder engines), plastics on the roof rack are now cracked (roof rack itself works great and is 100% functional just looks ugly). Who ever designed the roof rack though the only reason to have a roof rack is to put skis. bikes or something on another type of item that uses a device that attaches to a rack. Using the rack damages the plastics on the rack. The spare wheel hole does not fit a regular tire (so no chance of having a 5th real tire as a spare), also when you get a flat the tire has to occupy the trunk space. The Protege5 could use a 6th gear and better insulation to reduce cabin noise. Mileage on it is the worst of any 4 cylinder I ever owned (from my 1.7-2.5 liter Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel) which all have better average mileage from from 4 to 15 MPG. But not horrible enough to change my car immediately (although I would not keep this one as long as my other vehicles). Over all I am not happy with the Protege5, I got it used (with very low mileage) did not pay a lot so it is hard to be extremely disappointed (had it been bought it new, the would be a very different story) but overall I can not recommend it. Likely the reason it was manufactured for only 2 years. I would of sold it already to get something better but because my preference of manual transmission (and dislike of reliability, response and feedback of automatic or CVT) my choices are very limited.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
- Value
Great handling....poor quality
newtonguy, 10/23/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
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. It's a shame because the car is fun to drive and looks great but steer clear of Mazda.
2003 Mazda Protege5 for sale near you
3 of 5 listings
- Base WagonMSRP: $6,495666 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,8002,104 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $2,9882,183 mi away
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Almost perfect--except transmission!
HB, 01/12/2010
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought my P5 brand new and loved it up til now. At 110k miles the overdrive gear went out now I have to buy a new transmission. All maint done like clockwork, drive like an old lady, so I don't get it. Mazda reliability has always been good. Most say I must have got a bad transmission or early mechanical failure due to wear. I do put about 18k miles/yr commuting, but geez, this is not acceptable. Toyota 4wd truck w/ 140k and NO problems!
I can't believe how reliable this car is
mikeyp70, 04/02/2008
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I now have 85k on this car. I change the oil every 3-5k miles and change the antifreeze and air filter at the recommended intervals. That's it. Changed the brakes (pads only) at 60,000 miles. That's right, original rotors. I had to change my last GM's at 20k because they warped (under-designed). Kuhmo tires only cost $68 and I put 50k+ on my last set vs the original tires without much change in performance or ride quality. This is a great car and the 28-30 mpg couple with low maintenance costs makes it very economical. And oh yeah... it's fun. Nimble and sporty.
Zoom-Zoom!
adam, 10/14/2006
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car brand new in spring of 03 and couldn't be happier with it. I have kept up with most suggested maintenance and oil changes and have not had to service at all except for brake pads! Car has over 60,000 miles and is running wonderfully. Pickup is still excellent, as is fuel economy. LOVE the six disc in-dash CD changer and the stereo quality is good for stock. Only problem is that FM reception isn't the best.