Used 2003 Mazda Protege5 Wagon Consumer Reviews
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My new Protege 5 drives like a BMW 3 Ser
MaryC, 10/25/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Some years ago I had a Mazda 323 ('87) and I loved that too but found out it didn't do so well in crash tests. My new Protege 5 got 5 stars (driver) and 4 stars (passenger) in the crash test. It drives like a dream. Nothing else in this price class can match its style and performance - it's really got class. A very cool sport wagon.
My 5th Mazda Vehicle Lifetime
EYW, 11/16/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Been looking at PR5s for right package (automatic, ABS/Side Impact Air, leather) for 3 months. Wanted silver, teenage girls wanted yellow, settled for red. Got $2.5k rebate, $1.5k Ford "S-Plan" discount and $1k dealer cash. Acted decisively as loaded PR5 tough to find. Am biased on Mazda since I own '95 Protege LX, '03 MPV ES, and this PR5. Owned '86 RX-7 GLX and '93 MPV. Kids love moonroof and I endorse wind deflector. Handled stiff like racing car til I lowered tire pressure from 45psi to 35 psi. Still handles well though. Engine is strong with only driver; okay when you have 4 kids too. Too soon to evaluate MPG, but guestimate it about 20 in city.
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Car nut buys and loves econowagon
Rev., 02/14/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had 2001 Miata SE. Had baby. Sold Miata. My wife and I were wondering what we would get to replace the car that we loved. After debating a few options like the RAV 4, CRV, and Matrix/Vibe twins, we drove and loved the Protege5. It is as fun to drive as a four cylinder wagon can be, gets good fuel economy, looks cool, and can support my canoe on the roof. The leather seats are supportive, the instrumentation is where it should be, the radio is great, and it has every bell and whistle we need. Mazda has done a fantastic job with this car and I know we will be pleased for years, especially with Mazda's penchant for quality control.
little car can go
mojoant, 12/03/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
fun fun fun not just for looks but could use a v-6 other than that it's a great ride .....
Best Unknown Deal
jaredpg, 02/25/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Why this isn't the most driven car on the road, I'm not sure. Considering Price, style, performance and reliability (1 year 26,000 miles, couple rattles, nothing major thus far) it cannot be beat. My daily commute makes me smile. Few can claim such a thing. Don't buy the Protege5, I like that people still look twice at it, wondering "What kind of car is that?"
Fun to drive
boyzmom67, 12/03/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had no problems with our Protege 5 since purchasing it new for our 17 year old last year.It is a well made car that is fun to drive.
QQUUIICCKK!!
robfosse P5, 11/01/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very QUICK car, good for driving in traffic, and curvy roads, until you get up to high elevations and you lose that last amount of power that seems so important. Quickness is its best virtue, and most descriptive adjective, which is more important than speed, because, we're not racing, are we? SPeed limits favor quickness over power. Super comfortable. The leather seats are fabuloso. The sport trans is fun and fairly functional in many sitations, like mountain roads, traffic jams (you won't need to move to the brake pedal as often). Smooth is another applicable term for this vehicle, especially when driven moderatly. The brakes seem superb.
MP5
TheHylandr, 12/04/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Phenomenal car, quick, nimble, fun to drive, excellent gas mileage, roomy. It's only fault is being a tad underpowered...but you can't have everything!!! I normally buy a new car every year. Prior to the MP5 I had a Firebird Formula, a Trans Am WS6 and a Ford Lightning. I bought the MP5 as a temporary vehicle because I had a long drive to work (which I don't anymore). After a year and more than 18000 miles, it's going to be around for quite awhile longer!!!
The perfect fun-to-drive carry-all
Omar Gutierrez, 07/15/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolutely nothing wrong with this car. It's a blast to drive, reliability is excelente (as with most Japanese cars) and it's more practical than anything out there.
Still new, but great car
cmn, 12/08/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little car that seems more roomy then you would think. Peppy and great styling inside and out.
Fun car with some annoying quirks
DCdriver, 02/02/2010
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2008 looking for a sporty hatchback on the cheap. At the time there wasn't much in the offering, unlike today where it seems like hatchbacks have caught on again. It's a great car for most occasions with plenty of "get-up", lots of room with the seats down, and a great exterior (imho). Unfortunately it's not without its problems: anything exhaust related (EGR valve for instance, the fact that it has TWO cat. converters that like to fail!) and of course the headlights, as most other reviewers have mentioned. All in all it's a fun car, but if I had to do it again I might have spent a little more money and gone for a Mazda3.
ZOOMZOOM5
Daddy Mac, 12/12/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first day I saw this car I feel in love. The exterior styling looks like somebody gave it a showroom look! The interior is great with leather! The performance is excellent. Overall very happy with the purchase. I highly recommend this car to everyone.
A better G20
santag, 06/19/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I replaced a 95 G20 with this car. It is $5K less with more features. I have a fully loaded 5sp (leather, ABS, Moonroof, auto dimming mirror, security system) except for the roof rack. Fun to drive. I can understand why Car and Driver rated it #1 in 6/2002 issue. Doesn't match my Miata but I would rate it very close to the G20 if not better.
fun to drive
New to Mazda, 12/18/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Brakes Squeak when used after a few days of sitting. No other problems, really enjoy the sportiness of a family car.
Best of three worlds!
Simon_mtl, 11/07/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a cool car: Nice styling, comes almost fully loaded, fun to drive, practical and affordable. The cargo space rather small so this car has to be considered as a 5 doors hatchback rather than a wagon. It's a combination of sport, utility and economy in one sub-compact car. Great!
It is horrible in the snow.
LisaC, 12/17/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love the looks of this car and how it drives in anything but the snow. It is horrible in snow and slush. The tires are expensive as all heck! Why put a tire on a lower priced vehicle that costs like $162 a tire to replace? I am very disappointed in this car right now and unfortunately I am more than likely going to trade it in and loose my butt on the trade. I just can't stand the idea of spending that kind of money on tires that who knows if they will actually make the car go any better or not????? I would definitely NOT recommend this vehicle to anyone!
Fun
Mbeech, 07/09/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car and fun to drive, I love the way it handles and lots of room for 4 people, or two adults and 3 kids.
Zoom Zoom
enie jr, 12/22/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handling is unbelievable. Handles far better then my wifes Maxima. Overall a blast to drive. Could use more power but hopefully the 3 took care of that! Get the AUTOSTICK it's worth the money! Overall this is a great compact.
FEEDBACK
Mandi Means, 12/31/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think the Mazda Protege 5 is stylish, comfortable. It handles very well in snow and high water. The only down fall is that you cannot enter the car by alarm key if the car is running and locked. I warm up my car in the morning and lock the car and cannot open vehicle by other car alarm key pad.
Excellent All Around
Chef GuyPA, 07/17/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car handles better than anything else I have driven in this category of cars. The seats are comfortable and the ride is good. Overall, this car is the most fun I've had driving a new car in a long time. In fact, I've had mine for 2 weeks now, and I still can't bring myself to take out the paper that's covering the floor mats!!!! While this may not be the most powerful car in it's class, it may not be the roomiest car in it's class either, but for my dollar, this is by far the most fun and best handling car in it's class.
protege5 flaws
gsj, 01/03/2004
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There are things that bother me about it. The first thing that I notice is the extremely loose unresponsive steering. I would love to see the Mazda speed steering and suspension standard in their upcoming Mazda 3s. The second annoyance is the jumpy clutch which happens mainly when the cars is cold. Again, would love to see the mazda speed clutch standard in the upcoming 3s. The 3rd flaw is the cheep back seat cushions that never want to fit right after removing them. The 4th flaw might be the loud engine which in my opion is due to the thin firewall and probably wide gapped valves. Other than that, it works for me. -GJ
Beats the Competion - Hands Down.
logun, 10/27/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only had the car a few days, but after special ordering the 2003 just the way I wanted it it was worth the wait. This car is Fun Fun Fun to drive and has most all the bells and whistles you'd ever want. Read Car & Driver Review June 2002 - they describe this car to a T.
Almost Zoom Zoom but good enough!
tamon77, 01/12/2004
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't care if I evet buy another car. Car dealers drive me nuts!! That being said my wife and I instantly fell in love with the P5 from the moment we drove it. Overall,it's a fun car with plenty of room for us. I would've loved a Mazada3 but budgets are budgets right :( This is our second car. I own a 2002 civic sedan which I love and my wife drives the P5. I love driving the P5 around town on the weekend but getting back into my honda for the weekly commute is like coming back to an old friend. If you can still find one of these new then give it some serious consideration. You won't be disappointed.
2003 Protege5
SaraD, 07/26/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Protege5! Mine is loaded (leather, 6 disc in-dash cd changer, sunroof, and a manual trans). The seats are comfortable - they feel like you are sitting and not slouching. Stearing wheel is small and easy to grip and the buttons on the radio and air are easy to use. You don't have to read the manual to learn how to turn the radio on! Another thing I really like about my car is that you can lock all the doors by using your key in the drivers' or passengers' door. And on the remote key, if you accidentaly press the unlock button and you don't open a door, it will relock automatically in about a minute. I really recommend this car!
Mazda Protoge5 Review
Concetta Marotta, 12/14/2005
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had a good driving experience with this car. However, I had to get used to the handling of the car, since it is a sport car and it is quick to respond.
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.
Interesting....
thenileprincess, 02/06/2004
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second car, and I have to admit, the frills drew me in. I LOVE the handling, the enterior and exterior styling, and the amount of power you feel behind the wheel...BUT...for such a little car, it takes up a lot of gas!!! You also have to be careful who/what you are carrying around with you, b/c I notice a substantial lowering in mpg when I'm driving around friends or furniture (which is pretty often, seeing as I am a college student). On the whole, though, if the car proves to be reliable, I will be VERY satisfied with it! :)
So far so good
cueball, 02/27/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have not had it long, but so far really enjoying the car. Also test drove the Matrix, Vibe, Civic, and Corolla. Liked the Matrix, but would have felt like a fool revving around like you have to in order to get any kind of power. Also, the gauges in the Matrix/Vibe need changes, as does the ridiculous back-up alarm. The Protege5 handles so well, I am intimidated to seek out its limits. The ABS system works beautifully. The shifter and clutch are very, very smooth. And so far the dealership has been equally kind and helpful after the sale as they were before the sale.
awesome car
clcgirl79, 02/15/2004
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my pro 5 since last November and haven't been happier. Great gas mileage, great sporty look, and many compliments from everyone. Also, great price, not too expensive!
back killer
alakeperson, 11/16/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great handling, reliable, everything works well, people always with compliments on car appearance/looks, had problem with a/c blower, dealer repaired it but disorganized bad service, long waits
Best all-around sport compact
Lamsock, 02/27/2004
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for over a year, and it's been great. I haven't driven that many total miles (<10k), but it's been rock-solid. Not one problem. Unlike Mazda3 (Ford), Protege5 is made 100% in Japan, and it shows. Quality is so far beyond anything made in America- even at much higher prices. I find the Dunlops are adequate, as long as you drive with care in inclement weather. In dry, trust me, they're like glue. EXTREMELY fun to drive! Not that fast, true, but since the revs are high most of the time, you almiost always have a decent amount of power on tap. Ride is firm, but never harsh.
SO FAR SO GOOD
mscott75, 08/06/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far so good, no major problems. Took it in for an alignment issue at about 1000 miles. Other than that it's just been in for regular servicing.
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!
Zoom Zoom
jimbolio, 05/18/2006
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Protege 5 gives me 33-36 MPG on the freeway pretty reliably. Only about 28 around town (5 speed). Drives like a Ferrari. Hauls like a minivan, and runs like a Rolex.
Another buyer
fourbe, 08/25/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine two weeks ago and waited to drive it a little bit before putting the review... I love the car: it's good looking, handles well, and cheap! I have all the amenities you might want in a car (fully loaded). It's a great time to buy it since the 2004 model comes soon. I got it at $450 below invoice (thanks to reading the advice of edmunds.com)! It's not a power beast, but I was surprised to be at 95mph and be relax and feel safe. Also the braking system is great, which was one of the most important points for me.
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!
bad azz
penguin, 11/21/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my car a little over 3 months. I bought my Protege5 out of nessecity. My car was biting the dust rapidly. As soon as I test drove the Mazda I knew the car was mine. My car has had no problems, and the ads saying that the Protege5 was fun to drive was no lie. In short...I love my car.
Fun to drive
Speedrcccr, 04/25/2004
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of fun to drive. European styling, large wheels and nice taillamps make this car look like a Lexus IS 300.
a very good urban transportation
Jason Lam, 08/29/2003
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sporty design but not overdone. Good value even with the base model with features essential for safety, handling, comfort and space.Competitive pricing and factory incentives makes a great buy. A great choice for those who wants the space and convenience of a hatchback but not as big as the traditional wagon.
2003 protoge5
lunchtimer, 04/30/2004
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2nd one of these owned - absolute delightful fun to drive - excellent for comuting, going to my games.
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.
Proto 5 Review
winlet, 12/21/2002
2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my new Proto 5. All options, sweet leather seats and steering wheel, fun to drive, love to corner it. Drives much better than my new Jetta that I sold. (Had all kinds of problems with that car) This car looks sweet and puts all the zoom, zoom, zoom it claims in it's performance. No problem with acceleration here.