Mazda Protegé5 2002-2003Change

Love it! My only issue is this model requires regular replacement of wheel bearings, they just don't last. Replaced mine every 2 years and drive about 5000k's per year, Would I by another? YES! In some Canadian Provinces they don't last because of the rust not the drivetrain. This car is sporty and drives like one. Great gas mileage. Cons: Intermedite wipers only have one speed, Wheels bearings don't last, Rust. Tires on this car only fit this car so not an easy find. Pros: reliable car engine still purs at 160,000k's with no issues, Chaep on gas, Fun to drive, looks great, Roomy, Handles really well with quick response steering. Mazda in 2001 were not going to introduce this model to the American market but decided at the last minute to try, It was the best selling car in Quebec Canada and sold like hot muffins. Would I recommend buying a Mazda p5? YES! I would still buy one today with low k's on it.

Great commuter car. It's great of gas, fun to drive, and handles very well for an older vehicle.

Its also very reliable.

It's slightly underpowered, but when paired with a manual you can squeeze the power out of it.

Purchased new without one regret; aside from regular upkeep the vehicle has never made its presence know with an "out of the blue" repair.

For winter season I added winter rims & tires, increased the handling and responsiveness immensely.

The ONLY downside to these cars in general is the rust issue that has plagued Mazda many years ago and it unfortunately has a hold on many these vehicles of this year's era.

If you need a vehicle of this style/type/age I'm sure you'll find these things bullet proof.

it is an amazing car, everything work fine and even comes with pre installed wires ready to go for subwoofers. Have a little issue with the body of the vehicle and some other problem,but ready to go every where with you if needed.

Proud owner of Protege5 for many years.
Have enjoyed the handling and manual transmission of this small, yet fun to drive vehicle.
The hatchback comes in handy on weekend getaways or pet transport. Took this car on many camping, skiing, surfing and biking trips. Did the job quite well.

Amazingly well maintained ride My buddy bought for his wife and it was her dream ride so she kept it in great condition.

I have had one for a few month now and I don't mind it at all. besides all the rust that eats at it but its still good if you take care of them I like mine alot!

I like the handling and feel of the vehicle when driving it, I found it's seat to be pretty comfortable and even with bad speakers I enjoyed driving places in it.

This car has been great, and we're sad to see it go. It's very comfortable, and has great fuel efficiency. A surprising amount of room that could fit all our camping gear and our dog comfortably. The back seat has lots of leg room. And, we've had lots of fun playing our old music with the tape deck.
It's a peppy car with pick-up and speed when needed. Totally a fun ride.

This is by far the cheapest car to drive that I have ever owned. Other than oil changes and brakes it has been faultless. Practical, reliable and fun to drive. It's too bad about the premature rusting around the wheel wells and rear hatch - Mazda should know better by now.

I have had it for 1 year now and it has not disappointed me , I just need to find myself a bigger car

It's been a great car, I wouldn't sell it but I need a bigger vehicle for our expanding family. The car corners like it's on rails, it's responsive, quick on acceleration and on the highway. a great all around car with loads of interior space.

This is a great first car. It's fun to drive and it's still in excellent shape. The car still performs as well as the day I drove it off the lot. Plus it's great on gas; the 44 litre tank will easily do 650 highway kilometres.

Very fun and zippy car. Great for a young family. It is versatile, yet easy to park. Was really reliable, then had to start replacing consumables at 100,000 km. Standard transmission is a dream. It corners well and still looks great after 11 years.

This is a great car but have had issues in the past with rust control. I look at a lot of the proteges on the road and they all seem to rust in the same spots. If you can get an '04 mazda 3 over this than I would suggest you do that.

had this car for a while now and its a very fun car to drive, great on gas and very sporty great for a studen or small family
i'm going to miss this car but i have to pay for my schooling

I have owned the Protege 5 for 5 years, bought it used, but what a beast! Reliable since the day I bought it, and it is used as a daily driver. Great fuel economy as well. Can't complain about exterior styling, but the rust is starting to get worse around the wheel arches.

As a first time owner of any car, the mazda protege5 exceeded my expections in every category, it was styled well, handles amazing, has a peppy feel, and very comfortable interior.

it's fun 2 drive - a good looking car - great gas mileage especially because it has the option of driving it in automatic or manual mode - this car came with all the options except 4 back camera & GPS which I installed after. Lost of cabin room & space 2 carry alot when u fold down the back seats.

This car was my first vehicle purchase, and I'm glad I decided on this model. It's reliable, easy on gas, and has had minimal repairs and replacements done. What has been done was of minimal cost, and parts were easy to find. The performance is above average, and has been a fun drive overall. For city driving, I have no complaints, and for highway driving, I have had excellent fuel economy - rivaling what new cars boast. Owning this car has made me seriously consider buying the new generation model.

I bought this car used and have had it for 7 years. There have been a few small issues, but most were dealt with under extended warranty. The biggest problem with these cars is the rust and the EGR valve. If you are considering buying a used one, check if it has the updated EGR valve from Mazda.

Even after 7 years, I still love getting into this car and going for a drive. My commute is 45 km one way and it still keeps the drive interesting and fun. They may not be fast, but they love corners and will always leave you with a smile on your face.

Purchased new and currently just past 100,000 kms, new-for-2003 Sport Shift automatic transmission failed under warranty, stranding my wife on the highway. Sometime thereafter, the upshift feature quit working, although it's something I've found a workaround for, by shifitng sideways into "D" to get the transmission to shift up, then popping it back over to "M" to hold the gear again. The downshift feature still works fine and has never been a problem.

Rust in the rear wheel wells was a problem that appeared within warranty, but alas, was not of the perforation kind, so Mazda said "sorry" nothing we can do. Absolutely shameful that a car starts rusting in the first 3-4 years of ownership.

Exhaust system is now rusting badly.

Other than those issues, we love the car and are sorry that continuing to address the rust makes keeping it economically

The Mazda Protege5 has been the most reliable vehicle that I have ever had. This is my 3rd Vehicle in a short amount of time and it definitely is the top of the class. It's very smooth on shifting and the fuel economy is superb. I highly recommend this vehicle for small families or just a cruising vehicle. What I love most about it is the Hatchback look. It may look like a small vehicle on the outside, but the interior is extremely roomy. This vehicle easily fits 5 people no problem and still saves on gas!

Good motor good control, not so good for fuel economy at high speeds. If you find one without rust RUST PROOF it. Mazda's rust fast along rear wheelwells and bottom of doors. Gas pump problems with gasket leaking, needed to change tank. Front end is low to the ground which is not so good if you get stuck in a snow bank. Drives quite well for a small car. Would buy again if this one runs to ground. Still going strong at 130000 km in 2013. Lots of storage space with hatchback, love the sunroof and cruise.

I've been driving this car for the last 8 years and have never had any major repairs needed. I drive it in all weather conditions and for long vacations and can depend on this car for almost anything.