2003 Mazda Protege 5 review from North America
"A rip-off"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Day of purchase: cd player defective and replaced week later by dealer.
20,000 miles: a/c unit floods interior of car, passenger footwell; entire a/c unit replaced.
55,000 miles: alternator dies and is replaced.
58,000 miles: right and left wheel bearings cracked and replaced.
Every 2,000-5,000 miles: headlights go out.
10,000 miles: battery dies, is replaced.
Steering wheel "timing wire (?) " makes constant noise while driving.
Multiple windshield chips.
Multiple areas where paint has chipped off to reveal fiberglass below.
General comments?
Unfortunately, the Mazda Protege 5, at least the one I purchased from a local Mazda dealer, is a frustratingly expensive vehicle, many problems and repairs.
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All 2003 Mazda Protege reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 104 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67625 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda Sedan |
| Date of Entry | 25th October, 2007 |