Faults:

The only problem I had with the car was back in 2006, and at about 90,000 miles, the radiator cracked. It's a plastic radiator... not much to fix it. Other than regular up keep, I have had no other problems.

General Comments:

I love my car!!! It is so fun to drive! I just had someone ask my the other day if I was driving the new Toyota Matrix! My car is 6 years old and it still looks brand new!!

Faults:

The ABS light and Handbrake light both came on. Took the car to my mechanic and he could not diagnose the problem. Both lights come on and off. They are usually on when it is wet. The only problem is that ABS shuts off. Maybe somebody knows what this is?

Under engine protective plastic broke off - this is expected, I have not seen a car where that plastic cover would last.

Front brake disks had to be grinded.

General Comments:

Really fun to drive

Goes well into the corners and I can take up ramps at speeds close to 90 km/h.

Faults:

First there was a problem with the IAC Valve. Wasn't covered under warranty for some reason.

Alternator died at 76,000kms. Thought that was a bit too early.

Rust... EVERYWHERE. Still rusts like Japanese cars did in the 80s. Every panel of this car is rusting, the under body looks like one of a 12 year old car. Under the hood the strut towers and engine walls are rusty too. Yes it's true that cars rust when exposed to Salt like in Toronto. But it shouldn't be this bad this soon.

Engine Sounds really rough when first started.

Seats are Fading from limited exposure to sun.

General Comments:

The car does handle very well however. The chassis was well designed, it's too bad they didn't use better steel on it.

Transmission is mushy, but acceptable for this type of car.

Fuel economy is reasonable for a 2.0L engine.

I'd never buy a Mazda again until they have proven to get this rust problem under control.

Faults:

I purchased this car Jan 2003 it is the Protege 5, 2002 currently has 95,000km Brand new when I purchased it.

In 5 years I have had to change the brakes 3 times, the ERG valve, the front and back struts, the oil pan the rear wiper twice, the wiring for the front lights. New tires as they don't last very long and are expensive to replace.

I'm sure if I were to go through my paperwork there would be more, but these are the highlights of the problems I have had with this vehicle. I will never recommend or purchase another. I can't wait to sell it.. It is a money pit..

Faults:

I'm asking long-time Protege 5 drivers, what ARE the issues with this model car as the additional miles accrue? Are electrical or mechanical failures at hand with mileage over 100,000, and are the repair possibilities worth a $2,000 five-year insurance policy (payable immediately in a lump sum?)

What I am wondering is: Is it worth $2,000 to purchase extended vehicle coverage for the next five - six years? With 103,000 on the car and putting around 10,000 extra miles per year, is it worth it?

General Comments:

I like the Mazda Protege 5. It is noisier and less fuel efficient than the '83 VW Rabbit and the '96 VW Golf I once owned, however, it was more affordable to purchase as a used vehicle. Comfort is about the same as the VWs. I love having a 5-door vehicle and can't imagine life without one. The car runs well and has more pick-up than either of the VWs, and it handles better.

I don't like the fact that only low-pro tires are available. They don't last as long and are noisier. Besides, when snow is covering the streets, I worry about traction and reliability of the tires.