2003 Mazda Protege 5 review from North America
"Average reliability, higher maintenance than expected, FUN TO DRIVE"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The car started to rust in several places in 2007. By 2008, the rust had wrapped around to the outside of the rear wheel wells as well. I counted 7 spots of rust in all.
The tires are expensive and need to replaced often.
The brakes last only about 30k miles, which is more often than any other car I have ever owned.
The front end was just starting to make some weird clunking noises when I turned the steering wheel. I traded it in before things got worse!
General comments?
I really did love this little car. This car handled like a dream, very sporty and cornering was actually fun!
The gas mileage was good, but not as good as my old Corolla.
The interior was very comfortable and sensible, everything placed where I needed it and easy to use.
The style of the car is great - everyone that I met asked me about the car and people really loved it. I will miss this car.
I'm glad I got rid of the Mazda, the rust was spreading like crazy and I need something that's going to last longer than 72k miles.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 9000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 72000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 25th June, 2008 |