Oddly enough, we purchased this car as a replacement for a 1993 Isuzu Trooper. The Protege5 offered the utility of a 5-door vehicle in a much more responsive, economical package.

There is substance to Mazda's "zoom-zoom" advertising. I recall driving a rented Protege through mountain roads in Colorado, back in the early 1990s. I was struck how, unlike any Honda or Toyota that I had driven, the Mazda's handling was downright German. I owned a 1989 VW Jetta for 12 years and, despite its modest price and lack of frills, the car was a joy to drive.

The Protege5 shares the Jetta's "point-and-shoot" handling, communicating to the driver that -- hey -- this is where you pointed me, and this is where we're going. Again, many Hondas and Toyotas feel numb in comparison.

Now, the Protege5 is no rocket. However, the 2.0 liter engine (approx. 135 hp) paired with the 4-speed "tiptronic"-style automatic transmission is quite responsive from a standing start. Combined with its handling and size, this quickness off the line makes the Protege5 fun to drive in city traffic. And the P5 will comfortable cruise at 75-80 mph all day long.

We've taken the car on several 2,000 mile road trips, as well. Front seat comfort and expansive glass area make for an open, fairly relaxing environment in which to spend 8 - 10 hours/day. With the rear seats folded, the Protege5 will easily swallow luggage, cooler chests, dogs, etc. We consider it an able and fun touring automobile.

And the style! This is a good looking car. Ours is bright red with polished alloy wheels. The curves, the lines, the wheel size, and proportions of windows and body panels combine into a distinctive and pleasing shape. The newest models are "edgier," and we count ourselves lucky to have snagged this short-lived body style. I think that it will still look fresh when the car is finally paid for.

By all rights, our Protege5 should still be running strong once it's paid for, too. Build quality, as evidenced by materials and quiet ride, seems excellent. Unlike its close relative the Ford Focus, our P5 is still on original brakes after 20K miles, and required nothing more than oil changes and tire rotations. As it should be.

Not bad for a car that cost less than $15,000. Not bad at all.
Amount Paid (US$): 14,700
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: 4-speed electronic auto trans; polished alloy wheels; auto dim mirror