Protege 5 - Likes & Dislikes?

[cbcbd]

Read this one, it's better
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=2338&page_number=1

It's a comparision between:
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Ford Focus ZX5
Pontiac Vibe
Mazda Proteg5
Suzuki Aerio SX
Toyota Matrix XRS

And guess who won? Yep, and remember that the Matrix XRS has 180hp.

Memorable quote:
"We talk a great game. We invite you along on an in-depth evaluation of a new class of extra-roomy carryalls, then what do we do? Right, we fall in love with a low-roof model offering the least interior space. That's the kind of guys we arelots of promises upfront about deep conversations and pursuing the well-rounded life, but when the pretenses drop away, same as always, we're here for the heavy breathing. " - talking about the P5

Yep, we're all here because it's a lot more fun to drive our P5s than those other cars.

 

[cbcbd]

Re: Re: Protege 5 - Likes & Dislikes?

I think if you could sqeeze out so more cash, you should look at the mazdaspeed, you'll be alot happier everytime you hit the gas, which is a lota times

I have to sort of agree there. I love my car but I think I'd love the MSP a lot too, much easier to up the HPs on a turbo.

 

[bwayout]

What i really like about mine is the handling...

Unfortunately, back in January 2003, my last car was a 1990 Probe that was #4 in a 6 car accident and mine was the only car that had to be towed away... and the RX-8 wouldnt be out till later this year

So now I drive a black 2003 Protege5 I went for it over an Acura RSX or Toyota Celica because it has four doors plus hatch (helpful for a family of four) and its economical price tag (which I hope will help me save my money toward an RX-8), plus Consumers Reports and Edmunds.com both rated as their top picks and after driving the RSX, Celica (and even the Matrix) I perfered the "feel" behind the wheel of the MP5! I agree with Consumers Reports, Edmunds.com and Car & Driver, that its an exciting little hauler of a sport wagon thats very fun to drive with its first-rate handling and braking.

So Pros, Handling! and I got mine with the auto dimming rear view mirror with temp and compass -- and love it!

Cons: I wish the front seat had ajustable lumbar support and more speeds than one choice on the intermittent windshild wipers (my probe had a dial that had at least 10+ and my wife's Passat has at leat 3 extra settings)

... Than with that all said and done, I still enjoy driving it around ... but plan on trading up to the Mazda RX-8 in 3-5 years (hopefully)!

 

[jjac28]

if you want speed go for the mazda protege speed, the mp5 is an all around excellent car!

 

[Matthew]

i cant stand:

the fact that my elbow locks me in the car EVERY time

when you wash it and shut the trunk all the water comes out of no where, no matter how much you dry and dry

other than that, i love it.

 

[kidkorrupt]

likes:

-unique
-best exterior compared to other cars in same class (si, aerio, matrix, vibe, etc..)

dislikes:
-slow
-thin ass paint

 

[Matthew]

oh yes i forgot the thin paint.

 

[ProtegePoe]

haha yes the elbow locking the door that happens to me all the time

 

[Matthew]

i ******* hate that s*** with utmost passion

 

[IainK]

Cons?
Previous cars being V8s and with my job being to sample some of the finest hi-po cars from round the globe, the SP20 (pro5) leaves me flat in speed terms.... The paint and ride height are other gripes...

Pros?
The individuality, quality, interior (love it!), aesthetics, chassis dynamics, brakes, equipment level (cruise would be nice though...), the way you can just hold it screaming on a twisty road leaving fancied turbo opposition behind....

Screw this, I'm going for a drive!

 

[CruzinAltitude]

The only complaints I have are, (with the 02) the front cup holders are a pain in the ass with any time I "go big," and the AC dosent Run very cold.

As far as the Pros, it is all out beautiful, there are only two production years, so they wont be like every other civic/focus on the road, the handling is great and did I mention that it was all out beautiful?