Hi everyone..

I am thinking of purchasing Mazda Protege...

However I do not know what to choose..
either Protege ES or Protege 5 Sport...

They both seem nice...

can u guys tell me what seems better...
and if own either one...can u also tell me
how much u payed for it...

oh and..whats a good color for the car..?


thanks~

 

The Protege ES and Protege5 are basically the same car under the skin. Same engine and suspension, with the exception of the strut tower bar (which can be had for $100). The Protege ESs seem to go for about $2K cheaper since it's not as 'hot' as the new Protege5.

 

You can't go wrong either way in my opinion. I was set on a 5 so I didn't even test drive the sedan. The uniqueness and added utility was worth the extra $ in my opinion. However, this may not fit your needs so it's really personal preference.

I could've gotten a better deal on an ES not to mention 0% for 5 years vs the 4 years I got.

Drive both, get a good look at each, and see which one better fits your needs.

The 5 comes in a few colors not available on the sedan (classic red, midnight blue, vivid yellow) but you can't get the 5 in dark green or dark red, so if you are set on any of those colors its something to consider.

I like the 5 in all the colors offered but I was wanting blue or black. I took black because it was equipped how I liked.

 

I just bought my P5 about a month ago and was faced with the same situation. I was initially looking at getting an ES 4 door. However the more I thought about it and the more I saw them on the road (granted, most are the DX and LX trim) the more I thought the P5 would be more for me. I love the fact that you don't see them at every stop light, and I really like the added hauling capacity of a large lift gate. Plus, the P5 I think looks alot more aggresive with it's large foglights, side sills, etc. Also, I don't believe the ES had an option of the leather steering wheel, which the P5 has standard, and which I REALLY like.

 

Like others have mentioned, they are pretty much the same car with different look and trunk space. But if I were you, I'll definitely go for the P5. It may cost you a bit more, but it sure looks a lot sharper than the stock 4-door sedan.

Its a great feeling to find yourself with a big grind on your face everytime you stare at your own car, and I'm quite sure you'll be doing that more often with a P5.

 

one's a hatchback and one's a sedan, no real difference except for a few components.

it's quite funny though, i'm still trying to make a decision!

 

I'll be flamed...

While the Sedan and P5 are mechanically the same, they are light years apart spritiually. The sedan is a means of transportation. The P5 is a Ride, with a capital "R."

I know you long time Protege tuning guys hate to admit this and will probably never accept it, but the P5 and the MP3 put the Protege on the map. I've been reading three different car magazines for years. Not tuner mags, but Autoweek, Automobile and R&T. None of those magazines EVER talked about Proteges in anything other than "it's built well" terms until the MP3 and P5 came out. The P5 now gets mentioned in Autoweek ALL the time. Also note that there was virtually no Protege aftermarket until these cars came out. Now there are new products being introduced virtually every day.

The sedan is a perfectly great little car and I'm not saying it isn't, but it's just a way to get there. With the P5 the only place you need to get is into the driver's seat, the actual destination is gravy.

Hit me, dudes I KNOW it's coming!!!!

 

well stated and very true.

 

I think the sedan needs a new front bumper and side sills. Then it would be even better looking. To me the p5 looks really nice from the front. But when you look at the side its a wagon. My definition of a wagon is a car old people drive. I also think SUVs are minivans for guys. If you look at them they are very similar to minivans except 4 wheel drive which makes them more manly.

TexP5 Im not gonna flame you because its your opinion. Hopefully nobody will flame me for mine.

The car that got me to look at proteges was the mp3. I read an article about it in R&T last year while at an airport.

And on topic I have an ES. I payed $15,700 before title and registration.
The options are:
5 speed
ES premium package
6 disc changer
perimiter alarm
wheel locks
mud flaps
block heater

As for color I got silver because it hides dirt and I like it.

 

I bought a black P5 5 speed two months ago with sunroof (only option) for $15,200 not including taxes and tags. That is, $15,200 off the lot and to motor vehicle for registration and tags. I don't think a similarly equiped ES would have been much cheaper.

I've since bought from Mazda the rear cargo tray, rear bumper protector and wheel locks. Just put on Kartboy shifter and bushings. Should have my Wet Okalie neoprene seat covers in another week or so.

Either vehicle is great as long as you get the 5 speed. I have heard a lot of good things about Proteges over the years, but driving out to St. Louis in a driving rain storm while in Ohio with a Protege right on my '97Max SE 5-speed with Dunlop A2 Sports convinced me these cars hold the road.

 

It doesn't really matter which model started what; P or P5 and colour are personal preference decissions. You should ultimately buy the car You want, or you'll end up regreting your decision later. I was initially attracted to the Protege line-up when the redesigned sedan came out. I still think that is one of the best looking compacts on the road today. I'll also admit that when I first saw the new P5 at the auto show, I thought it was a bit ugly, and wondered why any 'young' people would want to drive a 'wagon'. Over time, the shape has grown on me, and actually driving the car made me want one. I couldn't care less if anyone thinks it's a 'station wagon'. I think it's a great car, with excellent handling and extra carrying capacity. All it really needs is about 50 HP more. Like others have said, either model you choose, you can't go wrong.