jlanger

Most of the "problems" with protege's have been mostly aesthetic ones, (except for the MP3 and MSP) ie, loud engine noise, weird lock positioning etc. I have two of them and other then a rather odd crash with a bookshelf on 694, there has been no big problems. Also there are no major recalls for any year of protege that I can remember.
list of issues that I've seen on the boards:

-loud engine/wind noise at high speed
-lack of a major arm rest (which is actually good for the MTX people)
-locks on the top of the door jam your funny bone at the most inopurtune times
-High RPM's at highway speeds
-diesel sounding motor at startup (especially cold weather)
-high performance tires don't have to great of grip in bad weather
-windshield pits easily
-paint chips easily
-one power lock switch on driver's side door and nowhere else (and it's in a weird spot)
-seats lack much side support for the g forces that this car is capable of.

As you can see most of these are fairly insignifigant, the paint issue is fairly common with most cars in today's lead free world.

Some people have had problems with both the 5 speed and the auto, also common with almost every car. ATX's are extremely complex pieces of machinery and if one thing goes wrong the whole thing will blow up. MTX's are cheaper to fix but people today aren't as learned in the ways of shifting properly and hence break them also. Personally I like the MTX and have them on both of our cars. I've had to many issues with ATX's (in other cars) and like the cheaper maintence costs of the MTX. Also in proteges, like other economy cars, there is a lack of horsepower, the MTX will get you the most bang for the buck, even if it'll make your car depreciate a bit more.

Remember dont' get a car for an investment, you'll lost every time (unless you're buying an enzo or something) Instead, get the car for you and your transportation needs.
(Sorry about the rant)

kreamy73

Ok well that sucks ***! I really don't find the Mazda 3 appealing at all. when will be the P5's last year?? I think it's rediculous to get rid of such a sexy car. I was gonna trade in my p5 when my lease was up for a newer one but I guess by 2006 it wont be around. I always pick the discontinued cars. First the MX-3 now this. I'm sticking with this one though. Have no complaints or problems and in 3 days it will be her 2 year anniversary.

onehawaiian

true, however when i look at the mazda3, i see other brands out there. when i look at the 5, it's hard to see any other car that even remotely resembles it.
but yes, matter of opinion for sure. and don't get me wrong, i do like the mazda3, but if i had to choose btwn the two, i keep the 5.