Changing Jobs and it will require a fare amount of driving. So in an attempt to find something fun, quick, relatively roomy, and good on gas I've been looking really, REALLY hard at the Protege 5. Either a 2002 or 2003. What are your honest thoughts? I enjoy driving. I have a 96 Suburban, 2003 Grand Marquis V-8. From my research it looks like a solid machine that should be nimble and quick yet economical (if driven right). Something that will take the edge off a crappy day of work.
Thanks

 

I'd say "go for it".

 

I'd seriously reccomend the the '03 over the '02. Most of the 03's have a slightly different interior and an upgraded 7 speaker sound system (that sounds pretty nice). Not to mention you get a different, slightly more sporty looking set of alloy wheels and marker lights on your front fenders.

 

yes, get it.

 

If you are going to do a lot of driving, you may as well enjoy it.
Buy it!

 

i say go for it, be be warned, with the wrong exhaust, it's pretty loud over about 75 mph

 

which is why most recommend against getting the "wrong" exhaust.

 

Just remember that it's gonna be a much firmer ride than your suburban and grand marquis. But it's oh so peppy and fun to drive.

 

I use my P5 for work all the time. I do cat-5 and fiber installs all day long. Between all that equipment and ladders I still have room for a sub and my sons car seat. I say go for it

 

It will surely take the edge off a crappy work day. Take her for a spin on some twisty roads and let all your anger out. It feels good!

 

and better cupholders :-P

 

I would like to give a big THANKS to those who gave feedback. Often the sites are about as active as pond water. This one appears to be the Mazada-palooza. It was great to get a responses so quickly. Also, you have confirmed what I suspected. I owned a Mazada 86 626 some years ago and it was a great car. Mazada seems to often be over looked, which is fine, just makes it more affordable for me. Thanks again. I will post the Macheen after I've pulled the trigger.

Thanks AGAIN

 

one thing about mazda that i like more than honda, toyota, dodge, chevy, etc, is that mazda's have torque and their engines play the tune to let ya know it!