After checking the dealer inventories at mazdausa.com (big time-saver, by the way) and perusing protegeclub.com for what seems like at least 6 months or more, I finally traded in my baby-unfriendly truck for a Classic Red Protege5! ...with 5-speed, ABS, mid-cycle refresh, and leather.

I drove it over to a local mall after it closed and threw the P5 around in the parking lot for a while. What a rush! I've never owned a car that had any decent handling. I am amazed!

Couple nit picks though. My old Dakota had a much better sounding stereo. Also, I wonder why there isn't a power door lock switch on the passenger side up front? Seems strange to me. The lack of cup holders in the back doesn't bother me though. You are not allowed to eat or drink my P5. If you want a dining car, I'll drop you off at the Amtrak station....