im checking them out but the specs dont sound too good

what do u guys do for considerable hp gain?

 

I like em so much I got two of em! In regards to the hp, all cars in its class are the same or less in the hp department. However, the chasis is so superb it gets compared to a lot of cars that are quite a bit more $ and have more hp. Review the faq for hp increasers. Turbo is probably the best bang for the buck (non NAAAWS) NA options or a turbo will most likely get you about 170-200hp. Test drive a protege before you dismiss this, there's a reason that C&D and other magazines have ranked the pro #1 in the compact class.

 

im definitely gonna check it out at a dealer
and i prefer NA over turbo
thanks, ill look around the forum more

 

I am on my second one and I love it I have driven many faster cars than the protege and have been less impressed with them. If you are looking for a fast car in a strait line, don't get a protege. If you are looking for a great handling, nice loking, and reliable car, grab a protege. I tell you, go test drive one and I bet you will purchase one. Happened twice here.......

-R

 

thats pretty much what ive been hearing
and yes i think turning > going in a straight line

 

I think the cars great for what they should be used for: transportation and spirited driving

not great for drag racing but this car just isnt meant for that.

a little HP boost is good which is why I think intake/header/exhaust is a good idea if its legal where you live

N/A is the way to go if you're just out to have fun.

The handling is awesome. its a little rough going over big bumps but the responsiveness makes up for it. once I get some gripper tires it will be even better!

if you'd like the occasional drag race I suppose you could get nitrous which would make it decent

I think thats a better choice than going turbo for most people

 

I liked my P5 so much when I was ready to get a faster car.. I got a MSP. I was out driving with my friend in the rain, first in his Camaro, next in my MSP. This car is MADE for night rain driving. It sticks to the road like it's nothing and the lights are perfect. An all around GREAT car.

 

how bout as far as durability
has there been any word of factory problems?
also what swappable motors are there

 

these cars handle great (even with a 5 people and a trunk full of stuff) they are flat and handle mountain roads like a dream

 

As for durability, I've had mine for five years now. I kick the **** out of it on a regular basis, yet it still has yet to give me any mechanical problem other than getting new brakes once (which is normal). I use synth oil and clean it well (get comments on my 'new' Protege a lot) and still have no signs of rust (even when living in Canada with the salt on the road half the year).

Love the car. Love it so much that I am really thinking about swapping the engine for a J-spec one in a couple of years instead of going with a newer one (I like the P5 though.....)

 

As everyone's been saying... handling is incredible on these cars. I took mine out to a performance driving school and kept up with all the other cars through the twisties (aside from the 2003 Proshce C4S with electronic stability features). To get some more respectable power, I spending about $1750CDN for intake, header, and cat-back exhaust.

 

I love my protege , I love it so much that I bought a 2003 ES after I payed off my 97 protege.
zoom zoom

 

You say that you kick the **** out if your car on a regular basis. How many miles are on your car? Are you driving a stick or auto? I had my 01' ES 2.0 and had 30000 miles on her when i traded her infor my PR5. No problems with her except that she needed front brakes and the tires needed to get replaced.

If you drive a 5 speed, how is the clutch after 5 yrs of hard driving? I wasnted to know how the mazda clutches hold in the long run. I have heard that they are great.

thanks.....

-R

 

What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?

The car is great, yes I know it isn't the first one out of the block, but it sure makes for a fun and reliable drive.

I love taking mine out in the windy mountain roads on the weekends, just love the curves.

I traded in a minivan for my new P5, I miss the space for lugging stuff around, but aside from that.... no turning back!!!!

Enjoy your ride is all I have to say.

 

Just buy a protege, enough said.