Is the Mazda Protege5 still fun to drive?

Yes — the Mazda Protege5 can still be a lot of fun to drive, especially if you like a light, simple hatchback with a manual transmission. Its appeal is the old-school kind of fun: responsive, mechanical, and easy to hustle on a twisty road rather than quick in a straight line.

Why people still enjoy it:

• It feels nimble and easy to place on the road.
• The steering is generally praised for being communicative for its era.
• With a manual transmission, it has a connected, analog feel that many newer cars have lost.

Where it feels dated:

• It’s not fast by modern standards.
• Road and wind noise are higher than in newer cars.
• Safety and tech are far behind modern hatchbacks.

What to verify before buying or driving one seriously:

• Condition matters a lot. Worn suspension parts, old tires, and tired engine/trans mounts can make one feel sloppy instead of fun.
• Check carefully for rust, especially around the rear arches, rocker panels, and underbody areas.
• Make sure any manual gearbox shifts cleanly and that the clutch isn’t worn out.

So the short answer is: yes, a healthy Protege5 can still be genuinely fun — just in a slow-car-fast, lightweight, old-school way rather than a modern hot-hatch way.