Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Run it to death - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Canton Chris - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is my workhorse, as far as packing on the miles. In 1.5 years, I have put 47,000 miles on this car. New tires, front brake pads, and periodic oil/air filter changes are pretty much the only costs so far. Gas mileage keeps getting better are the car gets more miles on it. I love the pickup it has in traffic and around town. It is zippy when you need it. Its a great car.

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  great car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By pro-fan - November 6 - 2:00 am

  What a great vehicle. Bought car in May 1999. Now have 134,000 miles. Car driven daily in Phila. and New Jersey. Only problems both rear door locks failed (Have not had fixed) and catalytic converter failed (under warranty).Also OEM tires are 195/55/15. These are expensive to replace recommend switching to much cheaper 195/60/15 size.

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  03 Mazda Protege ES - 5 speed - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By 03 Mazda Protege ES - October 15 - 12:03 pm

  This really is a great solid little car. Fun to drive! Very reliable, always starts, never needs repairs. The ES has several added features, alloy wheels, power sun roof, spoiler, 4 wheel disc brakes. NICE! I have the five speed and it helps the gas mileage about 5 mpg over the automatic. Get about 27 in town if I drive it right! Car is tight, and everything always works. If your looking for a (not too) small, and dependable car that gets good mileage, this is it. Ive had Hondas and the Mazda is very comparable. I cant say theres much I would change on the car, except the 5th speed overdrive design. (not enough difference between 4th and 5th speed). Brakes are excellent.

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  A low power beauty - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Lin - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car that is low on power. Beware of an annoying auto trans whine between 24 and 38 mph with light throttle. Mazda states this noise is normal for auto trans models. 195/50X16 Dunlops are good tires, but usualy takes a few days to locate.

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  Reliable Family Sedan - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By CGR - October 12 - 11:40 am

  If reading about this car being underpowered worries you, then dont buy it. There is not much low end power, and at high revs its not very smooth or efficient. Its not a sports car, find something else if thats what you want (thats why I am selling mine after 2 months). As a family car driven sensibly, the Protege is comfortable, solid, handles well and stops quickly. It has plenty of room for 4 adults, and generally its pleasant to drive.

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  great little car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By raindrop - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have about 2500 miles on my Protege, and have to say that it is a great little car. I am having fun driving it around. I have a DX with an automatic transmission, and it has great pick- up. I test drove the Dodge Neon, Chevy Cavalier, Ford Focus, and the Protege beat them hands down.

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  Unbelievable car for the money - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By nyminute - September 30 - 3:50 pm

  I have a 2001 Protege LX 2.0 with a 5 speed, bought it Sept. 01. It has over 150,000 miles and still runs great. But whats really incredible about this car is it still gets 30 MPG on the highway and other than brakes, tires, timing belt (which you should do before 120K) and an oil change every 8-10K miles, it has not been one single problem! Never in the shop, never on the side of the road, starts right up every day for almost 6 years and still runs like a champ! Same battery even!. Great car, if you can get one with the optional 2.0, buy it!

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  perfect reliability - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By mark - September 24 - 12:23 am

  Bought car new. Have never had any problem in 5 years. Everything has always worked perfectly. Has excellent steering feel and corners well. I like the stiff springs. It can carry 4 people without noticing the extra weight. Gas mileage with stick shift is about 30 for the worst city conditions and 40 for the best highway conditions with very careful driving using 5th gear often. I use 92 octane gas, because 87 octane will knock slightly when accelerating up hill. Engine will last longer with 92 octane. Road noise is high on coarse surfaces.

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  one of the best in its class - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By g man - August 27 - 2:00 am

  i have been pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of this vehicle it is well built and stylish for a car in this class .i read reviews on all car in this class and decided on the mazda after test drives of all vehicles and i am not disapointed. the car handles like a dream the best bar none in this class. do your self a favor and take one out for a spin.i heard alot about road and wind noise being a problem i do not hear it just as quiet as most cars in this class.

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  Good car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Zukkini - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Good car, handles great, acceleration good. Great exterior style, crisp shifting on the 5 spd. From my previous Mazda (GLC, 85, 200 k) I would expect great reliability and no rusting. Hower, the cons are a/ 160 treadware rating on the tires (that is bad!) b/the front disk brake is held by the hub nut so for replacement the bearing assebly will have to be pulled; c/ difficult access to oil filter; d/ did not like the dimples on the steering wheel/shift lever e/ no head rest on back seats f/ the front wheel rims were bent on my model which gave shimming on the steering.