Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Brand New ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jscott33 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car and so far it has been great. Great acceleration and fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, light crisp clutch action and supprisingly great low end torque. Tight steering, nice grip, and excellent breaking with front and rear discs. Had to have the alarm adjusted, was a bit to sensitive. Easy adjustment took only a few minutes, knob located by steering column. I have previously owned an escort and a jeep wrangler.

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  I love my little Mazda - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Margo - July 31 - 12:43 am

  Purchased new back in 2002, never had any issues. Love this little car. Made trips to Canada, back and forth from Maine to NY. Very reliable car. I am proud owner of my little Mazda, 9.1 reviews way to go! Engine running is very quiet like 8 years back! Transmission shifts, everything in order except my air cond was never strong, but I can forgive that! My daughter is driving it now while in a college and she loves it as well.

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  2nd time around - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Mike - July 21 - 4:03 pm

  I needed a second car for the family and immediately suggested to find another 02 Protege. You cannot beat them. You can easily get 200k+ on these cars. Very reliable. Perfect car fo a teenager as a first car.

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  fun and looks good too - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By therizzzo - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 5wks now and have 3k mi already. This car is not all boring(like Civic and Corolla). The car is very fun to drive, killer suspension, and great option packages. I got all options except for the autodim mirror and cargo acc. for the trunk. Ive already dropped in an aftermarket sound system(1-12" w/250watts, and Boston Acoustics all around @ 50x4). It could use a little more HP, but what car couldnt. MPG could be better for a 2.0 ltr. But, man this thing RUNS out on the freeway. This car beats all other cars in the price range, and I looked at the competition.

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  Some work, but very reliable - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By satisfied owner - July 18 - 4:40 am

  Been very happy. Did all my own work, and yes, had to replace things, but to be expected with 210,000 kms. I find the car takes care of you if you take care of it. Brakes, battery, intake manifold gasket, alternator, engine mounts (front and back), as well as transmission pulse generator, front exhaust pipe, radiator were needed repairs. Regular maintenance (i.e., timing belt, even oil pan gasket, and trans gasket/filter) relatively easy for mechanical types. Apart from a bit of a combustion chamber carbon-buildup issue (think it is a flaky EGR valve), it is running beautifully, hitting 35 MPG on a recent trip.

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  A satisfying econobox: 90K miles of fun - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By astral - July 15 - 11:03 am

  Great interior for money. Easy to read gauges, sporty 3-spoke steering wheel. Easy to use HVAC controls. Radio is very easy to use, big volume knob, 6-CD in dash changer rocks. Road visibility excellent. The car Is very nimble and quick handing. Road feel is direct, the suspension is sporty, and while you can sense every bump, it doesnt rattle the bones. Excellent linear brakes, with a quick bite and an easy pedal. Confidence-inspiring. Engine is plenty quick, especially around town. A little slow at highway speed. Automatic tranny switches very easily and naturally: great feel. No problems with this car over 90K miles, only regular maintenance. Backseat roomy for class, good size trunk.

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  Mazda Protege LX 2.0 2003 - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Joey pep - July 9 - 11:50 pm

  I was interested in the Protege with the 2.0 engine because of its incredible reliability and performance, but it has a very nice complex style for a car this size. I suggest this car if you hesitate between a Honda Civic, a Protege 2.0 and a Nissan Sentra. And for young drivers, the insurance is pretty low compared to other vehicles. In the 5 spd manual, unlike other cars in that class, you still feel the torque in 3rd and 4th. The LX model is very comfy. And for the admirers of audio systems, dont underestimate the Proteges. I plan on keeping it stock because I love it so much.

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  ES Protege Is A Great Choice - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By TAURSHO1995 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I had the car for a few months now and am very pleased with the choice. Very sporty and stylish with a solid on-road feel and excellent reliability record.Everything is tighly put together....no rattles or squeaks anywhere to be found.Handles like its on rails

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  Great performer for the price - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By D-rock240 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after my Subaru Legacy was totaled by a tractor trailer and was very impressed. I had my reservations about getting a protegé because I didnt like the mid 90s styling. Out of all the cars that I test drove this was the best. This has excellent driver feedback, especially the steering. It turns and stops on a dime and there is no steering looseness whatsoever. With the larger wheels and v-rated tires this car hugs curves. I find myself taking freeway on/off ramps at 40mph just because it sticks so well and there is minimum body roll. The interior is very roomy and the layout is simple and functional. This is the best handling car in class.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOOM - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By ROCHELLE - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONE THAT I WILL NEVER PART FROM!