Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  I love mazda - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By RHagel - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Despite that I am a big fan of mazda, this car is by far the best in its class. Though it is a bit noisy and the suspension is a bit harsh at times, it is incredibly fun to drive and the interior rivals most all competitors. Look for th enew Mazda 3 in dealerships, I have driven one and it is next on my want list.

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  Transmission is great - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Agly - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I have a DX with a stick. Its better than 5sp on first generation Legacy, but worse than that on Civics. Seats are as good as those on Subaru and are WAY better than seats on Civics. Lateral support is okay.

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  I must have bought the lemon - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By FFEJY - July 19 - 10:00 am

  It actually a Protege 5 For the price, its a great deal. However as of 30,00km Ive already had the flywheel and clutch replaced, the suspension sqeeks, tranny really clunks and the seat rails are seized. I think Mazda has the right idea but forgot a few details. Oh ya according to the dealer Im an idiot because there nothing wrong with my Protege 5

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  Hybrid Car? - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By LX - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an LX in Feb. The only minor beef I have is the placement of the inside roof safety handle on the passenger side. Im 6 so the handle sits about 1" from my head, perfect whacking distance on tight curves and speed bumps! Also, according to our dealer, the LX is the "top of the line" but Edmunds and many other websites list it as the midrange. See Pacific Mazdas website: pacificmazda dot com. The only thing I can attribute this to is maybe the scheme is different in Canada. Many of our "LX" features appear to be only available on the ES: Air Conditioning, Power Everything, Cruise Control, ABS Brakes and a 1.8 L engine.

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  Best compact sedan money can buy!! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Jhatfi - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, plain and simple. I bought my 02 Protege ES because I had to downgrade in order to save money because of my new son. Its 2.0L motor is peppy for a 4 banger that allows for pretty easy passing and decent acceleration even up steep hill grades although another 20 horsepower would be appreciated. The interior is very nice and well laid out. The ES actually has a tight and solid feel of a higher priced car and handles great, although the supspension is a little stiff.

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  Wow, this car is fun to drive! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By delrey - June 9 - 10:41 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. The handling, steering, and road feel are top notch for this car, especially for this class. It puts some newer and more expensive cars to shame. With that said, the car wasnt perfect. The best gas mileage I could get was 28MPG. Despite regular detailing, the car had a decent amount of rust. I went through front wheel bearings like crazy and I had to replace my front struts twice within the 130,000 miles of ownership. Interior is rather nice for the year but the radio is quite weak. A fun car to drive with minor flaws.

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  I Love My "New" Mazda - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By alooknac - May 26 - 5:53 pm

  I have owned a 1989 Mazda 323 hatchback and a 1994 Protege sedan. Most recently I was driving a 2006 Subaru Forester. I sold it and bought this Mazda Protege ES sedan with only 64,000 miles on it, same as my Subaru. I missed having a 5 speed and I did not like antilock brakes when they were put to the test on ice. I love my "new" car. It is fun to drive and it is very nimble compared to the Forester. Of course I gave up some cargo space but not much else. I get better gas mileage. I am averaging 29+ mpg with mixed driving. I am curious to see what I will get n pure highway driving when I go on a road trip.

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  nice car good value - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By protege jim - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is a real gas saver,I have had up to 42w/mpg I like the car best of all no trips back to the dealer for any thing.A nice little car for the money.

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  Good Car! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Rogue DJ - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car! i am glad i baught it! ftom the screaming accelaration to the squealing breaking, I am who car makers fear. If i had the opertunity i would "dog out" a satern! But i havebt, however this car! Mazda is only surpased by subaru and chevy in car building knowlage, they build it to be used! 3 years of abuse and racing have taken litle tole on my car! few modafications that are cheap have turned my car into a street machene. Buy it, , and steer carfuly!!! cuz you are gone!

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  Little car with BIG attitude - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Mazda Forever - April 24 - 8:06 am

  My Protege is the best little car anyone can have. It is great on fuel. It attracts a lot of attention because of the style and mainly the color because it is Laser Blue Mica. I get offers to buy my car even though it is not for sale. I like the way it rides except for the road noise. I think that has to do with the low profile tire on my car.