Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Sad To See Go... - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By tanner - November 24 - 8:23 am

  i had a 03 protege dx for about 5 years...would still have it but someone rear ended me and totaled it. pros- good gas mileage..great head on look...reliable cons- poor seal on windows lets water it...not alot to it so highway and windy driving can create some excitement...lots of whistling and humming noises come from the engine at around 60k miles.... put around 50k on this...not major repairs...replaced brake pads once...tires once...changed the oil...never stranded or failed on me...some minor issues but a solid car for the category.

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  Great little car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By nmendell - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This was a step-down for me... from a Jeep Cherokee. The transition was easy. I got the 5-speed and glad I did. I miss the power, but with the manual shift, you have a little more control. Comfortable interior and great sound system.

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  Love the 4-speed overdrive - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By quksylver - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is perfect for driving around town and a short commute. The auto. transmission is comfortable and the 4-speed overdrive gives it a little kick, especially around corners and on the highways getting around those trucks. Gas mileage is pretty good and all in all, I love my little Mazda.

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Donilee - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I was very happy with my buying experience, with the dealership, from the salesman, to the service manager. I expected better gas mileage, but it gets about 28 or 29 mpg. Even on the open road it only gets 30 mpg if the a/c is off. It is very comfortable, and has ample room for elbows, etc. That was a big deal to me. It still looks like a new car, even after six months. It handles very well. If you want alot of get up and go, it is not as good as some others maybe, but it has enough for me.

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  for the kids most for the money - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By matt - August 21 - 6:13 am

  the car was bought as a 1st. The noise level at any speed is very high unless the road is newly paved. the cup holders are very poor and it you charge your phone do not plan to use them for holding a drink. different tires (kumho 711) are a little help. There is nothing else wrong with this car. Great for the price. Unless you what to spend more money for the pleasure of what you want this car is just efficent.

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  Some flaws after a few miles - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Cheaprick29 - July 31 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this car about a year & 1/2 ago. Paid $8k w 55k and now has 82k. The A/C doesnt work on 2 or 3 setting. The transmission makes a growling or humming noise and continues to get worse the more I drive it. The trunk leaks due to a faulty trunk seal; My car smells like mildew all the time because water gets under the carpets. Had to replace the drive belts around 60k due to squeaking. Hit curb and cost $3800 to fix; not the best car to get into an accident in due to thin sheet metal. Other than that, the car is a great car. I switched out the stock head unit for a Pioneer; the CD player didnt work properly. I like the aux connection on my new head unit.

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  Fun little car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By rodl - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a car with the 2.0 liter engine and a five speed. This car is a great little car. I have 97 626 with 200,000 miles and not one nickle in repairs other than tires, brakes and timing belts. Still have the same clutch. And still going strong!

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  Sport Mode Auto Trans - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Greg Watt - February 22 - 10:00 am

  The Protege ES is a beautifully balanced car, with controls that make it a lot of fun to drive. The sleeper option is the SportMode AT on the ES model and the Protege5, which does not kill the personality of the car. While not as quick off the line as the 5-speed, the rest of the car allows it to be driven quickly, with 2nd or 3rd gears only a tap away. THE SPORTMODE IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE FOR FAMILIES FACING THE SHIFT/NO SHIFT DILEMA.

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  Best Car I have owned - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By mazdafan8 - January 3 - 5:46 pm

  I love my Mazda. I bought it used in 2004 with 25,000 miles on it. It now has 88,000 miles. I have only replaced brake pads, tires and one hose in addition to oil changes. My engine runs flawlessly. I get better than rated mileage. She handles great for a sub-compact. Has road feel instead of the numb feedback of a Toyota. The stick is smooth with shifts. Seats are comfortable. I will keep it until it dies since it has no resell value. I hope to get at least another two years.