Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Economy Car wants to be a sport car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By BOBK - October 25 - 10:00 am

  2002 ES Automatic. Sharp look and style for interior/exterior. Road handling is great. Sleek and clean look in and out makes car look more expensive. Torque good enough to zip out of most turns. Feels like a sport car except for acceleration which is no worse than other cars I tested in this range. The engine makes a sturdy, raspy type sound when I get on it and gives a sport car feel. Dont expect sport care performance. Sport-shift mode is uselss because it does not respond immediately and feels no different than switching gears on an auto. Great car for the money. If it had 200 horses it could be a blast but thats a little much to ask at this price.

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  Fuuunnn - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By HUGO - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I Just bought this car 3 weeks ago and already put 1500 miles on it by just driving the backroads.

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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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  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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  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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  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!

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  Mazda Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By narayanmg - May 3 - 4:53 pm

  I switched from Honda Civic to Protege. The driving experience is amazing. The car is so much fun to drive. I have a 5 speed model and love it in the city driving. I have had it for over a month and already clocked about 1500 miles on it. My average mileage in the city varies from 33-37 per gallon.

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  Whats a Protedge? - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Charlie C. - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I had never thought about a Mazda Protedge. It is without a doubt the best car and most comfortalbe I have ever driven. I am 62" but I can strectch my left leg all the way out I the drivers seat. Who are these people? The fuel economy is great. The ride is very smooth, the stereo is killer. The only drawback I have found is it is a little sluggish on acceleration. Othere than that it is a great car.! Thank you! Thank you, thank you!! Job well done!!! Please, please tell Mazda thank you!