Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  One of the Best Balanced Sedans - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By SouthlandHB - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1999 Corolla. It was a great car, but it was more vanilla than The Breyers Ice Cream Factory. No excitement, no fun! If your looking for all the pluses of the Toyota Corollas build quality & reliability, but want something MUCH more fun to drive. MUCH more stylish, the Protege is IT. I put every single option on this car, from the Auto-dimming Rear View mirror to the cargo net in the trunk. If it was an option, I put it on this car. Friends with MUCH more expensive cars, actually like driving my car and draw comparisons to their much more expensive the Audi A4 and the like. Whats that tell ya?

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  glad i baught this car! - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By mazdafan - April 27 - 4:03 am

  I bought a new protege in 99, the car has always been really trustworthy! The car really hasnt had any real problems besides normal maint (alternator, oil changes, brakes etc.) I have always kept up maint on this car and has allowed this car to still run just like it did when I drove it off the lot even after 311,000 miles! I have never had to do any Major engine or trans work on this car and still trust it enough to make 3 400 mile trips a week! On the highway it gets about 35-40 mpg and citywise mid20s to lower 30s! One complaint is that the cupholders are to small and are placed too close to the dash and shifter. Also long trips the seats can get uncomfortable! But great car and value!

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  protege - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By manda - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my Protege

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  I loved this Mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By iheartmazda - March 27 - 12:36 am

  I have had my Protege for almost 9 years. I have had very few repairs over the year. Very reliable! It is sporty and fun to drive and easy to handle. I am only selling for another Mazda!

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  Auto - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By yuytu - March 11 - 10:00 am

  good car because i like how it drives and what it has, also a great car to drive very great

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  THE budget sedan for sports car lovers - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Mike in St Louis - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted a "small" car to replace her 97 Civic EX. With that in mind, we found this to be the best car available. I love the way the Protege handles. Its not as fun as my Miata, but much more fun than any of the above mentioned cars. More power would be welcome, but Im willing to trade off some power for the excellent handling. While I would prefer to have the 170HP Mazdaspeed model, it was going to cost close to $6000 more (dealer markups) & we couldnt have got the 0% interest loan. Bottom line....if you prefer sports cars but need a sedan, and if your budget is under $20,000, get this car. You wont regret it.

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  Civic Alternative - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Brian Burchanowski - January 5 - 3:30 pm

  Bought this car used in Jan 06 with 26,000 miles. This car is a bargain compared to the Civic--you get the same quality and reliability without paying for the name! Plus, the Protege has a 2.0L instead of a Civics 1.8. My car has the five speed and acceleration is excellent for an economy car. The engine is peppy and revs freely, with a satisfying exhaust note. The car is fun to drive and is easy throw around back roads. Steering feedback and braking are also excellent (it might be worth splurging on the ES to get rear disks though). As for reliability, between the previous owner and myself the car has only ever needed oil changes and one set of rotors and pads.

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  Precious Few Complaints - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Bob Ahnmeischaft - January 1 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Protege ES in July 2000 and have since put 37K on it. It is solid and well-built, quick, and a good looking car. It also has the advantage of not being quite as common as, say, a Honda Civic. This is in fact the second Protege weve owned, our first being a 1991 LX model. If youre looking for a great small- medium sedan and dont want to pay that Civic or Corolla premium, but still want the upsides of those makes, go see your local Mazda dealer.

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  Great car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By TRENT - January 1 - 12:43 am

  Test drove other vehicles before i purchased the Protege. Civic, Neon, Corolla, Focus. Was hooked when i drove the Protege. Hugged the road and had plenty of pep. Great on long trips, will drive all day and all night

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Denver Dude - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Into my third week with the car, and Im still honeymooning. What an excellent automobile! It has decent acceleration, but in the first 800 miles I averaged an unbeatable 32 mpg. Also, Im 64", and the car has enough headroom, esp. with the sunroof option. I also love that option packages are reasonably priced ($690 for Moonroof/6-CD, $490 for ABS and Side-Airbags). I bought the LX model from McDonald Automotive in Centennial, CO. Ive been happy so far with the precise manny tranny (five-speed). The dealer was wonderful, the car is great, what a terrific few weeks it has been. I hope the rest of my experience with the car is as much fun.