Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Run it to death - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Canton Chris - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is my workhorse, as far as packing on the miles. In 1.5 years, I have put 47,000 miles on this car. New tires, front brake pads, and periodic oil/air filter changes are pretty much the only costs so far. Gas mileage keeps getting better are the car gets more miles on it. I love the pickup it has in traffic and around town. It is zippy when you need it. Its a great car.

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  03 Mazda Protege ES - 5 speed - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By 03 Mazda Protege ES - October 15 - 12:03 pm

  This really is a great solid little car. Fun to drive! Very reliable, always starts, never needs repairs. The ES has several added features, alloy wheels, power sun roof, spoiler, 4 wheel disc brakes. NICE! I have the five speed and it helps the gas mileage about 5 mpg over the automatic. Get about 27 in town if I drive it right! Car is tight, and everything always works. If your looking for a (not too) small, and dependable car that gets good mileage, this is it. Ive had Hondas and the Mazda is very comparable. I cant say theres much I would change on the car, except the 5th speed overdrive design. (not enough difference between 4th and 5th speed). Brakes are excellent.

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  one of the best in its class - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By g man - August 27 - 2:00 am

  i have been pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of this vehicle it is well built and stylish for a car in this class .i read reviews on all car in this class and decided on the mazda after test drives of all vehicles and i am not disapointed. the car handles like a dream the best bar none in this class. do your self a favor and take one out for a spin.i heard alot about road and wind noise being a problem i do not hear it just as quiet as most cars in this class.

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  Good car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Zukkini - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Good car, handles great, acceleration good. Great exterior style, crisp shifting on the 5 spd. From my previous Mazda (GLC, 85, 200 k) I would expect great reliability and no rusting. Hower, the cons are a/ 160 treadware rating on the tires (that is bad!) b/the front disk brake is held by the hub nut so for replacement the bearing assebly will have to be pulled; c/ difficult access to oil filter; d/ did not like the dimples on the steering wheel/shift lever e/ no head rest on back seats f/ the front wheel rims were bent on my model which gave shimming on the steering.

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  Mazda Protege is the class leader. - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Aaron Simler - August 3 - 10:00 am

  While Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are admirable economy cars and best sellers, they are pretty much blah, bland comfortable appliances that get you from point A to point B. Thats fine and all, but I want to have some fun too, and Mazdas world class Protege delivers both. This is a fine Japanese built sports sedan, economical and reliable. Very comfortable transport, but it also has this split personality thing going for it. This thing has the soul of the Mazda Miata in it.

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  Dont buy this car whatever you do. - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Harry B. - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The suspension is horrendous and the ride nauseating on anything other than perfectly smooth roads.The Protege requires a double dose of Drammamine to avoid the use of a barf-bag enroute. You literally will find it difficult to change radio stations or take a sip from a beverage because of the pulsating and shakey ride. Both the dealership and my own personal mechanic told me there is nothing wrong with the car it just has the suspension tuned this way. I will trade mine in as soon as I can and even though I will loose a lot of money it will be well worth it to get rid of the bouncemobile.

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  Good Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By grayghost - June 10 - 11:43 am

  I bought this vehicle used (34K miles). Within one week of purchase, I made a 2000 mile trip with no problems. The only maintenance performed have been oil-filter changes and a front end alignment. The room inside the car is better than my previous vehicle, a 2000 Mercury Sable.

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  This is one pimp car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By SupaFunkyKid - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, and Chevy cant touch this car. The perfect definition of what a small sedan should be.

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  low end version of a german car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By MaZda@NY - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for about a year now and i havent had any problems with it. It definitely requires more power, cant do much with a flashy spoiler if it has 130hp!! Overall looks good. Should definitely have cup holders at the back.. it sucks to have nowhere to put the cups! Nice interiors.

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  Finally a reliable car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Pintonite - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 92 Talon TSi AWD with full options to the protege with only one intention, reliability. I not only got reliability (great 4 year warranty), but I also got a very comfortable car. My Talon was less than stellar for reliability, but it was very fast and had great options. While I do miss the power and surefooted handling I can already tell that I am going to love this car.