Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Carin - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. You definitely get more bang for your buck. The stereo rocks, the moon roof is romantic and the sport package with the rear spoiler and a sporty clutchless stick puts any girl in a class with the boys.

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  I wish I hadnt bought the Protege! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By japan76 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Since day one, I have had nothing but problems with my Protege. A wheel bearing was the first problem as I drove the car off the lot the day I picked it up. I went a mile before I turned around back to the dealership. In the shop for two days waiting for a part. A month later, my interior lights stayed on even when the engine was turned off. Spent one week at the selling dealership to rewire car. Last month it was the oil leak of oil leaks. Seal had to be replaced. Thats it, now I am going to force the dealership to buy the lemon back. Have contacted an attorney that handles problems of this nature.

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  Never Again! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By elyarne7 - January 12 - 9:41 am

  I bought this car with 29,000 miles on it. That was 3 years ago. It now has 90,000 miles on it. It has only had problem after problem - battery, multiple wheel bearings, tire links, brakes, alternator. The alignment is easily messed up. The car is not well made - its cheap, lightweight and already starting to rust. Its a money pit. Do not buy it! Oh, and my Mazda is the automatic, not 5-speed standard.

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  A new car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Haihu - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a automatic protege this july. I like it. The internal space is big enought to make me comfort. Mint in steering and braking. However, when I use cruise control at 70 mile/hour, the engine is at 3100 rpm. A little worried about that since the other cars (civic, sentra and corolla) only need 2600 rpm to maintain the speed.

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  Maybe the perfect "cheap" car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By FenderCalderon - December 4 - 7:36 pm

  A picture of this car should be alongside the dictionary entry for reliable. In 5 yrs the only unexpected repair was the main engine belt -and it was probably my fault. After owning a lemon it feels great knowing you can rely on this car. As far as routine maintenance goes you can DIY and save even more money. The interior materials wont be winning any prestigious awards but regardless for a car in this price range the interior is more than ok. I like to have fun when I drive and this is a good car for that; just dont expect to have great gas mileage this way. Sometimes I think the car may be boring but when I find an open stretch of road to let er rip I always end up smiling.

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  Love it! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By TotalBoy13 - October 12 - 12:50 pm

  I love my car today just as much as the day a drove it off the lot. It is not only very sporty, it is a lot of fun to drive. The quality is amazing, and the drive is tight and responsive. Everything inside is comfortable, within reach, and easy to use. I recommend to anyone in the market to strongly consider this car!

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  great little car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By bcsiny24 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Runs great looks great great value

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  2003 Mazda Protege ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By David Broadwater - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very, very nice vehicle. No reliability issues. 4 whhel disc brakes are great. Enough pep to be fun to drive, especially if using the auto sport transmission. Only issue is to have better mileage, but approx 26 in town and 29 highway is not to bad. Love the 6 disc CD player.

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  Good overall car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jpc477 - August 6 - 9:23 pm

  My wife & I purchased this brand new off the lot in April of 2003 so weve had the car five years now. It started off as her car, and then became my car after she bought a Honda Fit in August of 2006. Overall, the car has been a good car. The handling is outstanding & very responsive. It runs smoothly, and is comfortable to drive. The only issues we had with it was the alternator going out in it. The alternator went failed right after we bought it, and again about a year ago, but it was replaced at no cost both times. Other than that, its needed nothing other than routine maintenance.

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  Good Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Kurt - June 16 - 7:00 am

  I have had my 5 speed for 5 years and absolutely love it. Pros: Decent gas mileage, (not as good as a Corola, but more fun to drive) Fun to drive, responsive handling, good road feel comfortable seat. Good shifter. Very reliable, (just brakes and tires are the only parts replaced. Con. Noisy to ride in.