2003 Mazda Protege Review
Fuel Economy
24 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
When it comes to small, snappy sedans, the Protege is a tough act to beat.
Pros
Tight suspension, powerful brakes, superb steering feel, comfortable seats, attractive exterior styling.
Cons
Suspension may be too stiff for some buyers, mediocre horsepower output given the handling capabilities of the car.
What's New for 2003
Minor changes limited to feature content are in store for Mazda's economy sedan. The DX trim gets a CD player as standard equipment, while air conditioning is offered as a stand-alone option. The LX trim receives 15-inch wheels as standard. Last year's premium packages for the LX and ES have been discontinued, but you can still get the sunroof, side airbags and antilock brakes as options.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
gas tank leaking & rust
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This car Just over 5 years old, the gas tank was leaking, cost me $1400 to replace the pump, gas tank and etc. Complained to Mazda company, but they did not care. I will not buy any Mazda again. The Mazda company cut too much cost to build this Protege, not only the rust on the gas tank, but also other areas. I make a big mistake to buy this mazda protege. Gas tank leaking is a safety issue!! I can accept other problems, but not gas tank.
Favorite Features
interior design.
Suggested Improvements
I do not care, I am not going to but any Mazda again..
very happy owner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car without truly being interested in a Mazda Protégé, just interested in a small, inexpensive, economical way to get to work. I had never owned a Mazda before, but the Protégé seemed like exactly what I was looking for. Six years and 95,000 miles later my Protégé runs just as well as the day I brought it home, and is still just as fun to drive. All I do is keep up with oil changes, and keep putting new tires on it. Ive replaced the brakes once. This car has been amazing. Would love get a the new Mazda 6, but find it hard to get rid of the Protege when it still feels like a new car.
Favorite Features
The handling is amazing. Feels like a much faster car that it is. Front seats are comfortable for long trips. The dashboard layout is simple and functional. The 17" rims and side marker lights make the car look serious.
Suggested Improvements
130 HP just isn't enough. Back seat is tight, even with small kids that don't need booster/car seat. MPG could be better.
Sad To See Go...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
i had a 03 protege dx for about 5 years...would still have it but someone rear ended me and totaled it. pro's- good gas mileage..great head on look...reliable con's- 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.
Favorite Features
head on look, gas usage, reliable, trunk seems big
Suggested Improvements
noisy engine+trans, poor seals on windows creating noise and leaks
Nice looking car but some major problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought the LX 2.0 in 2007 with 60,000 K's on it. About 8 months later, anytime it rainied either overnight or in the day the car was parked, when I started up the car it would shake and sputter then the engine light would flash and then stay on. Oh and the big hit was when the transmission went on the car from a worn seal that probably costs .25 cents, it ended up costing me $2000.00 to get fixed and this was in April 2009 with about 98,000 kms on it. A friend has a Mazda Tribute and was having the same problems when it rains, it shakes and sputters. NEVER WILL I BUY A MAZDA PRODUCT AGAIN
Favorite Features
Nice Laser blue car, got lots of looks for it's exterior, nice factory sound system, good fuel.
Suggested Improvements
I have read reviews and everyone says they love their Protege, well maybe I just got a lemon off the assembly line but it cost me alot in repairs. No more Mazdas for me
Good Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
Road feel, handling
Suggested Improvements
quieter ride
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Mazda Protege
- 2002 Mazda Protege
- 2001 Mazda Protege
- 2000 Mazda Protege
- 1999 Mazda Protege
- 1998 Mazda Protege
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