Have You Considered...

2003 Mazda Protege5 Consumer Discussions

All Mazda Protege5 Models

Used TMV from $5,154

Mazda Protege Rust Problems

  • Re: same rust problems [carhunter2011]

    Written by: autonomous on Jun 2, 2011 11:15:33 AM

    103K for a 2003 Mazda Protege5 ... rotors replaced twice I'm assuming that is 103K miles (or roughly 170K kilometres). To me, that does not sound bad although I am sure there are people out there that will say they have much better durability. Brakes are maintenance items; for example, they need to be cleaned regularly to extend their life. starting to get the same rust in the rear wheel wells. ... Read More

  • Re: same rust problems [autonomous]

    Written by: carhunter2011 on Jun 1, 2011 6:20:16 PM

    I've had the rotors replaced twice - I'm at 103K for a 2003 Mazda Protege5. I am starting to get the same rust in the rear wheel wells. If I just spray wd-40 in there, will that stop it? I also agree with one of the previous posters in that I have had the car for a long time, and I like not having a payment (going on 4 years since ... Read More

Mazda Protege5 Maintenance and Repair

  • Re: Multiple Mechanical Problems [john1987]

    Written by: arb_16 on Mar 11, 2011 12:52:19 PM

    The intake manifold recall is only for a specific VIN range. Our 2003 Protege5 had the problem but was outside the range and was not covered by Mazda (although our local dealer covered the cost of the part but not labor). By the way, our Mazda since purchased new has needed ignition switch, thermostat, valve cover gasket, intake manifold, and recently the A/T transmission. Just hit 100K miles.

Mazda Protege Maintenance and Repair

  • Can't start after battery worn down

    Written by: spencer19 on Sep 18, 2010 1:58:50 PM

    I hope someone can help - I left the hatchback lid ajar for a few days (didn't notice some fabric was keeping it from latching) and the battery wore down. Battery is under a year old, 2003 Mazda Protege5. I finally got a chance to jumpstart it (pickup truck with plenty of power), and I get power (radio, lights, etc) but it won't start, or even try, I just hear a ... Read More

Mazda Protege Basic Maintenance Questions

  • LOCATION

    Written by: JC1978 on Nov 30, 2008 9:02:00 PM

    DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THE LOCATION FOR AN ECU IS, ON A 2003 MAZDA PROTEGE5 4CYL,2.OL?

Mazda Protege Rust Problems

  • Quixotic Solution to Mazda Protege Rust?

    Written by: autonomous on Sep 17, 2009 11:55:28 AM

    I bought my Mazda Protege5 in July 2003 ... 2 local car repairs ... said it was damaged sometime before ... the panel inside the door wasn't affixed properly and the leaking caused the rusting. (the strip alongside the length of the car is also falling off at the rear) The damage, they said, was most likely caused at the dealer ... Hmm, although this may be true, it would be ... Read More

  • Re: Mazda Protege Rust Problems [icvci]

    Written by: devilishangel on Sep 17, 2009 11:21:31 AM

    Hi everyone, I just wanted to post and say that I bought my Mazda Protege5 in July 2003, and have just started having rust problems in the last few months. Rust on the right rear door and my luck, the warranty ran out just right before we got in to see Mazda about all of this. Of course, you know Mazda says they have nothing to do with this, and with ... Read More

  • Re: only recourse [02mazda]

    Written by: zoom_oh_2002p5 on Sep 2, 2009 7:06:43 PM

    Seems to me this might be an opportunity for a class action settlement. It is a consistent problem. Anyone know of any rust class actions that succeeded on other makes? The Toyota pickup had a rust problem with the frame that became a structural problem. Toyota gave trade ins on the the problem trucks and a good price on the replacement new truck. My brother in law was a victim of ... Read More

Mazda Protege5 Maintenance and Repair

  • 2003 P5 - Timing belt

    Written by: thinkman808 on Apr 1, 2008 5:35:28 PM

    I have a 2003 Mazda Protege5, manual trans with almost 63k miles. These days it's getting most of its use in mild traffic, but it's had mostly highway miles in the past. The dealer tells me it's due for a new timing belt, which will cost somewhere around $450. I've seen references to belts lasting much longer, so do I have any leeway, to wait until, say 80k?

  • headlight replacement

    Written by: mclovin on Jan 21, 2008 11:20:12 AM

    How do i replace the headlight on my mazda protege5 2003?

  • wiring harness - headlight - used parts anywhere?

    Written by: kerplop on Oct 11, 2007 3:10:31 PM

    Anyone know where I can find used parts for my 2003 Mazda Protege5? The new part (wiring harness, right headlight, low beam) costs a fortune! I haven't had any luck searching carparts.com or other used part websites. thanks!

  • 2003 Mazda Protege5- humming

    Written by: japardo on Jul 20, 2007 11:14:33 AM

    I just purchased a 2003 Mazda Protege5 with 46000 miles. So far so good, love the handling. I seen to be getting about 24 mpg 60 road/40 city. Is this normal? Also, when getting up to 70 mph, the engine seems to make an intermittent humming noise. Comes on for 5 seconds then off, then on, etc. Any ideas?

  • How to replace Antenna on Mazda Protege5?

    Written by: allred1 on Mar 16, 2007 12:05:05 PM

    I have a 2003, quite low miles, no problems, but the antenna snapped off. I need to replace the entire thing, including the base...has anyone tried this themselves?

Honda Fit v. Mazda Protege 5

  • Re: Honda Fit vs Mazda Protege 5 [katraak]

    Written by: anotherscott on Apr 22, 2006 6:17:02 AM

    I test drove a Protege5 in August of 2002 (I'm not sure whether it was a 2002 or 2003, but they are pretty much the same). I just drove a Fit, though very briefly. Based on my first impressions (and my recollected first impressions), the Fit is more fun to drive, more of the "go-cart" feel a la Mini Cooper (which I also test drove in 8/02). The Mazda was rated ... Read More

Mazda Protege5 Maintenance and Repair

  • Comparing prices of Elantra and Mazda3

    Written by: autonomous on Jun 7, 2005 8:50:04 PM

    if it weren't for the fact that there's an almost $6,000 price difference between the 3 Sport (GT Trim) and the Elantra GT, we'd definitely buy the Mazda 3. According to MSN Auto the Mazda3 can be cheaper or pricier than the Elantra for some very good reasons. First of all, the Elantra GT comes loaded with a 138 hp engine. Your comments about an underpowered ride compared to the Mazda ... Read More

  • Re: Tires for 2003 Protege5 [autonomous]

    Written by: pro5moh on Apr 18, 2005 11:24:05 AM

    Thanks for the response.. so, is it ok if i go for the 205/50/16 --- as mazda suggests 195/50/16.. I mean i dont want to jeopardize my warranty for suspension and brakes/alignment... if mazda denies service on that(First of all, is my understanding rigth?? that if i change the size of my tire something else is gonna effected???)

Mazda Protegé

  • Re: Sport Auto and Mazdaspeed parts questions [rbrooks3athome]

    Written by: the_big_h on Oct 24, 2004 8:43:09 PM

    1. Yes, all post-2002.5 Protege ES sedans have the sport auto with manual shift mode. It's only available on the Protege5 and the ES sedan though. 2. Mazda never officially sold a factory turbo kit that owners can buy from dealers and bolt onto their regular Proteges. However, in 2003, Mazda came out with the Mazdaspeed Protege, which came installed with a 170hp turbocharged engine, along with a whole bunch of ... Read More

Mazda Protege Owners: Meet the Members

  • Buying 2003 Protege5 I hope?

    Written by: cody54 on Feb 4, 2004 6:32:29 PM

    Greetings everyone, I am new to this site and a prospective first time buyer of a Mazda Protege5 Sport wagon. I am looking at a 2003 that lists for 17,745 and with rebates is selling for 14,000. It sounds like a good deal, but I am concerned about its performance in snow, as I live in the northeast. The salesman has told me I can put 15inch snows in place of ... Read More

Mazda Protege5 Maintenance and Repair

  • Valvetrain "rattle" normal??

    Written by: blitzboi on Feb 2, 2004 9:22:07 PM

    Hi All, I've got a 2003 Protege5 with only 3500km on it so far (got it October 1st). It ran on factory-installed oil until about 3200km, when it was switched to Mobil 1 synthetic. A few weeks back the engine started producing a noticeable valvetrain-like noise upon start up. I only noticed this following several days of cold starts when it was -20C outside (a cold snap in Toronto). It now ... Read More

Mazda Protege Prices Paid and Buying Experience

  • Mazdaspeed Purchase

    Written by: cccompson on Jan 4, 2004 6:19:33 AM

    Starting New Year's Day I sent out emails to 6 Ohio Mazda stores seeking quotes on a 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege. At the time, Mazda's website showed that about 20 such units were still available in the state. All of the contacted dealers responded and quoted initial prices ranging from a high of $18,263.00 (Byers in Columbus) to a low of $16,847.00 (Brown in Toledo). There are no options available on the ... Read More

Mazda Protege5 Maintenance and Repair

  • transmission/clutch/linkage problem? Driver Error?

    Written by: abbysomeone on Dec 5, 2003 5:02:22 PM

    -2003 Mazda Protege5, 5spd manual, 2,900 miles/owned 4 months I purchased a 2.0L Protégé5 about 4 months ago and with the exception of some intermittent quirks, am really enjoying this car. Rough spots in 1st and 2nd gears: The owner’s manual suggests shifting from 1st to 2nd at 13mph and 2nd to 3rd at 24mph. (I presume that these recommendations are designed to optimize fuel economy under normal driving conditions.) Unfortunately, ... Read More

Mazda Protege Prices Paid and Buying Experience

  • protege5 dealer discussions

    Written by: sevenseas on Nov 23, 2003 7:58:49 PM

    I visited two different dealerships today in the LA area. I was looking for leather,moonroof and 6-cd player, roof rack, rear bumper guard and wheel locks. Browning Mazda quoted $100 above invoice plus $2500 rebate, plus accessiories at cost, which with the dealer incentive of $500 gives them a $600 profit. They had one in red and after a test drive loved it. I stopped by another dealership who matched Browning ... Read More

  • 2003 Protege5

    Written by: tinlizzy76 on Nov 22, 2003 4:10:01 PM

    Just bought a new 2003 Silver Protege5 for $14443 with 3.9% APR. Didn't have to do much haggling, and I'm thinking maybe I could have done better. I just offered them the Edmunds TMV which was $14943 minus the $500 college grad discount. Here are the options: Automatic Transmission ABS/Side Airbags Alarm system Cargo Net Wheel locks Rear Bumper Guard Seeing some of the other prices paid, I'm thinking maybe I ... Read More

  • okay..new ad out yesterday..

    Written by: kyfdx on Nov 7, 2003 8:01:26 AM

    Jeff Wyler Mazda... Cincinnati area.. You can look up their phone number on the Mazdausa website.. Now, $2500 rebate and $2900 discount on all 2003 Protege and Protege5.. For a total of $5400 off. Ad says over 100 available Disclaimer: not affiliated..know no one there.. etc.. Just saw this in the Cincinnati Enquirer on Thursday, 11/06/03. regards, kyfdx

Mazda Protegé

  • Poll

    Written by: boggse on Oct 2, 2003 5:05:37 AM

    Welcome back, Meade! 2003 Protege5 (Auto/SAB) 11,000 Mazda Auto-Dimming Mirror replaced 3 times before they found one that worked. This was the dealer's fault for not testing it before they returned the car to me. Ted

Mazda Protege Accessories and Modifications

  • Greg

    Written by: boggse on Oct 2, 2003 5:08:25 AM

    The auto-dimming mirror is relatively easy to install if you don't mind running some wire. I have it on my 2003 Protege5. It works great now that Mazda found one for me that works. The first 3 were duds. There are some aftermarket ones which are essentially the same which can be found for less money.

Mazda Protege Basic Maintenance Questions

  • Some questions

    Written by: spencer19 on Aug 21, 2003 7:46:25 PM

    Hi all - I'm enjoying my 2003 Protege5 (had it three weeks now!), and have some questions. I've read about too-tight lug nuts possibly warping the rotors. Should I check all the lug nuts and retighten them to 83 ft-lbs? Would any damage from too-tight lugs already be done? The car came with Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires. They seem to be pretty good on dry pavement and rain so far. ... Read More

Mazda Protege5 vs. Honda Civic

  • timing belt and prices

    Written by: dudka on Aug 20, 2003 6:35:09 AM

    I don't think the new Si has a timing belt, I remember seeing somewhere in the manual that it had a timing chain. As far as the price difference, I got the Si for $14,500 for the left over 2002 in January 2003. Similarly loaded Protege5 with the sunroof, and ABS was more like $17,000. I also looked at Matix XRS/Vibe GT, but when similarly packaged it was more like $19,000. ... Read More

  • Honda - Loser

    Written by: boggse on Aug 18, 2003 9:51:36 AM

    Actually, the article you are thinking of tested a 2003 Civic LX: http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article- _id=2505 It placed 5th out of 11 which is not bad, but it was unexpected from Honda. I am not disputing that the Civic will last a long time, but I do think quality control has fallen off at Honda when I see the sorts of flaws I am used to seeing on domestic vehicles showing up in ... Read More

Mazda Protege5

  • RE: acuintegra / Price for a new P5

    Written by: loolala on Jun 23, 2003 2:28:05 PM

    I posted one message about helping my friend got a P5 on "Mazda Protege Owners: What did you pay?" loolala "Mazda Protege Owners: What did you pay?" Jun 23, 2003 3:41am!make=Mazda&model=Protege5&ed_makeindex=.ef11a96 We live near Oakland, CA, and they have tons of P5 in stock. We went on a Sunday afternoon and didn't see too many people shopping for cars. Anyway, we pay $16,500 out the door with better equiped car than ... Read More

  • Bad Rotors on Protege 5 - Mazda Won't Replace

    Written by: aguilani on Jun 20, 2003 4:51:52 PM

    I don't know if anyone reading this can help me or not... but I just wanted to post my story with my new Protege5 for all to read. 2 months ago I purchased a Demo 2003 Protege5 (with 5,000 miles on it)from Brown's Alexandria Mazda (www.brownsmazda.com)(703-660-8400). When I first got the car I noticed that the brake pedal would vibrate when pressed. Thinking that the car is equipped with "anti-lock" braking ... Read More

  • Alarm/Mirror

    Written by: boggse on Jun 2, 2003 7:41:51 PM

    I have the Perimeter Alarm on my 2003 Miata. Apparently, there is a lot more to installing this than flipping a switch considering the technician had to call Mazda twice for help. I have the auto-dimming mirro on both my Miata and my Protege5 (with tinted windows). It is great. I highly recommend it if you are considering it. It apparently is also difficult to install. Again, the techinician had to ... Read More

  • No More Protege5 after 2003

    Written by: jt78 on May 29, 2003 11:40:29 AM

    FYI.... FROM MazdaUSA: -------------------------- Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you. We will not have a 2004 Mazda Protegé5. It will be replaced with another vehicle in the same segment. It should be available this Fall/Winter. An announcement will be made within the next few months about the vehicles name and specifications. Additionally, the MAZDA6 wagon and hatchback are slated to begin ... Read More

Mazda Protege Accessories and Modifications

  • Mazda's response

    Written by: boggse on Apr 24, 2003 12:55:12 PM

    "Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you. I was advised by my Parts Department that the subwoofer is not available as an accessory to your 2003 Mazda Protege5 is the reasoning that I was given. First of all, the vehicle is not wired for the subwoofer and the harness is not compatible on a non-equipped vehicle. Secondly, the trunk boards are different ... Read More

Mazda Protege Prices Paid and Buying Experience

  • You'll get a lot more information ...

    Written by: mdaffron on Apr 3, 2003 6:16:03 AM

    on the car and owner opinions if you'll join us on the Mazda Protege discussion in the Sedans area. Meade P.S. I own a 2000 ES 5-speed and a 2002 Protege5, so I can't be of much help in the 2003 pricing -- but I will let you know that the '00 just turned 53,000 miles and the '02 has 16,000, and neither of them has ever been to the shop ... Read More

Mazda Protege5

  • Responses to my letters to Mazda USA...

    Written by: altersys on Mar 11, 2003 6:37:37 PM

    This is regarding an earlier post (two pages back) about a couple emails I sent to Mazda, USA regarding the transmission whine problem that my '02 P5 has (along with many of you). Here are all of the emails: Dear ****, We received your prior e-mail, and responded to you on February 25th. Please understand that recalls are determined by the government, not by individual car manufacturers. In addition, all TSB's ... Read More

Mazda Protege Maintenance and Repair

  • severe vibes

    Written by: boggse on Feb 3, 2003 6:40:37 AM

    I have owned a 2001 Protege ES and a 2003 Protege5. I never experienced any sever vibrations of any sort. I would tell your dealer's service manager that you are going to call Mazda to complain about their service since they refuse to address your concern. I would also drive another Protege on the lot to compare. If yours didn't do it when brand new, then it shouldn't do it now. ... Read More

Mazda Protege Prices Paid and Buying Experience

  • 2003 P5

    Written by: boggse on Dec 16, 2002 6:45:01 AM

    Just purchased a 2003 Protege5 Automatic with ABS/Side Airbags and Wheel Locks from Millennium Mazda in Durham, NC. We paid $2 under invoice on the S-Plan. Invoice was $17,043. With Sales Tax, Title & Registration, total was $17,891. We financed it for 5 years at 0%. We didn't go for the extended warranty. It is a Protege after all.

Mazda Protegé

  • The deal is done

    Written by: boggse on Dec 13, 2002 4:32:23 PM

    This afternoon we sold our 2001 Protege ES (sniffle, sniffle) to CarMax for about what we owed. Then we headed over to Millennium Mazda (Durham, NC), and picked out an Automatic 2003 Silver Protege5 w/Side Airbags and ABS. We paid $2 under invoice with the S-Plan. We will pick it up Monday since we added the rear bumper guard and the fancy compass/thermometer mirror (at dealer cost), and they need to ... Read More

Vibe/ Matrix v. PT Cruiser v. ZX5 v. Protege5 v. Elantra GT v. Aerio SX

  • Return of 5 Doors

    Written by: hardoo on Aug 17, 2002 6:33:40 AM

    These cars have attracted lots of interest in the past year or so, with big articles in both Car & Driver and Consumer Reports in the last few months. And I expect that in the coming year even more people will be drawn to 5-door hatchbacks, which offer some SUV functionality with a better driving experience, better gas mileage, and a better price than the trucks which have dominated the roads ... Read More

Mazda Protege5

  • Considering Protege5

    Written by: m3fan on Sep 22, 2002 6:33:02 AM

    Hi everyone. I was thinking of getting a 2-door VW Golf GL as my first car, but have found out that VW will not offer any 2-door Golfs in Canada for MY 2003. So, my choice was now 4-door Golf GL or Jetta GL. I really wanted 2 doors and didn't like the 4-door Golf, and as such I was down to Jetta. Then I walked by Mazda dealership and fell ... Read More

  • Turbo Coming in 2003

    Written by: moses5 on May 3, 2002 8:23:19 PM

    I heard yesterday on Motorweek that Mazda will be offering a turboharged version of the sedan this fall as a 2003 model. It will produce 170HP. I don't know if this will make it to the Protege5, but if it did, this would certainly be a nice performance boost.

  • Protege changes for the 2003

    Written by: revka on Apr 18, 2002 11:52:40 AM

    This may be old news for some of you. A short while back, a participant (bjewett) here asked about changes for the 2003 Protege5. Here's a little information from Edmunds' Future Telling section that some of you may find interesting. It states Mazda will offering a choice of either a 2.0-liter or 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in their 2003 Protege sedan and hatchback. Hope this is helpful. Perhaps someone here has more ... Read More

Mazda Protegé

  • Does it have a Ford engine?

    Written by: mdaffron on Aug 23, 2001 9:54:29 AM

    If it does, I'm sorry but count me out. I'm strong in my convictions about Ford crap. If and when the next-generation Protege comes out, I'm gonna have a very sad time saying goodbye if it has a Ford engine in it. It may just make me hang onto this one as long as I possibly can. I'm too big a guy for a Miata and my wallet's not going to ... Read More

Mazda Protege5

  • link

    Written by: aardvark_mark on Jun 1, 2001 12:31:51 PM

    http://www.carsmart.com/cgi-bin/aucenter.exe?pagecode=auas1 nice site with "exclusive" interior 360 views of various cars shown at the 4 major 2001 auto shows.. I'm sure lots of you know about this site but I just found it for the first time today and I was looking for an interior 360 degree view of the US protege5 for months :).. Anyhow, as far as production hatchbacks go.. Los Angeles has the 2002(?) Pontiac Vibe and 2002 ... Read More

Research Models

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Recently Viewed

    Select your vehicles