Used 2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege Consumer Reviews
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Too bad I love to drive it...
This is the most fun to drive car I have ever had, and that's the only reason it is still in my driveway. It has its own bay at the service department. I'm there for the same things over and over. I've had a new turbo, a new transmission, sway bar links at least 5 times, a rear subframe, two new alarms, new a/c compressor, multiple coolant leaks, multiple exhaust leaks, new exhaust manifold, the list goes on and on. I'm going to sell it when the warranty runs out, I just hope I can find something as fun to drive as this is when it's not in the shop. (Reviewed by a 32 year old female driving it to work, not a teenager abusing it) .
'03.5 Mazdaspeed Protege
I really dig this car. I had a Protege5 before it, and this was just the jump I was looking for. And the prices I paid was unbeatable at the time ($13.5k). There are know problems with this car, but if you do your research, they're easily fixed under warranty.
- Base SedanMSRP: $9,950122 mi away
'03.5 msp
I bought this car to out-manuever drivers on cell phones! Handling is fabulous. Get dedicated winter wheels and you're good to go. Radio is painful to adjust; display way too bright at night. Other than that, just a wonderful car. Add a K&N air filter and noise-proof the trunk space.
Great car, Dont push it though or the Zoom Zoom will go BOOM!
I bought the car with high mileage, around 114,XXX. I bought the car with some bushing issues and some tuning issues. I fixed the bushing issues, but let the tuning wait for a bit. If you dont know, these cars have problems with their bushings as they will go bad every 5-10k miles, the stock tune on these cars is rubbish, and the turbo system they put on the car is excellent, unfortunately they just stuck the system on a stock protege engine, I found this out after I put ~500 miles on it. I was driving in third gear around 3500 rpms, and the engine let go. No warning, no temp spikes, just exploded. Fortunately, I liked the rest of the car enough to spend some elbow grease/$ on a new one!
BUY THIS CAR IF YOU GET A CHANCE
Extremely fun to drive. Everyone loves orange cars. Scare people with the blow off valve. THIS CAR IS A MUST HAVE.
Finally
I was finally able to get my hands on one of these machines after trying to find one since 2003. Since owning her from 42k, I've found out that her motor was replaced by Mazda @ 22k and the turbo had been replaced 3 times... wow! Repairs I've had to get done are small things. There was some oil getting into the plastic tubing? from the intercooler to the turbo, my rear stablizer bar needed new bushings and the subwoofer blew. My only gripe is that Mazda took the easy way out with this one. They simply attached a turbo to their 2.0 motor and then didnt take the time to tune it properly. The MSP runs very rich. It needs a turbo timer, a blow off valve, an a2f ratio gauge and real bucket seats.
Easily turned up
I have had this car almost two years, bought with 35k on it now I have over 80k to tell you how much I drive it. Didn't have Cruise control when I bought it so I had it installed at the dealer. But the motor is a little on the weak side when you get it. 170hp/170tq or somewhere around there. I have only put in about 2k in mods /pistons rods frontmount intercooler and piggyback controller and now it turns out a little over 330hp to the wheels. I run this car at the track every blue moon but it definitely lays down on evos and STI's.
car is good and bad
Bought the car with 103k. My LSD snapped, common with this car. Rear sway bar bushing not built properly by mazda, replace every 7k mi. small turbo and intercooler "slapped" on an engine neither designed for boost nor was it tuned to boost. suspension setup is GREAT! Tokiko blue, 20mm racing beat swaybars, racing hart wheels and a strut tie bar. For anyone who wants to build a super tuner, here is my final word, spend your time and money upgrading the transmission and engine (i.e. Forged internals, stronger gears ect...) but spare no supporting mod because you will break something. this is a "if your going to upgrade one thing, upgrade everything or itll break kinda car."
2003.5 Mazdaspeed protege
I love this car! It is my relatively cheap dream car and I am so excited that I finally was able to pick one up. I definitely recommend this car to anyone and everyone.
LOVE IT DRIVE IT
THE CAR HAS POWER AND A GREAT FEEL
Best car for your $
The best is that they are keeping production down to put us owners in a unique "club"!!
UNSTOPABLE
FUN TO DRIVE RELIABLE FAST ATTENTION.
Awsome...
To put it lightly, this car was far superior to any car in it's class. Handling and acceleration are awesome... Overall a great car!
Best in Show
I purchased my Mazdaspeed less than a week ago, and while I'm still definitely in the honeymoon phase, I can say without a doubt this car is the best driving experience available under $30,000. It's a steal at $20,000, and with the limited production, it's not going to be the depreciation nightmare most economy cars are. If you can find one, drive it, compare what you get, and you'll return to the Mazda dealership without a doubt in your mind about your decision.
Rocket Science It is...
Killer auto - no comparison in market segment. Nimble, outstandig suspension, and a rocket. Acceleration is excellent with the stock turbo. MP3 and 450w sound kicks. Snug seating. A wolf in sheep's clothing. Compared at time of purchase with new rx8, and while not up to par with the Wankel @ 240hp, it accelerates and handles pretty darn close, and for half the price :) Don;t miss out - rumour not being offered next year.
2003.5 Titanium MazdaSpeed Orlando, FL
Handles great. Nice sound, head unit is a bit tricky. This weeks aftermarket upgrades...Front mount intercooler, aluminum hard piping, atleast 2.5in, maybe 3.0in exhaust, a SSQV BOV, boost gauge, boost controller, and turbo timer. If you want to know how it turns out...(321) 695-1128 or squattysshopfl@aol.com
The most fun you can drive for under 25K
I used to have a 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS and thought that no car could ever be more fun to drive. The subaru was killer, but the mazdaspeed is unmatched. The turbo completes the package that the protege mp3 was missing. Awesome stereo, a suspension that rides on rails, a small turbo 4- cylinder that is easy to customize and squeeze more power out of (with pretty good power stock), and a good price tag is hard to beat.
sweet smoothe and sleek
This car is sweet smoothe and sleek.... in other words...... perfect but still needs a little more power
FUN FUN FUN!
I just purchased my Mazdaspeed in Titanium Gray 2003.5. I love the way the exterior color matches with the rim color. It is so much fun to drive. I love the way it looks, the way it rides...people say it rides tough, but I love the sports ride:) It is so comfy and the stereo system is just so so cool. I really don't care about the stereo buttons being small because I mostly use the remote anyway. People ask about the car all the time. I love the responses I get when I am on the road.
Fast and Furious
This vehicle doesn't appear to be exceptional at first glance, but step inside, turn on the engine, (not to mention the superior sound system), and this car will surprise the hell out of you. You're cruisin at a reasonable 45mph one minute and the turbo kicks in and the next minute your flying without wings. Feels like it should be out on a speedway. If you like the thrill of a race car, this Mazda's for you!
2 Years later.
I bought this car used 2 years ago and it's the best car I've ever owned. It's my daily driver and I love it. It's not the fastest, nor most eye catching (I like the way it looks) but it's a blast to drive and handles great.
Kick ass fun
Just Bought this car this past saturday (12/28/02) and man is this car fun to drive, this car accelerates extreamly well and handles like its nobodys business. I recomend picking one of these up because the way this car drives, its going to be hard to get one.
Pure Excitement
This car is pure performance. It may not have the HP of the EVO or WRX but those cars are over priced. The MSP is quick,nible & sleek it's a car that excites you every time you hear the sound of the engine. when I get in my car & hit the road I feel pure excitement w/ the cars tight handeling and quick exceleration. I would say to any one thinking of spending 30-35,000 on an EVO or WRX your wasting your money, you can have it all at 1/2 the price with the MSP. All the options over pricing EVO & WRX are standard on the MSP, sparco shifters & pedals,sporty interior & lets not forget the booming 450 watt kenwood sound system.
Fun on wheels!
What a pleasure to find so much driving fun for so little $.This car has a quality, roomy interior seating 5 real people. The exterior exudes youthful energy. It comes off the floor with the wheels,tires,pedals and stereo that you would add to most cars in this class. It handles like it is on rails, not quite like my M3 convertible, but far closer than I imagined for about a third the price. I think it would get great gas mileage if I could just say no to that great gas pedal. I hear you can easily increase the turbo boost but I don't know how you would keep the front wheels on the pavement with any more.
My baby
I am like a child in a candy store with my new Mazdaspeed Protege. I certain exercise my bragging rights with "My Baby." I have not had one complain of my vehical. People look twice at my one of kind Mazdaspeed Protege. This has been the best automobile purchase. I wouldn't trade "My Baby," for any vehical on the market.
Zoom Zoom Baby !!!
If you can find one get your hands on it.Local dealers in South Florida were having trouble with inventory due to a recall prior to delivery. This car is truly a blast to drive, the orange turns heads everywhere you are. Turbo makes all the difference in this car, the stereo is top notch, the brakes and wheels are great. At 20K you almost feel like you are ripping the dealers off. My car seems to have a small problem related to the turbo or the ignition, at around 3000 - 3500rpm it stutters as the turbo kicks in and pulls ya through the 6000rpm mark. Otherwise, Mazda has done it right.
MSP Love
Some cars are built to generate numbers. Some cars are built to generate smiles. You'd be hard pressed to get the grin off my face while in my MSP. The style, chassis refinement, build quality, and really bitchin radio (for stock) did it for me. It could use a bit more power and to that end I have installed a manual boost controller. It has been installed for the better part of the cars life running 12PSI vs the stock 6PSI. My car has been close to perfect and it has over 24000 miles on it now. I spend over 2 hrs a day in this car and it is always a pleasant experience.
fun car
this car has some seriouse handling. with 170hp, it is not too fast nor too slow and is a very fun car to drive in the city. but, if you start punching on the gas alot, expect to visit the gas station a lot. overall, this is a quality car and is a great car for $21,000 which is worth it. test drive one!
Wow!
This car makes you smile when you drive it! It may be a sedan but don't let that fool you. Performance was the most important thing to me; I like to drive and I like to drive fast. The turbo has a nice kick to it and even though it's a 4 cylinder, you'd never know it! The transmission and steering are tight. Everyone wants to drive my car!
I love my Mazdaspeed!
I have the new 2003 1/2 model. This car is fun to drive and handles like a dream. The way it corners (at higher than normal turning speed) is wonderful. It has power under the hood and it is a beautiful machine. It comes factory with an awesome kenwood system and wicked rims. I love this car.
A Must-have Fun Sport Sedan
I like all Mazdaspeed Protege, SI, Mini Cooper S, SRT-4, WRX, Evo VII, SE-R, SVT, GTi,..... As RX-7 owner, I choose to own a Mazda again. I like the orange color, the 17 inch alloy rims and the interior is one of the niciest !!! The base price of $20,000+ was really light on my wallet. As a successful computer engineer,I still enjoy driving very much, I decided to go with something new to me - a sport little soup-up sedan. I have only put on 150+ miles so far and have not tested the ability of the car yet. But, man, if you have $20,000 + to spare, either get the WRX for 4 season fun or this little turbo-charged Progete for its look and performance.
pocket rocket
i have owned{or the bank has owned} this car for 4 days now and i am very impressed on the looks and performance of this car.also the ladies love it. the sound system is ok but the kenwood sub needs to be upgraded. a very poor design. this car handles like a ferrari
Alternative to the Typical Sports Car
The MazdaSpeed Protege defies categories and definitions. Ultimately the only way to decide if the MazdaSpeed Protege is right for you is to experience it; I suggest multiple test drives. There are simply too many specific upgrades to take in at once.
03.5 Mazdaspeed
This car is an AMAZING value. It can be had for 16,500 at most dealerships with out too much haggling. Performs like a true sports sedan, possesses handling to shame a bmw, and very respectable acceleration for the size of the small amount of gas it consumes. Build quality is very good and panels tight gaps. My only gripe is high seating position with inaqequately bolstered seats, but with the all money saved and fun to drive factor I might purchase some after market race track inspired Recaro seats.
just plain fun to drive
i've put about 9000 miles on this car, and i luv it still. there are other cars in this segment that make more power, but this car does everything well. sharp looks, good gas milage, and a great factory stereo. the car does run a little rich, but that has been solved with a PCM re-flash from mazda. this is the best handling car i have ever owned. the brakes are superb, and the engine is very well done.
Worth the Wait!
In my 26 years of life, I have owned 6 new cars (4 Hondas, a Mazda MP3, and now Mazdaspeed). None of them compare to the Mazdaspeed! The Mazdaspeed is the best bang for the buck out there. I no longer have to buy a Honda and modify it to get what I want. The extra HP is great, but with the handling capabilities of the car, it could still use even more. The MP3 player is ideal for the long trips, and the bass makes sure everyone stays awake! To bad they only made 250 in Canada, as this car puts a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. It was worth the 8 months I waited from time of purchase to delivery!
Autocrossing
Just purcahsed, I will be taking this car to our local autocross. So far it compares to my 85 944 Porsche in handling.
The best car to drive
This car is great.
MSP
Excellent car for the money. Outstanding grip and packed with features. Made for the curves and packs some boost. Responds well to modifications, i.e. intercooler upgrades, boost controller, exhaust, etc. I would buy this car again. No regrets.
I love the Mazda speed
I love the Mazda speed it such a fun car to drive and I love the 170 horse power with the turbo charger. I have tested the car on some curves and the handling is awesome. I definitely do not have any trouble passing on the hi-way. I like the fact that I am the only one in town that has one of these cars..it sure is an eye catcher. It is amazing how much power you can get out of a 4 cyl engine.
2003.5 Mazdaspeed
Unbelievable race car for the street. An 'aftermarket' car with all the aftermarket items engineered, placed, and warrenteed by Mazda. BIG 450 watt 7 speaker Kenwood CD MP3 satillite stereosystem. Tubocharged, intercooled, 17 in Racing Hart wheels, 11 inch 4wheel disks, front, rear stabilizer bars. Racing Beat tunned suspension, Calloway engine-drivetrain production, ltd slip differential Fwd. The list goes on.. Not many are available at a sticker price of only $21000. Plus 24- 30 miles per gallon! Also 4 to 5 star safety ratings. Drive it , you'll be sold. Did I mention the Front facia, side trim, rear facia, and new high racing spoiler?
Problems
What a killer sound system that stopped working two weeks after delivery. Repaired? Yes. Time to break after first repair was three weeks. Basically, the sound system does not work. MAzda service claims this is common. The radio is terrible. Talk about driving. Not a bad ride but this car DOES NOT DRIVE IN THE SNOW. Anything over one inch of snow and call a tow truck
Close enough
This car cannot be beaten for its price. Looks great, stands out. This is a economy racer if there ever was one. I paid under $17k brand new and I'm getting every dimes worth out of it.
Awesome CAR!!!!
This car is so responsive, I raced it against the new G.T. mustang, and actually beat him, I've added a couple AFTERMARKET goods, turbo timer, intake ext. I just love this car It looks so incredible, It handles like a dream, It races like a RACECAR!!!!! Best car for the money, You don't even have to go out and buy new rims [bigger] there already 17's, you don't need a body kit either, Look at the body already, It is a beautiful car w/ tonz of potential!!!!
One week after delivery....
Bought a Titanium 2003.5 MSP last week. She's broken in already (700+ miles). I'm very happy with my decision. HANDLING: Absolutely AMAZING. This car will take almost anything you throw at it with ease. SUSPENSION: Some people say the ride is too harsh. I disagree. It's not ultra-smooth, but even after a couple of hours on not-so-good roads, it didn't bother me at all. The suspension gives you a great feel for the road without being overly harsh. STEREO: The best stock system I've ever heard. Plays MP3's on CD-R's. 8" Sub in the back puts down some decent bass. The head unit also allows some serious tuning/tweaking.
A great value for the performance
This is a really great car. It has a quick shifting stick shift. TURBO!!! It has a turbocharged engine with 170 horsepower and gets about 27 miles per gallon! Can you beat that? Really fun car to drive.
A good, quick, very fun car.
The performance is very quick for a front wheel drive. Handling is the best I have ever driven. Gas mileage is very good even when you "Drive Fun". This is not an off the shelf race car like the Dodge SXT-4, but it is fun on a long drive or short trips. Stereo has great sound. Fun! Fun! Fun! and occasional head turns.
Orange Sunburst Mazdaspeed Protege
I purchased mine in April or May2003, I love it. Handeling is great, the paint looks like a show paint, (have had multiple comments on it) my only thing is the power/turbo fluctuates. Maybe it's the intercooler could be a little better/bigger. If it's cool outside, that thing will pull and pull, but give it time to warm up...In this Texas heat, 95-102 and humidity out tha ying yang, it makes it tough on it. But if you get aggressive on it, it will wake up for you, just not quite as much pull as on a cool day. The brakes and suspension are excellent . VERY SAFE & RESPONSIVE CAR.
My Review
Very nice car lots of power & smokes all other cars.
Awesome Car
This car is awesome .. sooo fun to drive the turbo is a plus too