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2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege Review
Price Estimate: $2,125 - $3,324
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sports car handling, aggressive looks, incredible sound system.
Cons
- Frustrating stereo controls, overdone rear spoiler.
What’s new
Mazda introduces a new sport-tuned version of its Protege, dubbed Mazdaspeed.
Edmunds says
Mazda gives its MP3 a much appreciated horsepower injection, turning an already capable performer into a potential segment killer.
For sale near El Paso, TX
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$189/mo for Mazdaspeed Protege Base
Mazdaspeed Protege Base
vs
$145/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Too bad I love to drive it...
4.25 out of 5 starsCD, 05/25/2006
2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
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
5 out of 5 starsRichard Manship, 08/02/2005
2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
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 ($13.5k). There are know problems with this car, but if you do your research, they're easily fixed under warranty.
'03.5 msp
4.75 out of 5 starsDenis, 12/18/2008
2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 02/02 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I bought this car to out-manuever drivers on cell phones! Handling is fabulous. Get dedicated winter wheels and you're good to go. Radio is painful to adjust; display way too bright at night. Other than that, just a wonderful car. Add a K&N air filter and noise-proof the trunk space.
Great car, Dont push it though or the Zoom Zoom will go BOOM!
4 out of 5 starschad92, 02/07/2013
2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 02/02 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I bought the car with high mileage, around 114,XXX. I bought the car with some bushing issues and some tuning issues. I fixed the bushing issues, but let the tuning wait for a bit. If you dont know, these cars have problems with their bushings as they will go bad every 5-10k miles, the stock tune on these cars is rubbish, and the turbo system they put on the car is excellent, … unfortunately they just stuck the system on a stock protege engine, I found this out after I put ~500 miles on it. I was driving in third gear around 3500 rpms, and the engine let go. No warning, no temp spikes, just exploded. Fortunately, I liked the rest of the car enough to spend some elbow grease/$ on a new one!
2003 Mazdaspeed Protege Highlights
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,980 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $189/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Mazdaspeed Protege include:
- Alarm
Related Used 2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege info
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