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Used 2003 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
148 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

It really is the fun to drive car....

ZoomZoom02072, 02/04/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This Car is really the fun to drive car. This is the first car that I bought, I had been driving a 1991 Ford with 136,000 miles. I bought a pre- owned Mazda Protege that had 8601 miles on it. Its a 2000. It really Zoom like the Mazda ads say.... I know have a 2000 ES with all the features I wanted. When first looking for cars, I want a Civic badly! I couldn't afford a Civic with a Moonroof, CD player and keyless entry wiht low milage. I came across this WONDERFUL car in my range and I LOVE IT!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Some flaws after a few miles

Cheaprick29, 08/11/2008
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car about a year & 1/2 ago. Paid $8k w 55k and now has 82k. The A/C doesn't work on 2 or 3 setting. The transmission makes a 'growling' or humming noise and continues to get worse the more I drive it. The trunk leaks due to a faulty trunk seal; My car smells like mildew all the time because water gets under the carpets. Had to replace the drive belts around 60k due to squeaking. Hit curb and cost $3800 to fix; not the best car to get into an accident in due to thin sheet metal. Other than that, the car is a great car. I switched out the stock head unit for a Pioneer; the CD player didn't work properly. I like the aux connection on my new head unit.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Will not be shopping for another Protege

jenna, 10/12/2008
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A few days ago, my Protege was completely totaled by another driver in a very minor accident. So, its durability is questionable. Within the first year of owning it, I had a reoccurring problem with moisture on the inside of the car. Whenever it would rain, wells in the trunk would fill with water with no drainage route. Windshield took forever to defrost/fog. In the winter ice would form on the inside of the windshield -not a fabulous prerequisite to my morning commute. The weather stripping began to peel from the passenger door, and the door handle became loose one winter. Also, the car would rattle whenever stopped in traffic.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Zoom-Zoom Protege

Cars4me89, 09/13/2002
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great value, except it needs a bigger engine and it really need a leather seating option(or vinyl).

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love it!!!

Carin, 09/30/2002
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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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