Used 2003 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
Used Protege for sale
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.
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.
Mazda Protege is the class leader.
Aaron Simler, 07/23/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are admirable economy cars and best sellers, they are pretty much blah, bland comfortable appliances that get you from point A to point B. That's fine and all, but I want to have some fun too, and Mazda's world class Protege delivers both. This is a fine Japanese built sports sedan, economical and reliable. Very comfortable transport, but it also has this split personality thing going for it. This thing has the soul of the Mazda Miata in it.
Never go American again!
newMazdalover, 07/29/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Went from a 97 Pontiac Sunfire GT to this car (LX model), it's the best move I ever made! The car handles extremely well and turns with no effort. The Pontiac's interior cracked and jittered from day one (bought it new) especially on rougher roads,fit and finish on Protege is better than friend's BMW. Drove Corolla, Civic and Cavalier; no comparison! Corolla & Civic are too expensive and need I say what I thought about the Cavalier? Buy American? When we design them better, I will. Protege is inexpensive and drives extremely well for an economy car. love the 5 speed, it's like buttah! Toyota and Honda, BEWARE!
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.