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Used 2003 Mazda Protege Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
148 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Zoom Zoom

Johnnie, 03/02/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my protege with the year end incentives. Could'nt resist the Zero percent financing. Drove the Civic, Focus, Corolla...but they were not as fun to drive. The Mazda doesn't get as good of gas mileage... but it's way fun to drive.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Not a lot of buck, but a lot of bang

brb588, 03/13/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I totalled my previous car ('02 Chevy Tracker) and was looking for a gently used car/SUV. I originally wanted a Honda CR-V, but it was way out of my price range. Thank God I looked at the '03 Protegé. It had about 11K miles, and I test drove it along side a brand new one, and they both drove excellently. The thick steering wheel and peppy engine were immediately noticable. Everything was nicely laid out, the seats were comfortable, and the car was rather attractive for its low price. I have had it for a month, and I simply love it. Forget a Civic, get a Protegé!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

one of the best in its class

g man, 03/31/2004
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have been pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of this vehicle it is well built and stylish for a car in this class .i read reviews on all car in this class and decided on the mazda after test drives of all vehicles and i am not disapointed. the car handles like a dream the best bar none in this class. do your self a favor and take one out for a spin.i heard alot about road and wind noise being a problem i do not hear it just as quiet as most cars in this class.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

A great little car

mollie382, 04/01/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We've owned this vehicle for one year and have had no troubles with this car. Excellent power with the 5-speed transmission. Handling is superb. The only maintenance needed so far were oil changes. Only two real complaints. First, the car turns too many RPM in 5th gear on the highway, making for a noisy ride. Second, the weatherstriping on the windshield causes an irritating whistling noise when you're driving with a moderate-to- strong crosswind. Slight flaws for an otherwise wonderful car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Better then the competition

Mazda Boy, 04/21/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Never looked at Mazda before but am I impressed.This car offers more standard equipment then the competition.Love the look of the car front and rear.checked out toyota and honda both seem bland to me.We bought the Lx and we always get compliments on the color and interior space.What impressed me most has been the build quality of mazda.I have always bought american vehicles but I was impressed on how tight this vehicle rides and corners.You won't go wrong buying this car!!!!!! I highly recommend it.FUN>FUN<FUN<!!!!!!!!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

top of the line ES

Unitenyc, 04/21/2004
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Black Mazda Protege ES in December 2003. the retail price was $18,050, I got a $2,500 rebate and hagggled hard. I got it for 13,000 before taxes. I think that is remarkable. It came with every option except sunroof and anti-lock brakes, but the 4 wheel disc brakes have massive stopping power. It has 16" aluminum alloy wheels and Dunlop tires! Halogen headlights! All around a great car and I feel I got alot of car for the money. Much cheaper than honda civic and toyota corolla. But they can't compare to this car. Mazda should have never stopped making this car. I would ONLY purchase the ES. It is a finely made, fun to drive, easy to own auto.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Mazda is sooo underrated!

lonestar, 05/01/2004
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased a leftover 2003...can't believe it was still on the dealer lot. Haven't owned a Mazda in 14 years...and had forgotten what I was missing, obviously. Selected the Protege over the Civic and Corolla.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

WOW!!

wk3, 07/12/2004
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had this car less than a week and I'm already in love with it. The handling is great, the fuel economy is better than advertised and the comfort is better than the VW I used to drive. I also have no reservations about strapping in my daughter's carseat and putting her in the back seat. I'd recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun, fuel efficient and safe vehicle.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Great Purchase !

1960vw, 08/04/2004
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A great little car with plenty of pickup! Very roomy for two adults front and two in back. Very good gas milage.

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5 out of 5 stars

ZOOM ZOOM

RBOB24, 08/19/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

FUN TO DRIVE, THIS CAR HANDLES LIKE A SPORTS CAR. ITS QUICK OFF THE LINE AND ACCELERATES VERY SMOOTHLY. THE GAS MILEAGE IS GOOD, AND THE FIT AND FINISH IS SUPER.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great performer for the price

D-rock240, 08/27/2004
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car after my Subaru Legacy was totaled by a tractor trailer and was very impressed. I had my reservations about getting a protegé because I didnt like the mid 90's styling. Out of all the cars that I test drove this was the best. This has excellent driver feedback, especially the steering. It turns and stops on a dime and there is no steering looseness whatsoever. With the larger wheels and v-rated tires this car hugs curves. I find myself taking freeway on/off ramps at 40mph just because it sticks so well and there is minimum body roll. The interior is very roomy and the layout is simple and functional. This is the best handling car in class.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

King of the compacts!

wetcoaster, 10/01/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the Protege as a replacement for a totaled Corolla. Suffice to say, the Toyota isn't missed too much! Mazda has done well with its Protege series, blending attractive, if not standout, looks, sporty performance, and a good range of features. The Protege is great fun to drive around in with its tight handling characteristics. Its comfortable interior is well-appointed and coordinated for a car of its price range. All in all, it's a good-looking car that's equal parts practicality and sportiness. Let's hope Mazda is able to maintain this balance with the new 3. So who says nothing good comes out of an accident?

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5 out of 5 stars

2003 protege

dcastillo, 10/06/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is more than what i expected. It has great looks and enough power to move in and out of traffic on the freeway. Handles beautifully.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Run it to death

Canton Chris, 10/18/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is my workhorse, as far as packing on the miles. In 1.5 years, I have put 47,000 miles on this car. New tires, front brake pads, and periodic oil/air filter changes are pretty much the only costs so far. Gas mileage keeps getting better are the car gets more miles on it. I love the pickup it has in traffic and around town. It is zippy when you need it. It's a great car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Bryan Lipson, 11/07/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had my protege almost 1 year now and have enjoyed all the driving. Racked up 16000 miles on road trips and driving to work and has been clear sailing thus far. Milage is still improving on all types of driving averaging about 28mpg and I don't get too uncomfortable even after 6 hours of straight driving. Babied this car the whole way and it is built to last. Can't beat the deal they offered late in the model year. Moonroof, 6-disc, abs all great options on a bargain car. Solid driving on sunny days and very controllable on snowy streets.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

bad ass

charay02, 11/14/2004
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

for the price i bought my protege for it's a nice car. the interior is wonderful. it handles like a miata

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Protege ES

JIM, 06/21/2005
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is sporty and very fun to drive, the interior is loaded with many extras and is very functional.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

A satisfying econobox: 90K miles of fun

astral, 08/23/2005
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great interior for money. Easy to read gauges, sporty 3-spoke steering wheel. Easy to use HVAC controls. Radio is very easy to use, big volume knob, 6-CD in dash changer rocks. Road visibility excellent. The car Is very nimble and quick handing. Road feel is direct, the suspension is sporty, and while you can sense every bump, it doesn't rattle the bones. Excellent linear brakes, with a quick bite and an easy pedal. Confidence-inspiring. Engine is plenty quick, especially around town. A little slow at highway speed. Automatic tranny switches very easily and naturally: great feel. No problems with this car over 90K miles, only regular maintenance. Backseat roomy for class, good size trunk.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Mazda Protege

narayanmg, 09/03/2005
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I switched from Honda Civic to Protege. The driving experience is amazing. The car is so much fun to drive. I have a 5 speed model and love it in the city driving. I have had it for over a month and already clocked about 1500 miles on it. My average mileage in the city varies from 33-37 per gallon.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Good Car

grayghost, 12/04/2005
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this vehicle used (34K miles). Within one week of purchase, I made a 2000 mile trip with no problems. The only maintenance performed have been oil-filter changes and a front end alignment. The room inside the car is better than my previous vehicle, a 2000 Mercury Sable.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Happy owner

vroom vroom vroom, 02/14/2006
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my Protege for almost two years now and it was been a joy to drive to work. It handles well for an economy car and has a surprising amount of room for my wife, two kids and my black lab. The 5-speed is smooth and precise. Steering has nice feel.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great in t-bone accidences!!

Ali L, 04/01/2003
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The past week I was in a serious car accident with out Mazda Protege. A car t-boned use at an intersection. It was our mazda that saved my life with the side impact beams!

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5 out of 5 stars

Brand New ES

jscott33, 04/11/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first new car and so far it has been great. Great acceleration and fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, light crisp clutch action and supprisingly great low end torque. Tight steering, nice grip, and excellent breaking with front and rear discs. Had to have the alarm adjusted, was a bit to sensitive. Easy adjustment took only a few minutes, knob located by steering column. I have previously owned an escort and a jeep wrangler.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great driving car

owned2ofthem, 04/17/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the second Protege I've owned and they keep getting better. The reliability of this car is excellent, the handling is outstanding for a car in this class and the looks are sharp and stylish.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Brian2001, 04/17/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the ES for my wife in August 2001. She still loves the car. Kudos to Mazda for making the car inexpensive, but not cheap. The fit/finish are first rate. It only has 20,000 Km (she doesn't drive much). Only one problem so far - a blown main fuse that disabled the stereo and key fob. Other than that, this is a very easy car to live with. I love the 50 series rubber - this thing corners. The power is good, but not great - another 20 hp would be great. I find the pedals hard to heel/toe. To sum up, it is rommy, fun to drive, cheap to run small car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Fuuunnn

HUGO, 04/22/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I Just bought this car 3 weeks ago and already put 1500 miles on it by just driving the backroads.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Transmission failed

t2k, 07/20/2007
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The transmission started growling as the warranty expired. Front wheel bearings seized up. Had to replace brake rotors due to rust. Too many problems in its young life. Traded it in on a Mazda6.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Mazda Protege LX 2.0 2003

Joey pep, 06/19/2007
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was interested in the Protege with the 2.0 engine because of its incredible reliability and performance, but it has a very nice complex style for a car this size. I suggest this car if you hesitate between a Honda Civic, a Protege 2.0 and a Nissan Sentra. And for young drivers, the insurance is pretty low compared to other vehicles. In the 5 spd manual, unlike other cars in that class, you still feel the torque in 3rd and 4th. The LX model is very comfy. And for the admirers of audio systems, don't underestimate the Protege's. I plan on keeping it stock because I love it so much.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Tony, 04/29/2003
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has been a life saver in the past it is so affordable and very reliable. I love it. Over all A great car.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Economy Car wants to be a sport car

BOBK, 05/03/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

2002 ES Automatic. Sharp look and style for interior/exterior. Road handling is great. Sleek and clean look in and out makes car look more expensive. Torque good enough to zip out of most turns. Feels like a sport car except for acceleration which is no worse than other cars I tested in this range. The engine makes a sturdy, raspy type sound when I get on it and gives a sport car feel. Don't expect sport care performance. Sport-shift mode is uselss because it does not respond immediately and feels no different than switching gears on an auto. Great car for the money. If it had 200 horses it could be a blast but that's a little much to ask at this price.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

This is Protege #3

JackH, 05/12/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is our 3rd Protege and each one is better than the last. Our 2003 is agile and fun to drive. My wife's last car was a Honda Civic and I was happy when she readily agreed to the Honda LX.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Beats the Civic in every way!

ojbux, 01/18/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just purchased this car (LX) as a Christmas gift to myself. I was choosing between the Civic, Corolla, Matrix and Sentra. I'm so glad i chose this one. It is so crisp and build quality is excellent. ConsumerReports Magazine rates it's reliablity higher than the "almighty" honda civic and equal to the Accord. Interior is one of the best. Styling looks sharp and sophisicated unlike the cutesy-cutesy corolla or civic. It came with cool wheels, bright tip muffler,in-dash 6 cd changer. All in all, this car is much fun to drive.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Fun little car

rodl, 05/27/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I wanted a car with the 2.0 liter engine and a five speed. This car is a great little car. I have 97 626 with 200,000 miles and not one nickle in repairs other than tires, brakes and timing belts. Still have the same clutch. And still going strong!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

my new ESSA

Curt1962, 06/02/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall, a very fine small car. I miss a stronger A/C that a V6 would provide. The handling is excellent and the ride is just firm enough to feel the road, but not so rough that my wife can't sleep while I am driving. The exterior design is sharp! I really like the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty also. I have a lot of faith in the Protege so I don't expect to use the warranty, but it provides peace of mind. This is the only new car I have ever bought that I have not had to take back to the dealer several times right away for minor stuff. Built solid!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Protege!

Newcombe, 06/18/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's true! This is a really great car! We purchased the car primarily as our "Getting to the Train" car, but it's so much fun to drive, we use it on the weekends too! Much "zippier" and more reliable than our VW Jetta. Better gas mileage, stereo and seats, too!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Finally a reliable car!

Pintonite, 06/20/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I went from a 92 Talon TSi AWD with full options to the protege with only one intention, reliability. I not only got reliability (great 4 year warranty), but I also got a very comfortable car. My Talon was less than stellar for reliability, but it was very fast and had great options. While I do miss the power and surefooted handling I can already tell that I am going to love this car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car, Great Price

Denver Dude, 06/21/2003
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Into my third week with the car, and I'm still honeymooning. What an excellent automobile! It has decent acceleration, but in the first 800 miles I averaged an unbeatable 32 mpg. Also, I'm 6'4", and the car has enough headroom, esp. with the sunroof option. I also love that option packages are reasonably priced ($690 for Moonroof/6-CD, $490 for ABS and Side-Airbags). I bought the LX model from McDonald Automotive in Centennial, CO. I've been happy so far with the precise manny tranny (five-speed). The dealer was wonderful, the car is great, what a terrific few weeks it has been. I hope the rest of my experience with the car is as much fun.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I would do it again

dsr1sdj, 07/05/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I needed a replacement vehicle for the company car that was removed from me as part of a cost reduction. I have just under 5000 miles on the car currently with no problems to date ... I drove ALL competitive compact vehicles , yes I said all Toyota, Honda,Nissan,Ford,Chevy,Saturn,Mitsubis hi..Any way this Mazda was by far the best driving of all the cars I drove..Best handling and acceleration.least amount of noise at freeway speeds. Overall a pleasure to drive for a compact car.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good overall car

jpc477, 04/07/2008
2003 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My wife & I purchased this brand new off the lot in April of 2003 so we've had the car five years now. It started off as her car, and then became my car after she bought a Honda Fit in August of 2006. Overall, the car has been a good car. The handling is outstanding & very responsive. It runs smoothly, and is comfortable to drive. The only issues we had with it was the alternator going out in it. The alternator went failed right after we bought it, and again about a year ago, but it was replaced at no cost both times. Other than that, it's needed nothing other than routine maintenance.

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5 out of 5 stars

Zoom Zoom

icspots, 04/13/2008
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is not the car I wanted when I went shopping! I wanted the SUV but couldn't really afford it then and sort of settled for the Protege. I fell in love with this car. I recently had the chance to trade car in for the SUV, I was tempted but I couldn't part with car. I plan to pay off the car then get the SUV also!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Mixed feelings

DJ, 04/26/2008
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

One one hand, I love the power and handling you get with such a small sticker price. The Protege killed the Civic and the Corolla in the test drive. It's been a lot of fun!! However, I've had to throw a lot of money at it in the four years I've owned it. I've replaced both wheel bearings twice and the stabilizer links twice also. Very disappointing. The mileage isn't all that great either.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Mazda Protege LX sedan 2003

Luigi, 04/29/2008
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Mazda. It works well and I've never really had a problem with it even after someone hit me going 40 when I was at a complete stop. Not that much damage done to it when it was hit, but it did cost a few thousand dollars to get it fixed. Very fun to drive. Pretty fast (obviously not a Corvette or BMW, but still fast enough to make you happy). Very good handling and easy layout of controls (minus the power windows switch for driver. I always press the back ones on accident). Other then that I'm glad I have it. Gas could be better especially with the prices the way they are now.

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5 out of 5 stars

Little Beast Rules

5 speed, 01/30/2023
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Original owner. Bought Jan 2004 as a leftover, & it replaced a 1993 Protege. Little Beast currently has 101K miles. It spent a good ten years of it's life M-Fr in the long-term parking lot at the RDU airport. Been in Fl for the past 7 years. No rust, interior [less driver side carpet] is in impeccable condition. Local Mazda dealer services the car & they are in awe of the car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Oldie but goodie.

Gharon G., 07/17/2024
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this blue 2003 Protegé LX in 2022 as my first car, and I love it. She had 156,000 miles on the odo when I bought her and she now has 196,667 at time of review post. I haven't had to replace too much since I bought her because she was well taken care of from what I saw when I looked before I bought, the paint was perfect until I took a drive from North Carolina to Wyoming there was no rust anywhere to be seen, interior was great and still is, the 2.0 straight-4 runs surprisingly good for a 21 year old car. All I've had to replace was the intake manifold gasket (I replaced the exhaust and head gasket too while I was at it) and regular maintenance stuff like oil, wipers, tires, etc. people shame on me for driving this "Camry wannabe" but I these people will never understand the bond between me and my first car. And they'll never know the thrill of owning one of these until they do. The only downsides I really see is the lack of power with only 130 hp in the non turbocharged variant (like I have) and only 170 in the turbocharged MazdaSpeed variant, both weigh around 2,500 lbs. Another downside is the lack of performance and cosmetic customization options, with me wanting to turn it into a WRC inspired rallycross car, I'm gonna need both of those. But overall, I know a lot of people don't appreciate the Mazda Protegé, or really Mazda on general, but if you're looking to buy a Protegé, as long as it's in good shape and runs well, you should definitely get it. I promise, you'll fall in love the little car just like I did.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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1.38 out of 5 stars

I wish I hadn't bought the Protege!

japan76, 12/12/2002
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Since day one, I have had nothing but problems with my Protege. A wheel bearing was the first problem as I drove the car off the lot the day I picked it up. I went a mile before I turned around back to the dealership. In the shop for two days waiting for a part. A month later, my interior lights stayed on even when the engine was turned off. Spent one week at the selling dealership to rewire car. Last month it was the oil leak of oil leaks. Seal had to be replaced. That's it, now I am going to force the dealership to buy the lemon back. Have contacted an attorney that handles problems of this nature.

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1.75 out of 5 stars

Don't buy this car whatever you do.

Harry B., 01/14/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

The suspension is horrendous and the ride nauseating on anything other than perfectly smooth roads.The Protege' requires a double dose of Drammamine to avoid the use of a barf-bag enroute. You literally will find it difficult to change radio stations or take a sip from a beverage because of the pulsating and shakey ride. Both the dealership and my own personal mechanic told me there is nothing wrong with the car it just has the suspension tuned this way. I will trade mine in as soon as I can and even though I will loose a lot of money it will be well worth it to get rid of the bouncemobile.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Nice looking car but some major problems

LUKISS, 07/23/2009
2003 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought the LX 2.0 in 2007 with 60,000 K's on it. About 8 months later, anytime it rainied either overnight or in the day the car was parked, when I started up the car it would shake and sputter then the engine light would flash and then stay on. Oh and the big hit was when the transmission went on the car from a worn seal that probably costs .25 cents, it ended up costing me $2000.00 to get fixed and this was in April 2009 with about 98,000 kms on it. A friend has a Mazda Tribute and was having the same problems when it rains, it shakes and sputters. NEVER WILL I BUY A MAZDA PRODUCT AGAIN

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car, Great Price

Luv my Protege, 09/13/2003
2003 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I didn't know much about Mazdas until i test drove the Protege. My wife and I loved the car! It felt solid on the road, and the brakes were very smooth. The engine needs a little more snap, but the gas mileage is great. I would certainly suggest one of these cars to a friend.

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