2003 Mazda MAZDASPEED Protege Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 2003 Mazda MAZDASPEED Protege
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Chris Z
Jan 04, 2022
Great car..very reliable cheap to own and very fun to driveJan 04, 2022
by Jeremy W
Oct 20, 2011
stylish, fun , sporty and the heart of my zoom-zoom. Great stereo. turbo needs to be boosted up a bit. but the handling is excellent. Low profile stock racing heart rims, wrx style rear wing! 1st year mazdaspeed was intoduced. I also own a 2010 mazdaspeed 3. Just love them! Zoom-ZoomOct 20, 2011
by Charli W
Mar 28, 2011
Absolutely amazing car, fun to drive, and man it will turn on a dime. I think that the weakness of this car is the limited slip. I had it snap on me with about 32000 miles on the car. I did autox race a bit with it though, to be fair. I wish I had more time to drive it, but I was deployed for 15 months in 07-08. Right now I have a little over 9000 in parts and upgrades all under the hood or suspension. Still less than 40,000 miles on it and looks damn near stock.Mar 28, 2011
User rating:
by Chris Z
Jan 04, 2022
Great car..very reliable cheap to own and very fun to driveJan 04, 2022
by Jeremy W
Oct 20, 2011
stylish, fun , sporty and the heart of my zoom-zoom. Great stereo. turbo needs to be boosted up a bit. but the handling is excellent. Low profile stock racing heart rims, wrx style rear wing! 1st year mazdaspeed was intoduced. I also own a 2010 mazdaspeed 3. Just love them! Zoom-ZoomOct 20, 2011
by Charli W
Mar 28, 2011
Absolutely amazing car, fun to drive, and man it will turn on a dime. I think that the weakness of this car is the limited slip. I had it snap on me with about 32000 miles on the car. I did autox race a bit with it though, to be fair. I wish I had more time to drive it, but I was deployed for 15 months in 07-08. Right now I have a little over 9000 in parts and upgrades all under the hood or suspension. Still less than 40,000 miles on it and looks damn near stock.Mar 28, 2011
by Paul F
Oct 21, 2010
A good effort from Mazda to produce a vehicle comparable to the upcoming cars of it's period which were the Mitsubishi EVO and the Subaru STi. Definitely geared and marketed towards the younger population, this car was known for many new-age features that it came equipped with stock. Oct 21, 2010
by Kevin G
Feb 23, 2010
Performance - stock it isn't that fast, but is on rails. With modifications can be a scream.
Build Quality - Mazda dropped the ball on some key things with this car, however for a limited production "concept" it is a hit...just need to have patience & build it up.
Appearance - Love the look of this car, aggressive, clean lines.
Cost of Ownership - does modifications count? LOL
Fun Factor - 5/5....this car is a blast to drive....love it!Feb 23, 2010
by Alonso S
Feb 01, 2010
Dislike the hesitation but love the looks and turbo.
Performance could improve with an air fuel controller. Adding
a FMIC is a big help too. The handling is awseone can make
turns at high speeds. Great car and the turbo just add a
manifold for quicker spool.Feb 01, 2010
by Becca C
Jan 24, 2010
I absolutely LOVE this car. She is by FAR the best car I ever owned!! :) Not only is she easily modified, but a dream to drive. Whether you're going down the track, or daily driving- she's a dream! If you ever get the chance to get your hands on one, I would suggest buying it!!!Jan 24, 2010
by Carl F
Nov 17, 2009
Though it has some factory weak points, the car is a
pleasure to drive, and is a great compromise. 4 doors,
sport, 93K on it with only one major repair... comfy,
sporty, nice lines, and with the stock spoiler off, very
inconspicuous.Nov 17, 2009
by Chris G
Aug 03, 2009
They don't call it the Civic killer for nothing. Out handles a Integra Type R. It has issues though. Mazda should have beefed up the engine internals before boosting it. You can add more boost but you need tons of supporting mods to not blow your engine.
I get awesome gas mileage about 30-35 mpg.
This car is extremely fun to drive. It truly drives on rails. Keep in mind this car is like bringing home a new puppy. It's tons of fun but you will need to keep up with her. If you try to get extra power from adding boost you best have all the supporting mods. Remember, you didn't get this car for the amazing power (though it has plenty) you got this car for the awesome looks, and magnificent handling.Aug 03, 2009
by Michele A
Jun 23, 2009
The car doesn't have much power, but it offers great looks ont he inside and out with the fun of a turbo. I think the interior looks much better than the stock wrx/evo8+ interiors.
The handling and weight of the car is its best feature.
It's worst feature is it's weak motor and transmission (can not handle much more power after 230-250hp)Jun 23, 2009
by Roch D
Sep 14, 2008
It's a fun car. The performances are acceptable and the
handling is good. I have to replace link kits and sway
bar bushings once a year. I've had problems with the
exhaust manifold falling off because of a broken bolt.
I've had the engine block replaced and the turbo as
well. The brakes are very expensive, hard to find and
do not last long. It's a good car to have...under
guarantee.Sep 14, 2008
by Ben C
Aug 06, 2008
*Performance â With the mods I've made to the car, it quite fast for it's size. I know it's not the fastest, but it's plenty of fun.
*Build Quality â No major repairs. Has a couple squeaks and rattles, but that is to be expected with motor mount inserts.
*Appearance â Interior is among one of the best stock interiors i have ever seen, even in cars costing twice or three times as much.
*Cost of Ownership â Car averages 32MPG with mixed driving. Maintenance is only oil and the occasionally Seafoam dosage.
*Fun Factorâ Car handles like a dream, but the ride will not break your back. Because of the small turbo, performance is always on tap at any RPM which is impressive for a 4 cylinder.
Aug 06, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 18, 2008
Picked up a used 2003 Mazdaspeed, single ower and only 20k miles on it! Still own my original 1992 Protege LX and am tickled with the differences between the two as I get used to the new ride. Roomier than my older Protege but seems to lost a little space in the trunk. Short throw shifter is a blast and the cornering, steering is top notch. Not wild about using only premium fuel but that's a small con to enjoying the ride and handling the MSP providesJun 18, 2008
by Brooks B
Jun 09, 2008
I bought this car about two years ago and I absolutely love it. It's not a very quick car, but the suspension that comes on the car is all aftermarket. Racing Beat is featured on everything for the suspension in this car. I have the 2003.5 which came with the dark racing hart 17" wheels. Overall, it's a fantastic car and there's not too many of them around.Jun 09, 2008
by Willis W
Apr 28, 2008
The car had exceptional grip and good body control for a sedan. I can't think of many cars that would outhandle it off the showroom floor. That being said, the power was a let down. After the tiny intercooler heat-soaked, the power dropped tremendously. I could barely get around a Miata.
The interior was good and the exterior (in gray) wasn't too flashy.
If someone has figured out to smooth out the power delivery and then you add a front mount intercooler, this would be a great track car.Apr 28, 2008
by Tyler J
Apr 02, 2008
Great Car For the Money and Rarer than a Ferrari 360.Apr 02, 2008
by Jason W
Mar 29, 2008
Nice work done by Mazda with this factory built tuner. They loaded it up nose to tail with some pretty impressive aftermarked gear including a Garrett turbo with blow-off valve, decent exhaust, cool color keyed interior, and an amazing suspension set-up.Mar 29, 2008
by Lindsey H
Jan 10, 2008
It handles very well, needs a few performance upgrades for the strip thoJan 10, 2008
by Adam S
Jan 03, 2008
This car beat the Porsche 911 on the slalomn course right off the show room floor!!!! Show me another vehicle you can buy for about $20,000 that looks, handles and performs as well as this does....please!Jan 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 05, 2007
I love the look and handling of the car, it is under powered and has stereo issues Sep 05, 2007
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2003 Mazda MAZDASPEED Protege Pricing
Original MSRP
$20,500 to $21,000Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Kenwood premium brand · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: front
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Kenwood premium brand · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: front
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
