2003 Mazda Protege

Pros: Handling, fun factor, interior materials, fit and finish

Cons: Mediocre engine

The Bottom Line: A leader in the used compact car market. Fun to drive and a solid buy for students.

Review: I recently test drove a used 2003 Mazda Protege LX with about 30,000 miles on the clock, in addition to several other compact cars in the same price range. Overall, I found the Protege to be one of the best cars in its class. 2003 was the last year ...

Pros: Phenominal handling, outstanding reliability, great looks and roomy interior

Cons: Could use a bit more power, a few rattles, some cheap minor parts

The Bottom Line: Terrific fun on the road or the track, and a reliable family car thrown in as a bonus.

Review: I was planning on updating my review of the 2003 Mazda Protege, but based on this amount of new information after a full year of ownership, I decided that a full rewrite was more in order. Before I get into the Mazda Protege itself, I’d like to ...

Pros: awesome handling, great brakes, plenty of low-end grunt, plenty of room, good looks

Cons: highway wind noise, mediocre strength A/C, substandard gas mileage for class, develops rattles

The Bottom Line: Not very economical, but very fun to drive, confident braking, reliable operation, great in winter with snow tires. Comfortable, excellent visibility and good room. Great value at used price.

Review: I chose the 2003 Mazda Protege LX automatic over the Toyota Corolla S and the Mitsubishi Lancer because the Protege had the best road feel. It felt the zippiest, and the interior looked great (not as nice as Corolla S, but nice anyway). The three-spoke ...

Pros: Good acceleration. Quality motor.

Cons: Little things may not work or be of poor quality.

The Bottom Line: A commuter-class car. Far above Hyundai and Kia, better than Nissan and American cars, about comparable to the best Japanese cars.

Review: The 2003 Protege is a tremendous bargain. This was the last year for the model as it is now replaced by the Mazda 3. As such, it's going at a pretty cheap price, supplemented by the fact that the car was produced in huge numbers and then sold to rental ...

Pros: style, safety ratings, visibility, quality built, interior room, trunk room, reliability

Cons: few minor things (see above) Dunlop Sport5000M tires are great for summer, not winter

The Bottom Line: This is a great car with a GREAT warranty-- 48months/50,000 miles bumper to bumper with a loaner car program. Really fun to drive with a 14.2 gallon tank!

Review: I have had this car for 10 months now, and I have 7400 miles on it. I really like the styling and since 2 members of my family owned a Mazda and were very pleased, I decided to get a Protege instead of a Civic or Corolla. My wife has a Ford Focus so ...

Pros: Quick, handles great, large community, lots of upgrades available, looks and feels great!

Cons: Bushings, no factory boost gauge, shifter is short but needs shorter throw

The Bottom Line: Get the extended warranty but this car is great, forget the Civics, with mild upgrades you will be very quick and a great everyday driver.

Review: I recently purchased this car from a local dealer and after knowing there is small problems with it I didn't care, the car looked great sitting there at the lot and I couldn't resist. I purchased an extended warranty with it to be sure i'd be covered ...

Pros: Sporty exterior/interior, loud/clear radio, excellent performance

Cons: Somewhat plain interior, not ideal over 6' tall

The Bottom Line: If your looking for a car that is a good daily driver and will give you a fun time when your looking for it, this is for you.

Review: Intro: I dont personally own the vehicle but it was recently purchased by a friend of mine. When ...

Pros: Exclusivity, TURBOCHARGED, Supurb - Handling and braking, Great reliability ratings by top critics.

Cons: No moonroof, No cruise control.

The Bottom Line: If you want a unique car that is fun to drive then the Speed is for you.

Review: When I was shopping for cars I was looking for cars that were unique, fun to drive, and practical. At a budget of about $ 20,000 that does not leave much to look at. Sure there's the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec: Boring exterior, plain cheap looking interior, ...

Pros: Unbelievable Handling, Very Sporty, Killer Sound System, Great transmission and Shifter, Very Quick!

Cons: None that I have found after owning the car for a week.

The Bottom Line: If you need a car that gets you from here to there, but you wouldn't mind turning some heads in the process...then this is the car for you.

Review: If you need a car that gets you from here to there, but you wouldn't mind turning some heads in the process...then this is the car for you. Its great on gas, and yet at the same time will get you off the line pretty quick with it's turbocharged 4-cyl...

Pros: Handling, Styling, Stereo, Easy modifications

Cons: Power, High underhood temperatures, Restrictive exhaust, Restrictive intake

The Bottom Line: Don't listen to everyone else. If you're interested in this car, take it for a test drive and see for yourself if it's right for you.

Review: I've had this car for two weeks, and have put over 1000 miles on it. Here are my impressions: Thi ...