Mazda Protege

Name: 2003 Mazda Protege
Brand: Mazda

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Protegé offers a roomy interior that's well put together. Handling is good, but a stiff ride and noisy cabin detract from the driving experience.

2003 Small cars Reliability

No Data Available

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2003 Small hatchbacks Ratings

2003 Mazda Protege

$3,050 - $4,625

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $2,900

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Civic

$3,150 - $4,900

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Insight

$3,300

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Accent

$2,850 - $2,925

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Elantra

$3,025 - $3,075

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,875

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Spectra

$2,725 - $2,750

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,925 - $11,050

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Pontiac Vibe

$3,100 - $3,350

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Impreza

$3,025 - $5,650

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Matrix

$3,500 - $4,325

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Golf

$3,125 - $4,875

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small hatchbacks Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

Front

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

4-door hatchback

sedan

5-speed Manual
4-speed Automatic

2-liter 4 (130 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)

Model History

1999-2001

1999 Redesign Year

Redesigned in 1999, the Protegé is one of our top-rated small sedans. We suggest opting for the uplevel ES, which brings a smooth 1.8-liter Four; the lower-trim LX has a smaller 1.6-liter Four that provides less punch, especially when mated to an automatic transmission. We also recommend antilock brakes, though they may be hard to come by in this model. Handling is fairly nimble and secure. The ride is on the firm side, especially in the ES, but quieter than it used to be. And interior room is ample for a small sedan, with a usable rear seat.

2002-

Current Generation

The Protegé remains a solid small-sedan choice. For 2002, Mazda dropped the weak 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine in favor of the smooth, 130-hp 2.0-liter, which is now standard on all models. Handling is fairly nimble and secure, but the ride is stiff and choppy. Interior room is spacious for a small sedan and includes a fairly comfortable rear seat. A four-door hatchback/wagon, called the Protegé5, joined the line. Large fog lights, wide tires, and exaggerated bodywork lend it a sportier appearance. It was discontinued after the 2003 model year, replaced by the Mazda 3.