2003 Mazda MAZDASPEED Protege Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Available for only one year, the MAZDASPEED Protege was the first limited-edition, high-performance Mazda to feature a special tuning package from MAZDASPEED, Mazda's own in-house motorsports and aftermarket tuner. Based on the standard production Protege, which was in its final year of production, the MAZDASPEED Protege was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 170 horsepower -- up 30 hp from the standard Protege.
Other upgrades included a suspension tuned by Racing Beat, larger four-wheel disc brakes, special headlight housings, and 17-inch Racing Hart wheels, as well as more than 1,000 additional modifications. The custom interior included a two-tone steering wheel, high-bolstered bucket seats, alloy pedals with rubber grips, and an alloy shift knob wrapped in leather. Additional features included power steering, power door locks, a keyless entry system, dual airbags, power exterior mirrors, and a premium Kenwood 250-watt audio system. Drivers gave the MAZDASPEED Protege high marks for its handling (especially around corners), styling, interior appointments, and stereo system (which also garnered high praise from reviewers and critics). On the downside, some drivers noted that the car wasn't as fast as they expected from a high-performance automobile, especially when compared to its competitors.