2003 Mazda MAZDASPEED Protege Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Available for only one year, the MAZDASPEED Protege was the first limited-edition, high-performance Mazda to feature a special tuning...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Mazda MAZDASPEED Protege express great enthusiasm for this car, praising its fun driving experience, excellent handling, and appealing design. However, many express concerns about its limited power, reliability issues with certain components, and the need for premium fuel. The unique combination of a sporty design and tunability makes it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, even if it requires a bit of maintenance."
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.
August 3, 2009I 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!!!
January 24, 2010Performance - 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!
February 23, 2010What owners say
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.
August 3, 2009I 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!!!
January 24, 2010Performance - 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!
February 23, 2010*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.
August 6, 2008Great Car For the Money and Rarer than a Ferrari 360.
April 2, 2008Though 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.
November 17, 2009The 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)
June 23, 2009I 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.
June 9, 2008It handles very well, needs a few performance upgrades for the strip tho
January 10, 2008Great car..very reliable cheap to own and very fun to drive
January 4, 2022
