2003 Mazda Protege: Road Test
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2003 Mazda Protege ▼
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- MSRP: $13,580 -$20,480
- Invoice: $12,702 -$18,927
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Our road test for the 2003 Mazda Protege includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mazda Protege from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mazda Protege, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mazda Protege help you decide if a 2003 Mazda Protege is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
OK with manual transmission but labored with automatic, especially in passing or hill climbing. Test LX did 0-60 mph in a disappointing 9.8 sec with manual shift. We have not tested a MazdaSpeed model.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
Test LX averaged 24.5 mpg, including performance tests. Test Protege5 averaged 20.6. Both had manual transmission.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Thumpy over bumps, especially ES and Protege5.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
All have a solid feel, quick steering, agile cornering with little body lean. Stiffer suspension and performance tires sharpen ES and Protege5. Braking good but unexceptional even with ABS.
QUIETNESS
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Only class-average. Main problems are marked rough-surface tire thrum and slightly throbby, coarse-sounding engines that aren't very quiet except in gentle cruising.
CONTROLS
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Nothing special, but simple, convenient, intuitive. All Proteges have pleasant cabin decor and generally fine fit-and-finish save slightly tinny door and trunklid closings.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Good head room for up to 6-footers and ample leg space for all. Visibility very good to all corners. Standard height-adjustable driver seat on all but DX helps tailor basically good stance, but may not raise high enough for some.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Leg room scarce with front seats pushed fully aft, head room average, but decent knee room and under-seat foot space. Entry/exit quite easy for a small 4 dr.
CARGO ROOM
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 3.8 |
Sedan's trunk is about average for the class, but standard locking 60/40 folding rear seat is a plus. Wagon's rear seats fold forward without removing the headrests, but lay at an angle about 2 inches above the level of the cargo floor; overall capacity is about average for the class. Standard on wagon is a rigid cargo cover.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.4 |
Protege disappoints on ride and refinement, but matches class leaders in most other ways while offering great dollar value and an appealingly frisky personality. Recommended, but also check out the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Jetta.
Total Score
| LX, man. | ES, auto. | Protege5, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 49 | 54 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 51
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