2003
Mazda Protege5

Starts at:
$16,795
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New 2003 Mazda Protege5
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Available trims

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  • 5dr Wgn Auto
    Starts at
    $16,795
    25 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn Manual
    Starts at
    $16,795
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Factory warranties

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Consumer reviews

95% of drivers recommend this car
4.7 / 5
Based on 47 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.6
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • By Truman masters
    Owns this car
    July 27, 2024

    So I paid 1.

    So I paid 1.500 for my 2003 mazda protege5 hatchback 2.0l amazing car it had 147000 miles on it when I got it I done your basic upgrades but I had to replace o2 sensor master clutch cylinder and slave cylinder brake caliper and pads lower control arms and I did do a complete flush and fluid replacement I've put cold air intake speed shifter e break upgrade and it does like to kick out of 3rd so I still need to replace the throw out bearings and syncro bearing but still it's a daily driver handling is out of this world by far the best car I've ever driven
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By WTEster1
    Used to own this car
    June 27, 2024

    Overall it performed better than many b vehicles I owned

    Overall it performed better than many b vehicles I owned until it died. Bought it used with 40K miles and died after 83K miles. Fully maintained so l while owning it. Performed full maintenance when purchased. And followed scheduled maintenance. On the 43K miles I had to: - get the clutch replaced - rear brakes worked on (twice) and needed replacement again when it died. - radiator flushed - new head gasket - new sparkplugs - new coils - tires replaced - timing belt replaced - all other belts replaced - fix power locks (all 4 doors multiple times) -fix driver side power window -replace exaust sensors - plus regular maintenace (oil, filters, check fluids) THE GOOD +The zoom zoom factor. Really fun to drive. +Good use of space. +OK mileage (24-30MPG +std ABS ( worked very well) +std alloy qheels +moon/sun roof +stylish +roof rack THE BAD -poor stereo -poor designed roof rack side covers (beauty plastics for edges) break easily and were placed were the load would rest. -Poor rear disc break design. Wears VERY FAST. I had other vehicles with rear dusc breaks, none had issues. -Likely the worst power lock design. plastic gears inside break every other year. -noisy interior. -engine didnt last long. First vehicle owned that didn't run for over 80K miles in my car. (my average before the Protege was ~150k personally driven miles) I owned hard to maintain and poorly design vehicles like RX7, a Chrysler vehicle, a misubishi vehicle and a vehicle that got totalled in a crash. Sure The other brands Toyota, Nissan and Ford truck went over 200K but all vehicles lasted longer than the Protégé5. Likely my last Mazda ever. I wild day avoid Mazda. Specially the Protégé5.
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sam from North bend, WS
    Owns this car
    October 9, 2022

    Best budget daily sports wagon

    Bought mine a while ago and it’s been nothing but fun. It may not be fast, but it feels like it’s on rails in tight turns. The interior is nothing to write home about, but Mazda isn’t trying to disguise the interior as expensive. Reliability wise it has never failed to start. The bucket seats are comfortable and adjustable in all the right places.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By jay from tracy, ca
    Owns this car
    May 17, 2021

    One of the best cars Mazda ever put out.

    Very responsive to turns; handles like a go-cart. Feels spacious inside. Interior design is very easy to keep clean; sleek, minimal. White gauge clusters are very aethestic, especially with the red backlight. Backseats fold back, I usually leave them this way. Feels like a big trunk. Very sporty body styles, this is not a station wagon; hatchback yes. I think they're one of the most attractive and well-rounded cars out there.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mustangleader from Manhattan Beach, CA
    Owns this car
    February 25, 2021

    Great, Reliable Fun Car To Drive Daily

    I have own 3 Protege 5s, two currently. I bought 2002 model new and sold it to neighbor with 235,000 miles because he needed a commuted car and wanted a stick shift model. Then I bought two 2003 models, one with auto transmission with dual clutch option and a stick shift model. Ironically both had 133,000 miles when I bought them about 1 year apart. Other than normal maintence and one clutch because I didn't know how the former owner drove it, that's it. 2002 model clutch drove for remarkable 225,000 miles. As Car and Drive wrote, "It's a sports car in a wagon skin." I believe Mazda borrowed suspension from a Miata. Recommend car as a daily driver because it's fun to drive. I have other cars for other purposes like a muscle car but for daily use, this is the car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Yesfilms from St. Petersburg, FL
    Owns this car
    February 15, 2021

    Best car that sadly Mazda will never repeat!

    I bought this car in April 2003 brand new. I regret not getting it in manual, but I can't complain. I added leather! 1)Florida is hot most of the year and a working AC is a MUST. I've never had to do anything to this car's AC in 18 years!...and it still blows COLD AIR. 2)The moon/sun roof has never leaked water and works as good as the 1st day. In reality, I've only done tires (with rotation/alignment, balance), a couple of batteries, air filters, oil changes and one radiator. The cargo space has been great for my wife and I. Even on a couple of occasions when we had to go to IKEA, we were able to fold the rear seats and fit everything. If you're fortunate enough to buy one used w/low miles and from a person that treated it well...you'll NEVER regret purchasing it!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By MauritiusExpress from New York, NY
    Owns this car
    December 8, 2019

    Lucky to own one

    A fun to drive car. Looks sporty. Grips the road and handles the curves with precision. Responsive steering. Peppy engine but could have been more powerful. Still own mine.... 17 years later and at 250k miles. Very reliable car, and low maintenance cost. Only came out for 2002 and 2003 model years. Get your hands on a low mileage one, and get to experience the thrill of a sports minded vehicle. Zoom Zoom!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Talis from Gilbert
    Owns this car
    June 11, 2019

    Zoom-Zoom

    Mazda builds some of the best performance cars in the low priced field of anyone! Auto editors call Mazda the "poor mans BMW" and they are absolutly correct! I bought my Protege5 new in 2003 and I loved every one of the 180+K I put on in in 16 years of ownership. I get close to 30mpg with it, and even at over 180k miles it still handles great! The engine loves to rev, and the manual trans is the only way to go. Reliable, fun, economical, and darn good looking and practical vehicle.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Scoobie from Drexel Hill, Pa
    Used to own this car
    January 19, 2019

    I want to back Mazda Protage5 so badly.

    I love it and with sport performance and very smooth as fast. It is very good shape body and comfortable too. You of all guy should have Mazda Protage5 sport!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By baby cherry from New York, NY
    Owns this car
    August 13, 2018

    wish i had it brand new

    amazing, reliable and last you a very long time, broke on me just once in the 7 yrs I had it, rust took a toll on it but pretty well from the year. it comes with features other newer and better cars lack, like the sunroof, and 6 disc changer, a cassette audio to connect to the iPhone if you want to play your music.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By GeorgeL from New Bern
    Owns this car
    July 23, 2018

    Not bad for a 15 year old car!

    A car!A really zippy mini station wagon. Puts Subaru to shame! Did I mention zippy? Comfortable seating position, great driving lights, powerful fog lights, roomy, reasonably priced for used, looks like it will keep going for a while. Saw a few advertised for sale with high 200k into 300's.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Nat from Virginia
    Owns this car
    June 5, 2018

    Most reliable car I ever owned!!

    Best car I have ever owned!! Its reliable, comfortable and very stylish. It has a great gas mileage. Never give me any problems. Fun to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Mazda Protege5?

The 2003 Mazda Protege5 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Mazda Protege5?

The 2003 Mazda Protege5 offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2003 Mazda Protege5 reliable?

The 2003 Mazda Protege5 has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Mazda Protege5 owners.

Is the 2003 Mazda Protege5 a good Wagon?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Mazda Protege5. 95.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 47 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8
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