Auto Guide
2003 Mazda Protege
Used

Review and specifications

2003 Mazda Protege

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.

Market value
$3,513
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2003
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2002

Pricing

Current retail median
$3,513
Retail value range
$3,050 - $4,625
Original MSRP range
$13,580 - $20,480
Trade-in range
$775 - $1,845

Ratings

Road test score
54/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
25 MPG
EPA highway
30 MPG
EPA combined
27 MPG
Tested city
19 MPG
Tested highway
34 MPG
Tested overall
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,500
Cruising range
375 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.6 sec
0-60 mph
10.3 sec
60-0 mph braking
137 ft
Avoidance speed
53 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
175 in
Width
67 in
Height
56 in
Wheelbase
103 in
Weight
2,715 lb
Maximum load
850 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
2.5 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
1.5 in
Rear leg room
28 in
Cargo volume
0 cu ft
Luggage
4+0+0

Brand context

About Mazda

Most Mazdas are affordable, fun to drive, and look good inside and out. Many of its crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an affordable pre-owned car. Mazda’s two- and three-row SUVs, identified by CX in the name, are consistently near the top of our ratings. Some Mazdas are available as plug-in hybrids that are capable of useful amounts of electric-only driving range. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades before, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.

Vehicle ID: 8806 First published: July 10, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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