2003 Mazda Protege reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Mazda Protege resources:
2003 Mazda Protege
The Protege is so successful that this year it is used
as a base for the Protege 5 wagon/hatchback crossover
and the Mazdaspeed Protege sport compact. However, in
developing these new models, the designers have not
neglected the basic breadwinner model and the 2003 Mazda
Protege is a great compact car with a range of amenities,
solid levels of power and performance, and a range of
trim levels that reflect different consumer needs and
desires.
Whether you go for the base DX, the added convenience
of the LX or the top-level ES, the Protege will not
disappoint offering, as it does, value, reliability
and asphalt surface agility.
Under the Hood
Sharing with the crossover Protege5 wagon, the Protege
sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder 16-valve
DOHC engine with 130-horsepower at 6000rpm and 135lb-ft
of torque at 4000rpm. A five-speed manual transmission
is standard, while a four-speed electronically controlled
Sport AT™ automatic transmission is available at
the ES level. This allows the driver to choose between
automatic and manual shifting for those situations when
it is needed or desired.
The Protege gets a respectable 25/31mpg (city/hwy).
MacPherson struts are an additional value while independent
rear struts feature Mazda's Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL)
design. The ES has four-wheel antilock disc brakes and
new for 2003, front fender-mounted side marker lamps
and five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with P195/50VR-16
all-season steel-belted radial tires. Safety is enhanced
further with dual front airbags.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The base DX comes with most of the essentials including
tilt power steering, cloth upholstery on front bucket
seats, a split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, clock,
and more. The LX level adds air conditioning, cruise
control, a height-adjustable driver seat and power features
like mirrors, windows, door locks and remote entry system,.
A tachometer is included in a nearly new center console
(revised in 2002).
New interior upgrades for this year include two new
tweeter speakers for the modular audio system and black-on-white
gauges. The top-level ES edition adds final upgrade
details like the upgraded sound system fog lights and
a rear spoiler.
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