Underapreciated Front Driver: 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege

The 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege was the first offering from the Mazdaspeed name plate.  It was to be Mazda's hot rod shop ala Mercedes AMG, BMW M-series, Ford's SVT, etc.  The Mazdaspeed was spawned from the righteous handling 2001-2 Protege MP3 model.  The MP3 name was derived from the audio MP3 file (think Napster) which was new at the time and the car was outfitted with a wacky Kenwood headunit that would do somersaults every time the car was turned on.  Well known tuner Callaway Cars was brought in to turbo charge the MP3 140 hp 2.0 engine.  The boosted engine was good for 170 hp, but developed a horrible reputation for throwing rods if you upped the boost past 10 psi.  Find this 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege for sale in Waterbury, CT for $2,900 via craigslist.

OEM+: 2002 Mazda Protegé 5

The eighth and final generation of the Mazda Familia was released as the Protegé for the 1999 US market model year.  It continued the basic econobox formula from previous years, but was actually becoming a well polished basic sedan that threatened Honda and Toyota for basic transportation needs.  However, the Protege offered a fun factor that was unmatched by its Japanese rivals and today's example brings a few OEM+ upgrades to the table.  Find this 2002 Mazda Protegé 5 offered for $4,700 via NASIOC forums.

5k: Future Classic: 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege

 Back before Mazda released their factory tuned track rat Mazdaspeed 3 and (more useful, but less fun) Mazdaspeed 6, they had a little family car called the Familia/Protegé that made some waves. The basic Protegé was capable, but focused on frugal driving -- however, in the final year of production the wizards at Mazdaspeed teamed up with Callaway to release a turbocharged Protegé with  penchant for smoking its front tires.  Find this 2003 Mazdaspeed Protegé offered for $5,800 near Seattle, WA.  Tip from Gianni.