2002 vs 2003

[KindofBlue]

Greetings and salutations,

I'm looking for a 2002/2003 ES Silver manual protege. I'm hoping someone might be able to tell me if there are any major differences between the 02 and the 03 both in terms of how they are equipped as well are the 02's more problematic (did they work out any bugs from the 02 when buidling the 03) than the 03's are?

I started this search back in February but as soon as I started I had to abruptly place my search on hold and am now looking again. Back in Feb I was looking for an ES but to be honest, outside of the 5 lug's vs 4 lug's and different rear brakes I cannot recall the difference between the ES and the LX. Any other info on the difference (particularly suspension) would be greatly appreciated.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

I have looked but didn't find any sticky's/FAQ's that answer my question so if I am missing it please let direct me and I will be on my merry way.

 

[D-rock240]

Well 2003's have the side marker light, which is great for making lane changes on the highway. I feel much safer having it.

 

[gksspot]

There are very minor changes.

Edmunds says:

What's New for 2003
Minor changes limited to feature content are in store for Mazda's economy sedan. The DX trim gets a CD player as standard equipment, while air conditioning is offered as a stand-alone option. The LX trim receives 15-inch wheels as standard. Last year's premium packages for the LX and ES have been discontinued, but you can still get the sunroof, side airbags and antilock brakes as options.

Intellichoice New for 03

After receiving a mid-year refreshing in 2002, the Mazda Protege returns for 2003 with no major changes to its line-up, which includes the DX, LX and ES. The DX model adds an AM/FM stereo with CD player to the list of standard features, as well as offering air conditioning a stand-alone option. The LX trim now features redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, while the ES returns with 16-inch alloy wheels. Also, all models now come equipped with standard carpeted floor mats. Packages have been simplified with the deletion of the trim Premium Packages and the addition of two new packages, the ABS & Side Air Bag Package and the Moonroof & 6-CD Package. New for 2003, the Protege is offered in a Laser Blue Mica exterior.



What Ive found from my recent searches:

- 03s have not so nice rim choices then the 02s (subjective though)
- 03s and some 02.5s have the fender mounted turn signals (can do aftermarket without a problem)


ESs in general have standard 4 wheel disk brakes, 16 inch rims, fog lights, and spoiler. ESs do have silvery/carbon fiber looking interior peices that might or might not look good ot you. Also, the sways might be a tad thicker on the ESs too... not positive.

With regards to the 02 LXs, they can add the spoiler, foglights, but not rear disks. Other then the rear brakes an LX can come configured just like an ES... with things like moonroof, side airbags, spoiler, abs, and so on.

I particularly set out looking for a loaded 02 LX cause I dont like the spoiler, didnt want the stiffer tires that would come on 16s (less sidewall) and the LX is usually quite a bit cheaper.
The Protege's suspension is already stiff enough, we arnt auto Xing it, just a family sedan thats is used for family errands/commute and some occasional spirited driving.

Good luck with your search... if you are looking for a manual tranny be patient... I know all about it... (thumb)

 

[D-rock240]

There are very minor changes.

Like he said. They were concentrating on the Mazdaspeed between '02-'03 so there were minor changes to the sedans/pro5.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2385/act/usedcarreviewshowall/

 

[Aricjm15]

as far as moving parts go the cars are the same between 02 and 03

 

[turboteg1.8]

With regards to the 02 LXs, they can add the spoiler, foglights, but not rear disks. Other then the rear brakes an LX can come configured just like an ES...

my 03 is an LX and I have rear disc brakes (uhm)

 

[tunersteve]

my 03 is an LX and I have rear disc brakes (uhm)

What color is your interior, gray or black?

 

[turboteg1.8]

What color is your interior, gray or black?

neither it is tan

 

[tunersteve]

Or that. I've never heard of a DX/LX with rear disks, and I have no idea on how you got that either.

 

[gksspot]

Previous owner must have swapped them. All the publications I read during my research pointed out that to step up to disks in the rear you needed the ES.
What country are you in? JER z... I imagine that is New Jersey correct?

 

[tunersteve]

Previous owner must have swapped them. All the publications I read during my research pointed out that to step up to disks in the rear you needed the ES.
What country are you in? JER z... I imagine that is New Jersey correct?

You are correct. If I remember correctly, that was also the only trim level which you could get ABS/SAB as an option. Got it on mine and actually helped lower my insurance because of the added safety systems.

 

[turboteg1.8]

weird thing is, based on all the info I have read I have ABS, but my trim is a LX according to the dealership and my VIN....I have the 15" alloys as well not the 16" so I am almost 100% sure it is not an es

 

[gksspot]

You can get the ABS/SAB on non ESs.

turboteg1.8, you sure you know what disk brakes look like?


































j/k

 

[D-rock240]

Pics? I'm interested, from everything i've read it had to be aftermarket switch if it is a US market LX. You have 4 lug wheels, right?

 

[turboteg1.8]

D-rock240- I dont have a digi cam at the moment, but I will try to get pics asap....I find this extremely wierd, there is absolutely nothing done to the car at all and the previous owner was an older woman and I highly doubt she did it and I am the second owner of the car

gksspot- yes I know what disc brakes look like (wedge)