Canadian 3rd gen - model lineup

[dugrant153]

Hey folks,

So I'm starting to look for a good used Mazda Protege. The only problem is that I can't seem to find the model information. What are the differences b/w the DX/LX/ES/ES-GT? (looking at 2001 and up)

From some reading around this forum, my understanding is that the ES and ES-GT both have the 2.0L engine, but the ES-GT has disc brakes (contrary to the the US market). Also, the LX has a 2.0L engine (or is it an option?) but has front discs and rear drums?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have used the search button already, and I've tried googling it... but if someone could just point me in the right direction, that'd be great.

[Kansei]

Hey folks,

So I'm starting to look for a good used Mazda Protege. The only problem is that I can't seem to find the model information. What are the differences b/w the DX/LX/ES/ES-GT? (looking at 2001 and up)

From some reading around this forum, my understanding is that the ES and ES-GT both have the 2.0L engine, but the ES-GT has disc brakes (contrary to the the US market). Also, the LX has a 2.0L engine (or is it an option?) but has front discs and rear drums?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have used the search button already, and I've tried googling it... but if someone could just point me in the right direction, that'd be great.

Whichever one has rear disc brakes will also be a 5-lug unless that is different for the canadian spec models too. On the U.S. models the DX/LX have 4 lug wheels with rear drum brakes, and they have a different interior with different seats and a non-leather steering wheel. The DX doesn't have body-colored door handles or side trim.

Also, as soon as you hit 2002 or 2002.5 models I think they all have the 2.0.

The only Canadian thing I can think of is that air conditioning might not be standard on any model, I know it wasn't on the Protege5 in Canada.

Good luck with your search!

[dugrant153]

thanks. I"m still on the look out.

it's all very confusing the way Mazda Canada did it. some cars have this, other cars have that.... yikes!

At first I was thinking of just going with an LX with drum brakes (assuming it still has the 2.0 engine), but the thought of rear drums during spirited driving... hmm....

[mazdaholic]

the canadian ES GT model is basically just the 2002 model, with downgraded trim.
the 02 ES came with sunroof, AC, 5 lug wheels, body colored mirrors.
the 01 GT has black mirrors, plus no chrome trim on the body.

[dugrant153]

so... if I'm looking for disc brakes (just to clarify)...
01 ES GT (only?)
02 ES and ES GT



and jsut for comparison, what does the 01 Protege ES come with? (compared to the 02?)

[mazdaholic]

so... if I'm looking for disc brakes (just to clarify)...
01 ES GT (only?)
02 ES and ES GT



and jsut for comparison, what does the 01 Protege ES come with? (compared to the 02?)

01 es GT has everything the 02 es has. the differences are the 01 has black plastic mirrors, not body colored ones, also, the trim on the top of the grille and the trim on the trunk lid are not chrome. The front trim is black, and the back is body colored. There might also be minor interior trim differences, but its all pretty much the same.

[mik]

Have you gone to the Protege FAQ?
http://web2.airmail.net/theman/protegefaq/

Here is an excerpt you may be interested in:

What's the deal with the "Protegé ES GT"?
The current 2001 Canadian spec Protegé ES is not fully equivalent to the US spec Protegé ES. The Canadian Protegé ES does not come with 16" alloy wheels (it has steel wheels stock), rear disc brakes, and spoiler. The GT package adds these missing features but also includes a moonroof, ABS, and air conditioning.

Looks like all the ESs have rear disks unless someone can counter this.

As for the 2002 LX, it came with the 2.0 but had drum brakes in the back. It came pretty barren but could be upgraded with cruise, air and power featrues as part of a package but no rear disks.

[dugrant153]

that helps clear things up. probably best for me to just go for an 02 ES, since that comes with rear drum brakes... right?
(after seeing how quick and easy it is to change pads on disk brakes, I MUST have disk brakes all around!)

chances are that I'd end up changing the wheels and spoiler and what not. although air conditioning... that's also a must... only on GT? or on ES as option?

I did check out that FAQ, by the way. just haven't had much time to really read all of it.

[kbal]

that helps clear things up. probably best for me to just go for an 02 ES, since that comes with rear drum brakes... right?
(after seeing how quick and easy it is to change pads on disk brakes, I MUST have disk brakes all around!)

chances are that I'd end up changing the wheels and spoiler and what not. although air conditioning... that's also a must... only on GT? or on ES as option?

I did check out that FAQ, by the way. just haven't had much time to really read all of it.

I have a Canadian 02 es and it has rear disc brakes, ac, moon roof, spoiler, rims, the works. I almost went with an 01 GT until i saw the 02 es and its defenitly a better package. Hope this helps.

[dugrant153]

ah, so it's the 02 es that has rear disc brakes.

I think I confirmed that today when I saw an ES 2.0 and it had rear brakes. it startled me for a bit!