LX vs ES?

[dugrant153]

Just wondering what the differences were?

From what I understand, the LX has rear drums while the ES has disks?

But they do share the same 2.0L engine, right?

[freesurfer]

The 2.0L engines are identical for the LX and ES. The ES does have standard equipment that is optional on the LX though. I just bought a 2003 ES and luv it! My only gripe is the comical, wimpy horn, it's borderline embarrassing to use. My son says it reminds him of an ice cream truck -and he's right!

[kcbhiw]

The LX does (from 02+) have the same engine as the ES. The EX has disk brakes all around, larger 16" wheels, strut brace, black interior (identical to that found in the P5), smaller steering wheel, leather shift knob......the ES is basically a P5 'sedan' without the body kit.

[alexlitov]

What is DX then??

[kcbhiw]

Originally posted by alexlitov
What is DX then??

Basically an LX with power nothing and steel wheels.

[nitelite]

yep, i kinda wish i would have grabbed the es because of the wheels, and fog lights. thats okay though. i dont think i can exchange the drums out for disks, i think i would have to change the whole axle...i think but anyway--i am satisfied w/ what i have now.

[MarkSpark]

Originally posted by kcbhiw
The LX does (from 02+) have the same engine as the ES. The EX has disk brakes all around, larger 16" wheels, strut brace, black interior (identical to that found in the P5), smaller steering wheel, leather shift knob......the ES is basically a P5 'sedan' without the body kit.

I havent looked at the 2003 ES models, but do they really have a strut tower bar on them?

[mazdadan]

Originally posted by MarkSpark
I havent looked at the 2003 ES models, but do they really have a strut tower bar on them?

Good point....my 2001 ES didn't have a strut tower bar. I had to add it later on. As far as I know, only the P5, MP3, and MSP have the strut tower bar stock. Maybe the dealer added it or Mazda made it standard on the ES for 2003?

[kcbhiw]

After looking into it further, I realize that the ES doesn't come with the bar. I stand corrected. (doh)

[nitelite]

umm i forgive you. but i say everyone should have a strut bar

[AZDriftR]

Originally posted by kcbhiw
After looking into it further, I realize that the ES doesn't come with the bar. I stand corrected. (doh)

but u were basically right, but the ES doent have a leather wraped Shift knob, and no one mentioned the ES fog lights and the Spoiler or that it has the 5 lug wheel set up. as far as the DX goes it is AN LX with hubcaps and no standerd power options. i would say spend the extra change and get the ES.

[SpicyMchaggis]

DX's dont have ABS, power windows, locks, moonroof..or even a tach..they have nothing...all in the name of weight reduction..haha..sigh..i hate my car..just too damn slow..i should of bought a ferrari

[choke on words]

yeah, i shoulda spent that extra change & got an ES. woulda been nice to have 5 lug & blk. interior.

oh well! im still happy with what i got.:)

[dugrant153]

Lower end Mazda Protege's only come with 4-lug? O_o...

Isn't that WAY WAY Old School???

[KpaBap]

Originally posted by dugrant153
Lower end Mazda Protege's only come with 4-lug? O_o...

Isn't that WAY WAY Old School???

No. What advantage does 5-lug have over 4-lug from a performance standpoint?

[therizzzo]

I was gonna get the LX at first, but after I saw the interior I had to have the ES. I figued if I was gonna be paying on something for 5yrs, I better be comfy and styling.

[KpaBap]

Black interior = nice :)

I hate beige/gray cloth.

[TheLedge]

Originally posted by therizzzo
I was gonna get the LX at first, but after I saw the interior I had to have the ES. I figued if I was gonna be paying on something for 5yrs, I better be comfy and styling.

I wish the dealer had the ES's on the lot when I bought my LX. If I had seen an ES I probably would have bought that one instead. Oh well, I don't like the way the stock fogs look anyway. The disk brakes all around would be nice though.

[MisterT]

The new DX's have the same engine as the ES minus features like power package, sunroof, fog lights, etc. When I purchased my ES in 2001 new, the DX had a weak engine and I test drove it with an automatic. I told the dealer that it didn't have enough pick up and that it wasn't a stick. Later I walked off with the ES. The LX at the time didn't have the moonroof, white gauges (i believe), and had steal wheels, although it had the same engine. My sunroof was a promotional thing, otherwise, I didn't want one. Too hot in SC for one, but it's nice to tilt and leave the cover on the inside on so that no sun can come in and hot air is sucked away from the interior. I don't know the price differences in the newer ones, but the LX's aren't too shabby considering every thing you get for the money!

[MisterT]

Originally posted by KpaBap
Black interior = nice :)

I hate beige/gray cloth.

But I have seen some members on SoundDomain with your color interior and the interior looks awsome at night with neon under seats and the dash. I am sure a black interior like mine wouldn't look as sick.

[therizzzo]

Originally posted by TheLedge
I wish the dealer had the ES's on the lot when I bought my LX. If I had seen an ES I probably would have bought that one instead. Oh well, I don't like the way the stock fogs look anyway. The disk brakes all around would be nice though.

Yeah, I don't like the stock fogs either. When I bought it, I was thinking that if only I could take the P5 front end, combined with the MSP side sills, it would be fly.

[KpaBap]

Originally posted by MisterT
But I have seen some members on SoundDomain with your color interior and the interior looks awsome at night with neon under seats and the dash. I am sure a black interior like mine wouldn't look as sick.

MY color interior was black as I used to have an ES. My current color of my interior is tan leather in my Miata.

Neon lights ? (rice) (gay)

[jlanger]

For normal daily driving and no mods, the LX is the way to go. Most have a deal with free alloy wheels when you get a sunroof (or the other way around) Otherwise they are stock with steel wheels.
If you are planning on mods, ES, as it has discs, 5 lug wheels, etc.
The DX is great bargain, but it has very few options.

[Melvin P Nerdly]

Originally posted by freesurfer
The 2.0L engines are identical for the LX and ES. The ES does have standard equipment that is optional on the LX though. I just bought a 2003 ES and luv it! My only gripe is the comical, wimpy horn, it's borderline embarrassing to use. My son says it reminds him of an ice cream truck -and he's right!

ive bought about 3 different horns from autozone and they all sound like crap. <deep low tone> my anus! it sounds as wimpy as the one our car comes with... I'm looking for a truck horn, but I have yet to find one

[luna]

I just got the LX with alloys as a standard feature. I think the 2002 had the steel wheels as standard.

I really wish I had invested the extra bit of money on the EX. I really don't like the interior. I think having the white gauges would make me happier.

[AZDriftR]

the only reason i didnt buy a DX to save money is the power windows, the five lugs setup, 4 rotors and the tach (what the hell is up with that) otherwise i could live without the other options

[hellcat]

You guys are forgetting the best part...the es has orange gauge and radio lights instead of green, like the P5 etc.

[kcbhiw]

Originally posted by hellcat
You guys are forgetting the best part...the es has orange gauge and radio lights instead of green, like the P5 etc.

FWIW, the ES is identical to the P5 minus the wagon look (obviously), the exterior components, and the front strut brace.

[SpicyMchaggis]

GET THE ES..don't make my mistake

[luna]

Originally posted by hellcat
You guys are forgetting the best part...the es has orange gauge and radio lights instead of green, like the P5 etc.

You are absolutely right. I had the P5 for a few days (long story) and was spoiled. i miss the amber lights

[djkiyohsi]

I bought my 01'LX because it was what I could afford...
but now I'm definately regretting it.
I'm still trying to figure out what I could do to mod my car but so far it's been pretty difficult. I've been looking at an engine swap from cork sport but the only one the show for the 3 gen lx is a 1.5 VVT with 130HP but it would be nice to squeeze in 1.8T with 180HP my friend says he could probally do it.. but yeah I'll just have to wait and see. My pro is an atx as well which i would like to swap out as well if I swap the engine.