basic questions about '02 protege lx

[dmh]

What parts on the '02 Protege LX are of Ford origin? Engine? Auto Trans? Suspension? Brakes? etc.

For example, did Ford design and/or build the 2L engine or did Mazda? What about the auto transmission?

Thanks.

[Captain KRM P5]

the only parts of the protege that are of ford origin are minor things like the seat belt tensioners. the ECU is also Ford/Visteon.

the 2.0 fs-de engine and transmission is a Mazda design also used in the previous model 626. according to the window sticker, the parts of the car are 97% japanese in origin.

[dmh]

Thanks for the info. I am seriously thinking of buying a '02 protege LX as a commuter car. I have owned some Ford products in the past and have vowed, after spending nearly every weekend fixing them, that I would never own another. From what you are saying, I should be safe.

Do you have any info on the auto trans? Is it reliable? What about the CV joints and steering rack?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

[Captain KRM P5]

on the LX and DX for 02 and 03 they were straight automatics I believe? the ES model used a "sport shift" automatic like the protege5. the auto trans should hold up very well. they dont take well to extreme modification like turbos, etc. the LX and DX also have rear drum brakes whereas the ES has all wheel disc. you should have no worries about the steering system or CV joints.

because the protege has been taken out of production and the 3 is replacing it, you can pick up a fully loaded protege5 for less than $14,000 now at dealers, probably an ES for even better. i'd find an ES with the nicer interior, all wheel disc brakes and alloy wheels instead of hubcaps/wheel covers and get that over an LX or DX considering how easy you can snatch one up for.

[rt66protege]

I have an 02LX and I love her... she drives smoothly.

[dmh]

Yes, I would love to have the "5" or ES, but unfortunately, there is a budget issue. Also, the car is for my daughter so I am more concerned about rock solid reliability than performance/looks.

Personally, I drive a '95 Infiniti G20, which is a great performance car, in my opinion.

[parks853]

Originally posted by dmh
Personally, I drive a '95 Infiniti G20, which is a great performance car, in my opinion.

maybe 10 years ago. Want a nice luxury sports car the bmw M3 is it IMO.

My dad drove a LX or DX on his route at work. They had over 200,000 miles on that car. The car was still running just fine. He loved driving the car, said it handled great. I love mine. I have the ES and I think it is worth the extra 800 (or whatever it was) plus better resale value. I was just lookin on the mazda site and they have 0% interest or 2500 back. whichever you want. that is a good deal. I got that with mine.

[Captain KRM P5]

Originally posted by parks853
maybe 10 years ago.

he came here looking for some advice on proteges - no need to rip on his car, pal

[parks853]

Originally posted by Captain KRM P5
he came here looking for some advice on proteges - no need to rip on his car, pal

I gave him some advice. I said the proteges are great cars. my comment was IMO. thanks pal