I've got a 2003 Ford Focus, and my wife has a 2002 protege. I've been using a motorcraft FL 2005 filter on the focus, and it seems to be a pretty good filter, and only costs about $2.75 at Wal-Mart.

Can I use this filter in the protege as well? I was reading through the forums here, and noticed a couple references to using motorcraft filters in a protege.

We had been putting the Fram Toughguard filter on her car, but I'm looking for something a little better made.

Thanks.

 

i'm sure motorcraft makes a filter for the protege, it might not be the same part number but it will still be the same basic design, just a different size...

 

... and some other company made that filter for Motorcraft... you just don't know who (nor do I). It was probably made by a company that came in and offered Ford the lowest price. Wanna gamble?

I recently changed the oil on my car. I looked at a couple of filters in the store, and on the back of the Purolator box it said "Made in India". Needless to say, I bought another brand that was made in the USA. I don't have a problem with foriegn made stuff (obviously because I drive a Mazda), but I have deep suspicions about any part that comes from a country where they haven't even mastered the art of clean drinking water!

 

yeah, I would tend to overspend on something as crucial as filters, belts, tires and brakes.

without them you're in a world of hurt.

 

I thought that this was an interesting study on oil filters...
http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfi...lterstudy.html
...and here are the conclusions this guy draws from his study.
http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfi...ilfilters.html

 

Ahh look! Foci and Pros living happily ever after...

 

When it comes to oil filters, it's tough to beat OEM quality. Consider installing a Mazda V-6 oil filter (such as the one on the '02 626). It's larger than the Protege filter, giving more filtering area and consequently allows for slightly more oil to be added to the sump. It has the same mounting thread as the Protege filter and will fit right on with no problems.

It may be more expensive than most aftermarket filters but, as stated, it doesn't pay to skimp in this area.