Hi everyone, I will be buying a 2003 Protege within a few months but I'm still not sure which model to buy, my first choice was the LX with the GT package, but now I'm thinking more of the ES with a spoiler, that way i get the nice mags and interior, so my question is, what is the ride like in both cars, is it very similar or a big difference, i imagine that with bigger rims the ride in the ES is a bit firmer but is it that much different that the LX

 

If you've got the extra cash, get the ES-GT. You get alot more than the wheels... You've got the blacked out headlights, better interior, sound system, spoiler, fog lights, and much more.

 

The only dif that i see is the interior and the wheels, with the lx-gt i would get the spoiler and fog lights and the blacked out head lights are standard on all the models now, and the 2 extra tweeters inside isn't something i'm worried about, for me it 's more the ride quality that will determine what i chose, if the lx rides like the es then i'll get that one cause i'll get more options for less money than the es

 

ok the brakes too, but is that worth it?

 

It's up to you whether the extra ES features are worth it. The LX GT with air & ABS costs $845 less than the ES GT. For that $845 on the ES you get rear disc brakes, the sport interior, two extra speakers, shiny exhaust tip, front mudflaps, 16" wheels and tires and height-adjustable driver's seat.

Personally I'd take the ES GT for the larger wheels and rear discs alone. The LX might ride a little softer than the ES due to its 15" higher-profile tires, but I doubt it would be a big difference. If your #1 factor is the ride, take an LX and an ES out for a drive and find out.

 

i would got with the ES-GT...
the LX will probably be more soft of a ride and you will probably feel the road more on the ES. for the money i think the ES-GT is the best bang for the buck. the 16" ES rims look a lot better than the 15" on the LX IMO.

but watever you choose, you will like the car. welcome to the board.

 

But, what about the DX??!?!?! We do exist too!!! lol

 

I have heard tons of people complain about the tires on the LX. Most say they are horrible in the rain. But, people say that about the ES and P5 tires too. Just not as much.

 

Any All-Season tire is going to suck in the rain. It's the compromise of owning all season tires.

 

What is a "GT" option on a protege and what does it consist of? Im not seeing this option availble on any websites?

 

Yea, this is news to me too. 2002 all I could add to my ES was the Premium Package. They must have mixed things up a bit.

 

I bought an ES last week and decided to pass on the GT package. This package may also be a Canadian thing and goes by another name elsewhere. Either way this is straight out of my Protege brochure.

Body coloured rear spoiler - an accessory on all models, standard with GT

A/C - an accessory on all models, standard with GT.

Power glass moonroof w/ dual front seat map lamps - Only with LX GT or ES GT.

So it's nothing extra really and the only part that is not an option unless you purchase the GT package is the moonroof. If I was to have purchased the moonroof and spoiler in addition to my A/C, in essence I would have the GT package.


--Mike

 

I think you're right... that's something that hadn't occured to me... that it's a north of the border difference.

 

the GT package is a canadian thing. it also includes 16" alloys which i think are far nicer than the wheel covers.

 

Ya your right about it being a Canadaian thing. The protege ES-GT sedan is the same as a protege5 with the moonroof.
for some reason the canadian companies change what the consumer can get in their car for the Canadian market...ie: protege es sedan vs. protege es-gt sedan in Canada...Mitsubishi 2003 Eclipse GTS vs. 2003 Eclipse GT Premium in Canada...just to name a few.