Just got the latest issue of C&D, they have a giant comparo test for 10 econ-sedans. The Protege LX with 5-speed, ABS brakes and Side airbags wins the comparo. Beat Honda Civic (5th place),
Toyota Corolla (3rd place) Ford Focus (4th place), Nissan Sentra (8th place), Dodge Neon (7th place), Mitusbishi Lancer (6th place), Kia in 10th, Suzuki in 9th and the Hyundai Elantra in 2nd.

Not too shabby for a car that is the oldest design in the group (well, maybe the Kia is older)

 

I haven't seen the article. What is surprising is that the Elantra came in second, beating the Corolla and Civic.

 

I was surprised by the Elantra too. They rated it's looks as the best.

What really impresses me is the Protege is still able to hold off these newer designs. I think the Protege is undefeated in Car & Driver comparo's.

They did not like the Civic's build quality, lots of squeaks and rattles.

Here's hoping Mazda keeps on building to specialty crowds, and comes out with a great Protege in the next redesign, except this time one with more oomph. Here's hoping the new 2.3 liter is what everyone expects and more!

 

Could you scan it for us? I'm too lazy to go out and buy the mag

 

Yeah could you please scan it for us by any chance????


Not a matter of being lazy, but no money to spend on magazines right now hehehe

 

Yeah, everybody's been raving about the Elantra (Edmunds, C&D, even Consumer Reports even top-rated it). I drove a new one back to back against a new ES in 2001 and it was pretty close. I do like the looks of them. The GT was a disappointment ... was supposed to have a sporty suspension but they wimped out.

Now I did test that new Elantra used with 10,000 miles, and the dash lights and half the dashboard didn't work, etc., so maybe they haven't quite come that far yet! Also heard horror stories of how the free warranty work can't fix some design flaws.