I bought a 2002 Mazda Protege ES-GT at a very reputable Mazda dealership in Edmonton called Sundance Mazda, Since I am not familiar with the graphics scheme from the 2001 Mazda, now I am at a loss...I purchased this car as a 2002 Mazda Protege ES-GT model, ( it is the Canadian version of the GT )...can anyone tell me for sure if it is ONLY supposed to say ES on the side...or is that only on the American versions??? I can't see a dealership screwing a guy over like that, but I could be wrong...PLEASE HELP....

Mine says ES 2.0 on the side, and a guy said he thought they only said ES....I am wondering if that is a difference between America and Canada....if anyone else owns one, please let me know....

 

From the one pic, it looks like a 2002.

The 2001 ES w/Gt (I have one) does not have body coloured side mirrors.

The "Protege" badge at the back of the 2001 is not the word Protege handwritten. Instead, it is like all the previous years where it is a rectangular piece w/rounded corners, and the word Protege carved into it.
Also, on the back, where the keyhole for the trunk is, the horizontal "bar" is reflective rather than body colour on the 2002.

The 2001's steering wheel was not a 3 point steering wheel. The 2002 is. The door handles of the 2001 are just plain reflective. I think on the 2002 it's the tanned colour.
The trim around the power windows on the door should be that tanned colour as well.

These are the noticeable visual differences that I can tell and remember.

Does anyone know if the year is encoded into the VIN? That's another way to tell maybe.

 

Sundance Mazda is not as reputable as you think. 6 months ago there was a writeup in the paper about how the prices are generally higher at Sundance Mazda, as well as their sister company which owns the Nissan dealership right beside it. They are known not to budge on their prices, while other dealers are willing to negotiate.
I did not believe this until I went to buy my ES-GT and it was 1500 cheaper at the dealership in the south side.
I was going to trade in my ES for a MP3 at sundance, but they wanted 4K more than the list price, and it WAS USED!!

Bastards!

yes, I hold a grudge...

As for your question, I believe the 2001 models say ES 2.0 and the 2002 models do not say 2.0 anymore.

 

I wouldn't care about what it says on the side-GT must have rear disc brakes, 16" wheels and sunroof.
I belive it's sold as ES with optional GT package. Check mazda.ca
Alex