Marcypball213

I am thinking about getting a 2002 protege Es, is this a good choice? I would like to hear some good and bad things from owners of this ride. And also does the cd player of pre-amp outputs, or am i gonna have to get a new deck to put my system in it

Makaveli

That's an excellent choice, probably the best value in that market range as many will tell you. As for the cd player, you'll have to get a new deck... Actually deck and speakers are the only bad things about the car.

Installshield

Definately get it. They handle like nuts, and look great. I own a P5 but also drove a Protege ES and loved it. Get it in a 5 speed if you can. Also your timing is great if you plan on modding it. The aftermarket for Proteges seems to be really taking off.

sloppy_joe

I bought a Sunlight Silver Metallic 2002 Protege ES w/GT Package last month. I thought I'd have buyers remorse but I am very glad I bought this car. Get the GT Package if you can afford it - It's a great value. I went car shopping with a friend who was buying a car at the same time as me - he ended up buying a Civic and says he can notice the extra zip that my Protege has and now wishes he would have bought one instead of the Honda.

I looked at the Civic, Corolla, Protege and Focus - the Protege is the best bang for the buck out there.

azrakain

The united states does not get a GT package that I know of. That is a Canada option.

SilverproES

I've had mine for about a year now and I have no complaints...just wish they made it in a coupe. When I was ready to buy I test drove a Civic and the Protege one day apart so the Civic was fresh in my mind and honestly you could tell the Protege had more torque and the suspension felt a lot more sporty.
The only weakness I would say would be the radio and speakers. But a small trade off for a better car.

Installshield

which also can be upgraded a for lot less $$ than the engine or suspension

Marcypball213

Well, a new deck and speakers wont be a problem for me to egt ahold of... And as getting a 5spd, I am hooked on an auto, because I can not drive a stick for beans. Is the Es in auto slow? Also, is the alarm with shock sensor a good choice to get?

Ferg85

I have had my 2002 ES 5 Speed for about a month now and love it. The suspension feels more German than Japanese. It's not for everyone but in my opinion it's the perfect blend of dampening and feedback. This car is very responsive and a fun to drive. Here are the few minor complaints I have with the car: 1. More hp and torque would be nice. Don't misunderstand, it's not a car you will pound the dash as you try to pass on a two lane. It's just that the overall feel of the car is so good, it deserves more. After reading through the forum it seems the ECU is a bottleneck for aftermarket gains. 2. My paint job seems thin. I have four chips at this point and I'm not one to ride on others bumpers. I'm planning on letting the dealer have a look. It might just be a defective paint job. Overall, I would buy it again, even if it cost a few hundred more.

P.S. I would highly recommend getting the 5 Spd. and learning it. It's just so fun!!!!!

flip703

I roll on a 99 ES.. I am a stick driver but my ES is an auto. I chose an auto since I travel around in and out of the Disctrict of Columbia which by the way traffic is augh! Fun vs Convinience.

Marcypball213

Well i am playing paintball Alot and with my job, after those days i just dont feel like driving at all, and a stick is the last thing i need, I do agree they are way funner to drive, my friend has a wrx that we take out, but in stop and go traffic he hates it, but what i'm looking for is a car that has a nice smooth ride and doesnt feel chinsy and like its gonna fall apart

Makaveli

Hmmmm, honestly I don't know what the auto on the Protege feelsl like..... I just know that unless 70% of your driving is in bad traffic, it's definetely worth putting in a week or two and learning 5 speed. I thought I was the worst driver ever before I got in a 5 speed, and also after the first two days. After though you get used to it and you also save 1000$.


Any auto people here? How does the car feel?

onehawaiian

onehawaiian has an auto but owns a p5. but onehawaiian loves the auto.

since i put a bunch of toyz in my car, speed and "fun" acceleration hasn't been a priority. but the handling on my 5 is totally nuts, and (altho it's not recommended) i power shift from time to time

if the es is anything like the p5, i'd say you're in for a treat! as for alarms and stuff, i would go after-market so that you can choose what you want as far as options go.

traffik

Please dont choose the automatic transmission!
No matter how many hours I spend in -traffik- ,I don't care,really,since its about 10% of the time I spend in my car.
I have never owned an automatic car,and I never considered buying one,it cannot cross my mind!
I had to show my wife how to drive a stick,and she learned it really fast,so can you!You will never regret buying a stick shift!!
In my opinion,thats real driving anyway.
Weight transfers,cornering and the whole handling are very related to the way I drive the stick (from my point of view)so I'll never get an automatic,until the day I buy a dodge charger or a chevelle SS,THEN I wouldnt care!!!

FlynicMP5

Hey Marcy I would highly recommend the Protege. I personally own the a P5 but I test drove the ES as well and was impressed. I spent about 2 weeks car shopping and I strongly believe I got a great buy with the P5. I would also personally recommend the 5 speed... there is no other way to go . Off subject Where do you play PB??? are you on a tourny team??? just curious. Anywho go for the protege you wont regret it. Also check out the P5... I chose it for the looks over the ES. Nice for hauling around friends and PB gear

good luck,
Nick