diff between 2002 & 2003?
 

Are there any significant differences between the 2002 and 2003 ES models (beside colors)? Any technical advantages between one or the other? Thinking about buying a 2002 but would rather wait a year. I do know if I want a sunroof in 2003, I get stuck with a 6-CD changer. :(

The differences are (and they are the same in the 2002.5 "mid-year refresh" Mazda did on the P5 - other than the Laser Blue available, which is only 2003):

New rim style
New cupholder design - deeper, with no cover.
Silver-faced gauges (or so I've heard - 2002's have off-white)
Sidemarkers on the fenders
Sport-Auto (optional automatic with manual "tap" shifting)
2003 has blacked-out headlight housings in Canada only (go figure)

I think that's all of them.

~HH

To add to the list, in Canada toy get Tweeters next the were the outside mirrors are (don't think there were any in 2002...)

- Also I heard in 2002 there was no leather on the steering wheel and the shift knob ? is that true ?

I tested some 2002s recently, leather was on the wheel but not on the knob.

Glad they're offering a blue this year (why they had BOTH sandalwood and sand, which are nearly identical, is beyond me). Is that the same blue as the MP3?

Yes it's supposed to be the same blue

Oh yeah - 4 got about the tweets.

And the steering wheel is leather on the 2002's, as well as the 2003's.

I think the shift knobs may hae been updated - and the 2002's did not have leather, but the new one's do.

~HH

In Canada, I noticed the headlights are painted black, gives it a tinted look.. kinda like it

In Canada, the 2002 did not have leather on steering wheel (U.S. models did); on 2003 in Canada, there is leather on both the steering wheel and shift knob for 5 speeds. Also, in Canada, we do not get the option of side air bags; I guess Mazda doesn't think we are worthwhile in getting the side air bags or they figure we are such safe, accomplished drivers, that we will never need them, LOL.