Here is where MAZDA and FORD have shared platforms -

While the body work is unique, the 2002 ZX2 does share its basic structure and dimensions with the Escort sedans. The ZX2 is slightly longer, wider and lower than the sedan, but the distinctions are all within one inch. Their chassis are based on a previous-generation Mazda Protege, a solid, successful design. Ford reinforced this platform for improved safety, better handling and a smoother ride. Not having to start from scratch helped keep the price down.

As you can see, its the previous verious of the protege, NOT the 02. So please verify your sources before posting comments so as not to confuse people. Thanks.

 

here is another one from autos.canada.com -

The other Ford vehicle currently sold with a Mazda nameplate is the Tribute sport utility, which is the same vehicle as the Ford Escape. Ford also benefited from the relationship during the 1990s when it sold a Ford Escort that shared its platform with the Mazda Protege. Those Escorts were among the best small cars sold by Ford.

Like it was stated before the current generation Protege DOES NOT share a platform with the FORD Escort.

 

Ive already done the research on this in the past, as well as visually inspected both cars in person. They DO SHARE the same platform.

Im not sure on what exact years share exactly what, but when the escort was redesigned the third time (I think) it was 100% improvement over the second and first generation escort. The reason was the platform sharing with Mazda. The 2nd gen. escort might actually have the mazda platfrom also, not sure.

I dont believe the protege platform has been changed much since the 99 redesign, which was the last year of the escort I believe, therefore, the latest Protege should have the same basic mechanical underpinnings as the late model Escort.

I agree the escort interior is a joke compared to the protege, but handling is similar, and the escort actually has better performance due to ford giving it a larger engine with more power than the mazda engine.

 

You sound very confused. How old are you? I am just curious, not being rude or anything.
My previous posts stated EXACT years and what generations shared with what models of escort and protege.
One more thing the 130HP Protege is more power that the regular escort's. Only the ZX2 has a 130HP Zetec engine.
Where do you get your sources from?? Please state your sources to back up your arguments.

 

Ok, if you have all the answers, what has changed on the protege chassis between 99' and 2002?

 

You arent looking at it the way Im looking at it, due to the fact they quit making the escort 4 years ago. Im comparing the escorts to the same year proteges. Im not comparing a car that hasnt been made in 4 years to the NEW protege.

Back when ford was making the escort AND Mazda was making the protege, the Ford had a 2.0 engine with more power than the mazda choices of the 1.6 or the 1.8 at THAT TIME!

My point is that the newest Escort shared the platform with the protege. They quit making the escort in 99 or 2000, at which time it was using the mazda platform. So, if the protege is using the same platform as it was in 99 or 2000 today, it would have the same one as the late model escort.

What part dont you understand?

 

What is a 2002 ZX2? An escort? Didnt the escort die out when the Focus came on line in 2000?

Maybe they continued the escort for a couple more years? anyway, thats not important. What I said is true and Im done with you and your arrogant, ignorance.

later

 

Not true, the most recent Escorts made shared a platform with the 2nd Gen protege not the 3rd Gen which came out in 99-00. Even though it was a 99-00 Escort, it still shared the same platform as the 2nd Gen protege.
Again, where are your sources?? you are just stating information with no sources.

 

Misqbal is 150% right. It's in the FAQs (why don't ppl read the FAQs. It's there for a reason)
The Escort was shared with the 1st and 2nd gen ONLY.
Never the 3rd gen.

 

Just an FYI the 2003 ZX2 is actually still sold. It will be discontinued when the next generation Focus/Protege comes out.
I know i am not too active on this forum, but if I wouldn't put out any information unless I knew it was valid.

 

Lets try this again. The 3rd gen. protege was not an "all new" chassis design, correct?

It was the 2nd generation chassis with some improvements, which resulted in a 20% stiffer end product.

The way I see it, it is the same basic platform, and thus the same as used on the escort.

Both Ford and mazda made improvements to thier designs over the years, but the basic platform remains the same on both cars.

The protege that I visually inspected the underneath was a 1999, and it was almost identical to the escort I was looking at.

And furthermore, the escort is not "a piece of ****". The later models have proven to be excellent cars and an excellent value, similar to the protege.

Was that "valid information"?

No, it was crap....

 

The ZX2 is a BG chassis car...which hardly means anything...

Anyways I'm sure it's a fine car, but just because it's share the same chassis (and similar suspension!) as a first gen doesn't make it a Protege. Calling it a piece of crap doesn't mean a protege is a piece of crap... but I wouldn't have called it crap compared to the saturn

 

How about this, FORD AND MAZDA ARE THE SAME COMPANY!!!

Who cares!!!! If you hate ford so much, you shouldn't be driving a mazda because u know what??? Ford Motor Comp owns majority share of Mazda!!! The same people run the two companies, the CEO of Mazda's a white guy from itally and the mechanics and engineers have Ford written on their paychecks.

Platform this platform that... blah blah blah.

 

Gee, tell us something we dont know.

Partner companys or not, they still have different product lines. Some of the cars/trucks share components, some dont.

 

i'm pleased with the zoom of my 2000 ES automatic. It seems peppier than my 98 v6 contour. I can't complain about the cupholders either, not after the contour worst ones ever.
My only beef so far, since i only have the car a month, would be the doors seem a little tinny, but no biggie. Here's a joke from Herman Munster-" I hear they have a new device for keeping the inside of a car quiet. It fits right over her mouth. "