Mavurik

Is it just me or are the 1st gens better cars? The only new Mazda I like the design of is the 626. That's the only car I'd buy from Mazda that's new. Otherwise, I'd take a 1st gen protege over a 2003 protege anyday.

jay93dx

I dont think the 1gens are nessesarily better cars. The 1gens are faster and lighter though, It will remain to be seen if a 3gen is as good as a 1 gen because we cannot faily assess them since the 3 gen still have to withstand the test of time like the 1 gens have. But I would buy a MP3 in a heart beat if i had the money but i dont so i will stick to my better 1gen.... just joking

Mavurik

I like 1st gens, hows that for evidence huh? Sheesh. Besides the new Mazdas look like rice rockets and thats not my style. I'd rather get a 1st gen than a new mazda because IMO they're more customizeable, fun to drive, and they look better :T

jay93dx

Me too, my 93dx rocks.

zchild92

Here's a thought Jesse, when I test drove a 2001 es and got on it pretty hard I could really feel the engine strain. The floor on the passenger side was really vibrating. That doesn't happen in my 1G.

Identity_X

I personally like how the 1st gens look best, compared to all other proteges (except the MP3)...........
I haven't driven a newer protege so I can't comment on performance but I raced a 3rd gen recently and whooped his ***, so there you go

Mavurik

In my opinion, the Mazda MP3 is a joke. It doesn't even come with Anti-lock brakes. It's a nice car, better than the new proteges but it doesn't even come with a standard safety feature like that and no cruise control. Puh. It's not worth the 20,000+ they sell it for. I don't know, I just like the protege. There's so many mods you can do to it it's not even funny. You can't really do anything to the new mazdas unless you want it to look like every other wannabe racer's car. But with my protege, my whole interior is custom. There's not a lot of body kits for the 1st gens but at least they have a good one, the EVO III. IMO Mazda should have used the bumper from that kit instead of the standard one. I can't wait to put that baby on my car. Plus tomorrow I'll be posting pics of another Mod I'm doing to my car .

protegéboy

im with you but i already driven the mp3. not a faster cas i think
are the big rims

Mavurik

You mean you like that ugly stock bumper that sticks out more than the EVO III Bumper that gives the protege a few curves instead of making it look like a box? Have you even seen a protege with an EVO III kit in person? You wouldn't be saying anything if you did...

mazdaspeedwest

Well, even though i have the EVO bumper, i am on the fence...it looks good, but not practical...the OEM bumper, is OK looking ( i think with a chin spoiler it would be more acceptable) but it's practical...My bumper has been on for over 9 months and i still haven't decided to paint it yet due to my dilema...that and the fact i am now racing the car regularly (legally!!!) the pansey *** fiberglass can't withhold the force of a defessless, yet fearless orange cone at 50+mph.

I can attest to the reliability, functionallity and many strengths the 1st gen has, it's been under my butt for 12 years and counting. Also, i have siad this before, but the 1st gen was a race inspired design, both chassis and engine, not only inspried by, but tested, tried and true.

I agree the 2nd/3rd gens are a bit mixed in with the crowd, but the MP3 does look nice, as does the P5, never liked the 2nd gens...besides, i'd never give up my "no limits" for an OBD2 car!!!!!

jay93dx

I personaly like the way the evoIII front bumper looks like eventhough i have not yet seen one in person yet. All I know is that my car is the best, there i said it.

Glazedham42

I don't care what kind of bumpers it has, I wouldn't give up my Pro for anything!