Mazda Protege vs Saturn SL2
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2002 Saturn SL2
Overview
| Spec | Mazda ProtegeDX | Saturn SL2SL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | DX | SL2 |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2002 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda ProtegeDX | Saturn SL2SL2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $13,680 | $13,515 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda ProtegeDX | Saturn SL2SL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 22 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 28 MPG | 34 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | 12.1 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda ProtegeDX | Saturn SL2SL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp (best) | 124 hp |
| Torque | 135 lb-ft (best) | 122 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.9 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda ProtegeDX | Saturn SL2SL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 12.9 cu ft (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,634 lbs | 2,403 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | 5.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 102.8 in (best) | 102.4 in |
| Length | 175.3 in | 178.1 in (best) |
| Width | 67.1 in (best) | 66.4 in |
| Height | 55.5 in (best) | 55 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda ProtegeDX | Saturn SL2SL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mazda Protege | Saturn SL2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SL2 $13,515 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LX $15,415 MSRP | SL2 $14,375 MSRP |
| 3 | ES $16,140 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Base $19,980 MSRP | — |
| 5 | Base $20,480 MSRP | — |
Mazda Protege vs Saturn SL2 FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Mazda Protege or 2002 Saturn SL2?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Mazda Protege vs 2002 Saturn SL2 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Mazda Protege or 2002 Saturn SL2?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2002 Saturn SL2 starts lower at $13,515.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Mazda Protege or 2002 Saturn SL2?
- The 2002 Saturn SL2 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,515).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Mazda Protege or 2002 Saturn SL2?
- The 2002 Saturn SL2 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Mazda Protege or 2002 Saturn SL2?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on horsepower in this comparison (170).