Pontiac Vibe vs. Toyota Matrix vs. Toyota Corolla

[coolcat]

Okay, so my current car has pretty much puked and have to get a new one. I have narrowed it down to three cars. looking for any input(pros and/or cons) on all three are apppreciated. Any info on deals being offered by any dealers is also appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[rafterman]

Vibe and Matrix are essentially the same vehicle, same engines, transmissions etc. made at the same plant just cosmetic differences.

You can get AWD option but only with 1.8L engine and four speed auto.

Corolla has same engine and trans i.e. four speed auto but not AWD but also offers five speed stick shift.

You can get Corolla sport with 2.4L engine same as Camry and five speed auto trans this is also available in the Matrix / Vibe.

I would go for the Matrix with the larger engine and five speed auto.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Pontiac is going to cease to exist so be aware of that. Warranty should still be good but something to consider if you need parts 5 years from now.

 

[Meister]

Resale Value better on Matrix. If you can get Vibe at 2-3k discount then go for it.

 

[ig-88]

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are essentially the same car

Toyota Corolla is ok too.

Depends how much cargo hauling you want to do, in which case the Matrix would be better.

 

[serviceman]

if you like the two box body style of the Vibe and Matrix, did you look at the new Mazda3, it's a great car.

 

[HAMSTER INSPECTOR]

The vide is made in California at the Freemont plant ( GM / Toyota joint venture )

The new Matrix and Vide are different cars from the previous model, so take a test drive before you make your choice.

I tried the mazda 3 last year when they were about to change the design, it was at a low price with the car loaded and I liked it. I did not buy it beause it was the last model year for that design. I tried he new one when it came out, but I did not like it.

The thing about Toyotas ( and Lexus ) They are like a premium vanilla ice cream, they are good and you do not think about it. There is no disappointment, the quality and reliability is there in the background.

 

[Cycleguy007]

Get the Toyota!

Can't go wrong with anything that comes from Cambridge!

 

[tboy]

Can't go wrong with anything that comes from Cambridge!

'cept maybe crazy bicyclists that wear pink tutu's hehehehe

 

[Cycleguy007]

'cept maybe crazy bicyclists that wear pink tutu's hehehehe

Totally agree with that! I've tried to pass that wacko on occassion! Dam tutu sticks way out on either side and makes it very difficult to pass!

 

[k57]

The thing about Toyotas ( and Lexus ) They are like a premium vanilla ice cream, they are good and you do not think about it. There is no disappointment, the quality and reliability is there in the background.

That's a good description of what I've always thought about Toyota vehicles, too. Another consideration is that Toyota vehicles hold a higher resale value down the road, due to their (perhaps perceived) better quality.

 

[coolcat]

I have been pricing these cars and currently I can get the Vibe close to $3500 less than the Toyota Matrix. So I am thinking that although the Vibe is cheaper in the short run, the Matrix is likely the better deal in the long run.

 

[oldjones]

If cargo capacity matters to you, do consider how limited the door opening is on all the vehicles. My friend with the VIbe has found it a problem more than once. Same w/ the Mazda3; the designer fetish for jellybean shapes has come at the cost of utility.

 

[coolcat]

As for cargo space, it is not a major issue. I am mainly looking for fuel economy, reliability and quick access to parts. Also prefer something that is built here.

 

[coolcat]

OOoopppsss. Should have added I need a four door.

 

[oldjones]

Pontiac is going to cease to exist so be aware of that. Warranty should still be good but something to consider if you need parts 5 years from now.

Inquire at a Toyota service dept about parts interchaneability between Vibe and Matrix. You could save money on an orphan Pontiac perhaps, and still get parts thru Toyota, even if GM were to turn you away.

 

[Mencken]

Even though Vibe may be a joint venture between Toyota and GM my guess is that it is more GM than Toyota in design. And with GM and Pontiac both gone guess I would avoid it...just my own opinion though.

 

[opieshuffle]

If gas milerage is a consideration...

...then those mentioning Mazda should stop. One of the worst for mileage across all their lines. And I like / own Mazda.