Opinions: Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, KIA RIO5, and Saturn Astra (joint, 2009)

[annerk]

Originally Posted by Lamborgotti

Hope you've considered a Mazda3 as well. I'm not too enthusiastic about any of those. The Astra seems like it would be a great choice, but I personally think they did a pretty bad job of transcribing the Opel version to the American version.

I had forgotten about Mazda, that looks like it might be an option, although the fuel economy is lower than I was hoping for. It also seems a little more expensive than the competition.

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Originally Posted by sailordave

Of the vehicles listed I only test drove the Astra. It's actually an Opel and is made in Belgium. Simply opening and closing the door, it feels rock solid. This version of the Astra does not have a performace engine. If you're not a fast driver this shouldn't be a problem. It's handling is great. I'd say it's one negative I noticed was the dashboard symbols. You'll have to really read your owner's manual to learn how to use many dashboard controls. The symbols, I'm told, use standard European symbols which are used because of being sold to customers using many different languages. The turn signal lever does not lock in a turn position. You lift to activate but it returns back to center when you release. In my short test drive I didn't get a chance to figure out how to clear the turn signal for those occasions when your turn isn't wide enough to clear it when you straighten the wheels. Of the models you listed, the Rio5 has the smallest interior room and has the worst performance on crash test safety. I'd much rather the Kia Rondo which is a tall wagon verion of the Optima and it has the most available seating. The Matrix/Vibe is taller and wider and is the biggest of the vehicles you listed. If this is for personal transportation I'd go with the Astra. If cost is your factor then go with the Rio5. I think the best all around is the Matrix/Vibe.

Good information, thanks! Safety is important to me. I'm not a fast driver, 90% of my driving is to and from work, down very winding country roads. I probably average about 40 mph overall.

[nascarnancy]

Have you looked at the Jetta Sportswagon? I know you didn't mention VW but just thought I'd toss it out. The website says it starts at $19,075 and a Sportswagon TDI at $23,870. We have a diesel Jetta and love it. We usually get over 600 miles to a tank and on long runs almost 700. Although diesel is a little more expensive you can go twice as far and fill up a lot less. Just a thought.

The Chevy HHR starts at $19,440.

And yes, even though my staus says support the Bowtie, I have 4 Chevy's and one VW. Just thought I'd toss that out before I got any backlash.

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Originally Posted by nascarnancy

Have you looked at the Jetta Sportswagon? I know you didn't mention VW but just thought I'd toss it out. The website says it starts at $19,075 and a Sportswagon TDI at $23,870. We have a diesel Jetta and love it. We usually get over 600 miles to a tank and on long runs almost 700. Although diesel is a little more expensive you can go twice as far and fill up a lot less. Just a thought.

The Chevy HHR starts at $19,440.

And yes, even though my staus says support the Bowtie, I have 4 Chevy's and one VW. Just thought I'd toss that out before I got any backlash.

I had a VERY VERY bad experience with a Jetta and would hitchhike through Antartica before I ever drove another. You might love your Jetta, just wait until it's in a wreck and they can't get parts for it for over a month. Never, ever again.

[f_m]

Originally Posted by annerk

Good information, thanks! Safety is important to me. I'm not a fast driver, 90% of my driving is to and from work, down very winding country roads. I probably average about 40 mph overall.

I would say the new Honda Insight just fits into your range as far as pricing and it can do around 40MPG+. However, as a new car the price is probably going to be at a premium. It may not handle as well as other cars on winding roads (as a "eco" car), but it might be worth looking at while your at it.

2010 Honda Insight - Overview | Hybrid Cars

[tstone]

The Vibe/Matrix is as reliable as it gets. Ours has 115k miles with only oil changes, air filters and a set of front brakes. I did the spark plugs at about 110k, need to do the rear brakes, a belt and its first 4-wheel alignment. Also returns about 26 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.

I was able to fit a 9 ft Xmas tree in there with the seats folded down while I was driving and a passenger sat behind me. It falls a little short on room when it comes to a rear facing child seat, though.

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Originally Posted by f_m

I would say the new Honda Insight just fits into your range as far as pricing and it can do around 40MPG+. However, as a new car the price is probably going to be at a premium. It may not handle as well as other cars on winding roads (as a "eco" car), but it might be worth looking at while your at it.

2010 Honda Insight - Overview | Hybrid Cars

It's acutally going to be over my price range by at least $2K, and they aren't going to be willing to wheel and deal on it. I know my husband wanted to look at one when it's time to replace his Prius.

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Originally Posted by tstone

The Vibe/Matrix is as reliable as it gets. Ours has 115k miles with only oil changes, air filters and a set of front brakes. I did the spark plugs at about 110k, need to do the rear brakes, a belt and its first 4-wheel alignment. Also returns about 26 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.

I was able to fit a 9 ft Xmas tree in there with the seats folded down while I was driving and a passenger sat behind me. It falls a little short on room when it comes to a rear facing child seat, though.

That's really good info to have. I'm way past the whole child seat thing, so no worries there.

[nascarnancy]

Originally Posted by annerk

I had a VERY VERY bad experience with a Jetta and would hitchhike through Antartica before I ever drove another. You might love your Jetta, just wait until it's in a wreck and they can't get parts for it for over a month. Never, ever again.

Well, luckily I have others I could drive. That's too bad you had such a bad experience. We get better fuel mileage than the hybrids. Hope you find what you are looking for, please post. Interested to see what you'll choose.

[samyn on the green]

The smart choice would be the Astra, it is the best out of the cars mentioned. The handling is absolutely the best of any non-sports car I have ever driven. The car has a quality feel throughout with quality material throughout the cabin. Yes the power is acceptable with out being fast. However as someone that wants economy over drag racing the engine is just fine and very smooth. I have driven the rabbit the mazda 3 and the matrix and it is clear that the best small car in North America is the Astra. The safety features of the Astra are hands down the best of all the cars mentioned. Why this car is not a best seller proves that there is no accounting for taste. If you are smart of enough to read a 24 hour clock the Astra is the car for you.