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

[annerk]

Great if you've got a little lap dog. Not going to work for an 80 pound dog.

FYI, the Matrix/Vibe rear seat backs and cargo area are easy to wash plastic. I'll put my dogs blanket down and he'll be in doggie heaven! If he's muddy after a trip to teh dog park, the plastic will easily wash clean.

[sonarrat]

I drove an Element for four years. Paid it off and then sold it for a stupid reason for $11K. You want to talk bulletproof, that is bulletproof.

[Bigg Mann]

Originally Posted by annerk

I think Scion's are butt ugly. The Element starts at over my top price, and if I wanted an SUV I wouldn't have narrowed my choices to what I did.

Sorry my opinion was not exactly what you wanted to hear. I will try to keep my opinions of your questions to myself from now on.

[f_m]

Originally Posted by annerk

Great if you've got a little lap dog. Not going to work for an 80 pound dog.

FYI, the Matrix/Vibe rear seat backs and cargo area are easy to wash plastic. I'll put my dogs blanket down and he'll be in doggie heaven! If he's muddy after a trip to teh dog park, the plastic will easily wash clean.

I would think a built in ramp isn't too bad even if you don't use the other stuff.

SF Gate: Sammy poses on the dog ramp of the new Honda Element at t... (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Multimedia (image)

Interesting that the Matrix uses plastic on the rear interior. I was just pointing out that the Element uses wetsuit type material and plastic in the entire interior. That's just for informational purposes.

I do think the Matrix is the better looking of all of these vehicles though.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by Bigg Mann

Sorry my opinion was not exactly what you wanted to hear. I will try to keep my opinions of your questions to myself from now on.

I had three specific cars I was looking for opinions on, per the title of the thread. If I was interested in any others, I would have said so.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by f_m

I would think a built in ramp isn't too bad even if you don't use the other stuff.

SF Gate: Sammy poses on the dog ramp of the new Honda Element at t... (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Multimedia (image)

Interesting that the Matrix uses plastic on the rear interior. I was just pointing out that the Element uses wetsuit type material and plastic in the entire interior. That's just for informational purposes.

I do think the Matrix is the better looking of all of these vehicles though.

The Element is also $3K or more above my top price of $20K including tax and title as stated in my first post. I don't want an SUV, so I don't need a ramp for my dog to get in and out.

[truemuck]

Of that group, the Vibe/Matrix is probably the best choice. When I was looking for a car in '07, I drove one, so I haven't driven one of the new ones, but no matter what I did I couldn't get comfortable in the thing.
Have you considered any of the mini-minivans like the Kia Rondo or Mazda 5? I ended up with the Jeep Patriot, (I really wanted something w/ AWD) and mine has been excellent and yes, the seats fold flat, even the front one on some models.

[annerk]

I've looked at everything in/near class, and have narrowed my choice to the Vibe or Matrix. At this point it's coming down to where I'll get the best deal.

[Bigg Mann]

Originally Posted by truemuck

Of that group, the Vibe/Matrix is probably the best choice. When I was looking for a car in '07, I drove one, so I haven't driven one of the new ones, but no matter what I did I couldn't get comfortable in the thing.
Have you considered any of the mini-minivans like the Kia Rondo or Mazda 5? I ended up with the Jeep Patriot, (I really wanted something w/ AWD) and mine has been excellent and yes, the seats fold flat, even the front one on some models.

Oh Noooooooooooooo!!!!!! You brought up a different vehicle than what was posted. I made the same mistake and now you, brace yourself for a scolding.

[f_m]

Originally Posted by annerk

The Element is also $3K or more above my top price of $20K including tax and title as stated in my first post. I don't want an SUV, so I don't need a ramp for my dog to get in and out.

I wasn't replying to your post when I mentioned it.