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

[annerk]

I'm going to buy one of these:

Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, KIA RIO5, and Saturn Astra

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

[caution]

I think the Vibe and the Matrix are pretty much the same thing, and if given a choice it would probably come down to exterior styling and interior materials.

I don't know anything about the Kia or Saturn.

They all look like a resonable alternative to a small car offering a little more room for hauling stuff. (AKA a modern station wagon)

[T. Damon]

Matrix and Vibe are essentially the same vehicle, a Corolla wagon. A nice, dependable car that looks sportier than it is, also has engine and AWD options. Saturn is solid (it is an Opel) but somewhat underpowered and overweight. Kia is a good deal that gives you much of what the others offer for less; engine, handling and quality will be somewhat compromised over the others.
Consider that Pontiac and Saturn are on the chopping block.
Matrix seems like a good choice here. Also I would consider the Suzuki SX4 mini-crossover.

[annerk]

Not at all interested in Suzuki--have never driven one that I felt was a solid car.

I live in a relatively flat area (Florida) with no snow, so need for AWD.

I want to spend under $20K with tax and title.

I want a 4D with a hatchback, don't need a ton of cargo space, just want to be able to let my 80 lb dog be comfortable in the back witht eh seats folded down. Don't expect to even "haul" anything much more than him, groceries, etc.

I want good gas milage, I'll be selling my 28/36 Saturn L200.

Want power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD, preferably with the jack for my IPod, but that's not a deal breaker. A/C is a must as is automatic--I'm lazy. Otherwise I just want basic transportation.

[M3 Mitch]

How about a Toyota Corolla, maybe even an S-model? Better looking car IMHO, and I think better MPG.

What's wrong with your current L200? Don't let the guys in the plaid pants and white shoes tell you you need to trade it because it has more miles than x or more years than y. It ain't so.

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

How about a Toyota Corolla, maybe even an S-model? Better looking car IMHO, and I think better MPG.

What's wrong with your current L200? Don't let the guys in the plaid pants and white shoes tell you you need to trade it because it has more miles than x or more years than y. It ain't so.

I concur.. the new Corolla is rather attractive.. compared to the older versions.. though the Mazda 3 is IMO even nicer..

but since you do not need AWD and given what choices you are providing.. I'd go for the Matrix/Vibe and I'd get the version with the largest engine.. then the Saturn since its european and the Kia last..

[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.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

How about a Toyota Corolla, maybe even an S-model? Better looking car IMHO, and I think better MPG.

What's wrong with your current L200? Don't let the guys in the plaid pants and white shoes tell you you need to trade it because it has more miles than x or more years than y. It ain't so.

The Corolla isn't a hatchback. I need a car with the hatchback and cargo space for an 80 pound dog.

I LOVE the L200, it's a great car. But my son just got a license and a job, and needs a car, so I'm going to sell him my L200 and get something new for myself. (And my dog!)

[annerk]

Originally Posted by minibrings

but since you do not need AWD and given what choices you are providing.. I'd go for the Matrix/Vibe and I'd get the version with the largest engine.. then the Saturn since its european and the Kia last..

Why would I get a larger engine? I've got a 4 cylinder in my midsized L200 and have never had a problem with it being underpowered. If I lived in the mountains, it would be a different story. I want the best possible fuel economy. At one point we were considering my husband "handing down" his Prius to me and buying a new Prius, but I really don't like driving that car--at all--so we decided to just look for something new for me.

I'm leaning exactly in the order that you are saying at this point.

[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.