edmunds.com compact wagon comparo

[seatown.P5]

The Matrix came in first! P5 tied for second with the PT Cruiser.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/92555/article.html

 

[REMillers]

Nice remarks though

For maximum fun, the Mazda Proteg5 can't be topped. Its power output is disappointing, but there's no questioning its handling prowess. It also has sharp styling that rivals that of the best European sport wagons.

While conducting this comparison test, one of our editors was driving the Proteg on a curvy road. Behind him was a Subaru WRX. Despite the WRX's power advantage, the Mazda stayed well ahead. When the two cars finally came alongside at a stoplight, the driver of the WRX said, "Wow, that thing's fast. What's a 'Proteg S'?"

But for those seeking driving excitement, as well as a bit of extra room to take along a golden retriever, it's the only logical choice The But is cause of hard times loading hte car up etc.

 

[seatown.P5]

yeah, they certainly liked it (and its been on their "most wanted" list since the car's intro).

they just seemed to like the extra versatility of the Matrix minivan. oops, i mean the Matrix compact wagon.

 

[AndrewSilverMP5]

I would also like to note:

<i>Our bright yellow Mazda Proteg5 was by far the looker of the group, with sharp lines that managed to be pleasing as well as sporty. For that, I'm grateful; too many cars in this group had eye-averting aesthetics</i>

 

[Kooldino]

Cool! Yay P5! Now MAZDA, LISTEN UP: put some high compression pistions and slightly more aggressive cams, better exhaust, and some headwork on the P5 to give it some more ponies, and charge another $2k for the "sport" option.

/rant

 

[Sir Nuke]

well WE all know when it comes to the "heep" where our cars are..

"AT THE TOP!!! (stash)"

 

[RyanBlueP5]

Cool! Yay P5! Now MAZDA, LISTEN UP: put some high compression pistions and slightly more aggressive cams, better exhaust, and some headwork on the P5 to give it some more ponies, and charge another $2k for the "sport" option.

/rant

That's a good idea, but then I would have to trade mine in for the "sport" version

 

[azeli73]

While the Focus ZX5 and Proteg5 happily zip from corner to corner, the Matrix, through its oscillating suspension and screeching tires, quickly tells you, "Please slow down!"

(laugh) no thanks! I'll stick with the Protege5!!

 

[y0sky]

If you look at the performance specs, the catagories the p5 won in they killed the competition. Like look at the breaking distance .

 

[MP5Alive]

if you look at the "Final Rankings and Scoring Explanation", the P5 had the highest personal rating of 88.9. Second-place Matrix only got a 66.7. The drivers actually liked the P5 better than the others!

 

[Mackdaddy]

None of this should really suprise any of us... we already know the P5 kicks major butt in all areas, albiet raw power.

I came from an 02 WRX SportWagon. That should tell you something right there. Granted, if the Scooby didn't have the problems I encountered, I'd still own it. None the less the P5 is far better looking, handles as good if not better, and has enough power for the most part in day-to-day driving most of us do. Even though the Rex's seats were damn good, I even like the 5's overall interior better as well. Just a well rounded package from the get go.

I do agree with Koodino, that would really make the car that much nicer. But, it would also take away from some of the fun in modding (I've been doing this for a long, long time.) Still, it would be a great package to offer for lots of folks.

Do you all realize this too. We've got a fairly limited vehicle (from what I've heard, the 04's are going to change to 3's.) I'm not stating a "rare" car by any means, but a 2 year run vehicle is kinda cool!

Gimme some love!!!!!

 

[uclap5]

nice knob. very ferrariesque. is that a voodoo knob?

as we all know and have said forever- the p5 rocks.

 

[Equinox]

it got the idea from the article that the reason the protege5 lost to the matrix is because the protege5 is family wagon enough, no cargo, too sporty, just not a good wagon, haha. That's a good thing, to me. Ie. it seems the wagon has the feel of a hatchback.

 

[Mackdaddy]

nice knob. very ferrariesque. is that a voodoo knob?

Thanks man.

Actually, it's a Razo, in HyperBlack. I covered the chrome OE stalk with Radio Shack heat shrink tube. It looks pimp as can be (pictures do it no justice.) Well spent $30.

 

[WaatDaHell]

You shouldn't really listen to Edmunds.com. They're really weird in their testing. Back in 2001, out of 8 compact sedans, they picked the Honda Civic LX 7th, yet put the Chevy Cavalier 5th, and the Nissan Sentra 1st. Seriously, even if you're an Anti-Honda person, picking the Cavalier ahead of it is simply ridiculous. I'm driving a brand spanking new 2003 Cavalier because my P5 is in the shop. Can you say "Amusement park ride"?! It bounces, rolls, and screams as loud as any car ever. At 2000 rpm, the engine is louder than ours at 5000 rpm. It's the worst car I've ever driven by far. Even the Hyndai accent I drove a week ago was better.

This alone makes me wonder, what the hell is Edmunds thinking?! Plus, if you notice the "true market value" pricing they have for all the cars is always above invoice. Which means, you probably won't be able to find any car below invoice. Most of you know this is untrue, especially the cheap ass GM cars. Don't listen to Edmunds if I were you. Sure....pick the 2002 Protege5 as best pick, then do a comparison test and pick the Matrix.

 

[WaatDaHell]

Oh, just to give you an idea of how ancient the Cavalier is, take the previous generation BMW 3-Series. It's a great car, therefore endured about 7 years before a full model change. The Chevy Cavalier is a ridiculously designed and built car, yet has been alive since 1995. Yup, the same model today as it was in 1995. That's 8 years for a pathetic effort. Even the Honda Civic only goes through 5 years in between model changes. How ridiculous!!!

 

[protege52nr]

hahahaha for once our cupholders are better than another car, that being the Subaru!!! the Subaru's cupholders must suck @$$ if ours were ahead if it...