Matrix

[sundevilMP5]

i like the performance of the matrix...but in the end it's just not worth it to me...the P5 is a better deal for what you pay and what you get....plus i don't think i could ever get used to those looks of the matrix...everyday i wake up and look at my car and just go "ahhhhhhhh...what a cool car" the matrix i would probably wake up and say..."why did i buy it again"...lol

 

[Todd]

everyday i wake up and look at my car and just go "ahhhhhhhh...what a cool car" the matrix i would probably wake up and say..."why did i buy it again"...lol



This is true. I honestly like the looks of my car far ahead of any other car in its class and have no regrets at all in choosing the P5.
My girl friend saw the Matrix 2 days ago when I was with her and she said it not me "That car looks like a mini, mini van". (My thoughts exactly.)


Todd

 

[Badvmc]

Matrix...........ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz.............

Oh sorry, i guess i fell asleep!!!

 

[hihoslva]

Matrix: 6" TALLER (maybe 8" ?) than the P5. Rear beam suspension (we've got independent). Rear DRUM brakes (DRUMS?? Are they kidding).

Styling is a little over-the-top. One of the things that I like so much about the P5 is the fact that the body kit realy isn't a kit - the front bumper is all one piece, not the sedan bumper with a tack-on airdam. Same in the rear. Looks so damn clean that way.

Many of the Toyotas are using bolt-on kits for "styling" - like the Matrix and Corolla - the "high" end versions just have extra stuff tacked-on for body styling - and it is easy to tell. Sorry, but that stuff looks almost ricey to me - clean is the only way to go.

I love my P5 and will always feel as though I got the best of the"sport-wagons". The only other I'd consider is the WRX wagon, but certainly NOT for the styling - only because of the performance.

All the others - well, when I see them, I just say to myself "I'm so glad I got the Mazda".

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

My girl friend saw the Matrix 2 days ago when I was with her and she said it not me "That car looks like a mini, mini van". (My thoughts exactly.)


Todd

Agreed. Exactly my sentiments. And yah, you can put more hp in it, but it's about as useful to me as a sport-ute...bleh...

 

[noodles]

Matrix peak torque output is at 6000 rpms.
MP5: around 4000rpms.

Go figure.

 

[proto5]

i bought my p5 a week after theycame out and i still wouldnt trade it for any of these cheap look alike wannabe p5s. i think the p5 looks better than the lexus sport wagon. noone can even touch the originality of the body lines and stylishness of our p5s. people are always like, "why didnt u get a matrix?" and i tell them, "if u like them so much u go waste your money on the peice of sh*t."

 

[1sty]

definitly an ugly car.Its even ugly on the inside

 

[311Mazda]

Uh no..

hehe Not to cause a flame war or anything, but you guys really are slamming the Matrix/Vibe here. In an issue of Motor Trend they compared a P5, Matrix XRS, and WRX wagon (all manual) and guess what car got the best lateral G's and best slalom times? The matrix. And though the WRX was indeed faster in the 1/4 mile, the Matrix still beat the P5. So basicly you have a car that is faster, handles better, has more cargo and passanger space, and better fuel economy. Don't get me wrong, I love my car, but I know a good deal when I see it. Try to look at the facts and don't just go "that car isnt' my car, it's DUMB!" Anyways....that said, go Mazda!

 

[APEXistud]

Re: Uh no..

hehe Not to cause a flame war or anything, but you guys really are slamming the Matrix/Vibe here. In an issue of Motor Trend they compared a P5, Matrix XRS, and WRX wagon (all manual) and guess what car got the best lateral G's and best slalom times? The matrix. And though the WRX was indeed faster in the 1/4 mile, the Matrix still beat the P5. So basicly you have a car that is faster, handles better, has more cargo and passanger space, and better fuel economy. Don't get me wrong, I love my car, but I know a good deal when I see it. Try to look at the facts and don't just go "that car isnt' my car, it's DUMB!

I totally agree. What I call all this bashing the Matrix is flat out ignorance. "Not trying to start a flame war either" People can't seem to recognize a good thing even when it's right in front of their face. Hands down....the XRS out performs the P5 and in the areas where it doesn't, the Matrix will have the aftermarket support that we don't. Support that will come in the form of something that whisles. I bet the Matrix owners won't be complaining about turbo kits being too expensive. Common sense should tell you, that if you want to go fast, you're going to have to spend money. There is no way around it. Just my thoughts, sorry if it came accross rude, but I'm blunt when I need to be.

 

[OurP5]

Good point..... but

In an issue of Motor Trend they compared a P5, Matrix XRS, and WRX wagon (all manual) and guess what car got the best lateral G's and best slalom times? The matrix. And though the WRX was indeed faster in the 1/4 mile, the Matrix still beat the P5. So basicly you have a car that is faster, handles better, has more cargo and passanger space, and better fuel economy.

If we are talking about the same article the P5 came out first overall in the comparison. That article is what convinced to get a p5. I got the magazine on a Friday and the P5 was in my garage sunday afternoon.

 

[noodles]

Sure the XRS may outhandle the P5 and in acceleration wise, but how much more $$$$ are you paying to get the XRS compared to what you pay for for a P5?? It's like comparing a scooter to a Ninja, sure the ninja will win, but how much more do you pay for it? I'm sure if they jacked up the price of a p5, they could jack up the HP for ya. Cargo room? Enuf room back there to fit a bike is enuf room for me.

 

[FriedChiken]

Matrix Vs. P5

There are 2 models of the toyota matrix
1. Base Model with 130hp

 

[TexP5]

Not Matrix bashing at all, I've owned both a Supra and a Celica GTS in the past so I'm not anti-Toyota.

Aside from price, there are significant differences. I bought my P5 a month ago, so I test drove both cars (XRS version). In terms of driving position, mid-range torque, engine "feel" and real world drivability, for me the P5 just felt better. The Toyota doesn't have that much zest. You need to keep the revs way high to use the power and the view from the driver's seat really did feel like a mini-van to me. You sit higher and the glass is more van like. The car just doesn't cradle you in the same way that a GTS does for instance.

That's one of the things I like best about the P5, it feels faster than it really is, whereas the Matrix feels slower than it really is due to the way it needs to be driven. I honestly think the Mazda is more of a driver's car and I think that's exactly what the Car and Driver article points out. The numbers should (and do) favor the Matrix, But the total P5 package has that je nais c'est quois that separates the "cars" from the appliances. As a former Toyota owner, I specifically waited until the Matrix was available before buying this car, and chose the P5 anyway.

For me (with a nod to Descartes and Automobile Magazine)..."Cogito ergo zoom-zoom"

(Sorry this is so long...this isn't a onle line response sort of thread)

 

[FriedChiken]

Base Model matrix at 130hp
XRS model with 180hp (like a non vtec b20 honda)
but it looks like a van



Protege 5 130 hp we have 2 models, one with sunroof and one without

P5 forever!

 

[311Mazda]

To further elabroate on the issue, here's some things I DON'T like about the Matrix. I went and sat in one and it really dose feel more like a mini van, the ride height is WAY up there. It's too tall, and the styleing leaves a little to be desired. Things I LIKE are the shifter placement, the gauge cluster and controll layout. The fact that it handles and is fast dispite it's size/weight. And toyota reliablity. It's only like 4-5 grand more, but it's alot closer to the same price range than say the WRX. Now if Motor trend did a comparison with the P5, Impreza 2.5 RS, and the Matrix XR, than I think our car would shine even more.

 

[sundevilMP5]

exactly...we're not really bashing the matrix i would say...we're just saying what we don't like about it...if there were any other cars out there that were a challenge to the P5 we would be saying the same stuff...but...the matrix is definitely higher...one pulled up next to me the other day and i felt like i was looking up at it...there are two P5 articles that are being discussed

first was a comparo between WRX wagon vs. P5 vs. Matrix...not really a fair comparison if you ask me...the wrx price as tested was more the $10k above the P5 and the matrix was like $5k above...if you took that extra money you would save i'm sure you could make the P5 just as fast...

the second article was in the most recent car and driver...P5 vs. a bunch of econo wagons...in the end the P5 was ranked first...

for me my choice was somewhat easy...HP can always be dealt with by adding aftermarket parts...however the looks of the car are not as easy...you can always throw on a body kit but that's dependent on whether a good looking kit comes out...the P5 is a great car looking and all around performing out of the box...

Protege5--sports car in a wagon's clothes (out of car and driver)

 

[Badvmc]

Never said that the Matrix was no good....just think it's Ugly. I tought it was nice on TV until a saw it for real. It's way too High, definitely looks like a minivan.

 

[Carl]

"that car isnt' my car, it's DUMB!"

This Just In, 18 sec @ 78 mph, NOT a fast Quarter Mile E.T. = P5
Celica in Aztec clothing = Matrix

 

[Baltopro5]

The Matrix just has diffrent appeal to diffrent people. I bought my wife a 2003 Corolla S and considered the Matrix for my self.
The features Best about the Matrix were The front folding seat/table, the extra power outlets including a 110 outlet.
Also The Matrix does offer a 6 speed.
I got more for my money from the p5, and I like the performance and handling better then the Matrix. Also they don't make the matrix in yellow!