protege5 or matrix???

[herecomesthep5]

Hi,

I'm having a hard time trying to decide between the two, and would really appreciate if you, the p5 owners, could let me know why u choose p5 over matrix? what do u like and dislike about p5?

thanks a lot!

 

[Humvee]

You'll get nothing but grief from us for considering the Matrix. So....I'll start us off

See if you can get a used school bus instead of the Matrix...it'll be cheaper and looks just as nice.

P5 just looks/handles so much better would be my #1 reason.

 

[Patio]

the matrix does have a huge ass, and high ride hieght.

p5 is better.

 

[Stealth5]

hmm, it looks nicer to me, i like the car+cargo space look better than the van look. the toyota engine has to be flogged to something like 7600rpm to get max hp, the p5 is much sportier feeling to drive, it has awesome front seats. i drove a matrix and i didnt like the high sitting seats, it felt like i was sitting at a dining room table driving a van. there is a post with all the gripes and theyre all just nitpicky things

 

[JOS3]

come here son, let me tell you about a time when i was confused:
back when i was looking around for a nice new car, i pondered the same question, p5 or matrix. the matrix has a little style but its huge. i started noticing that they looked like mini vans on the road. the p5 is shorter, sleeker, and much sportier looking. i was so confused until my fiancees brother called me and said, 'hey i got a new car, wanna come see it?' once i saw it i couldnt take my eyes off of it. i just kept staring and walking around looking at it. i couldnt find anything i didnt like about it. i bought mine 5 days later. do you need any more convincing? dont be wooed in by the outlet plug in the matrixs dash, because thats the only advantage you get with the matrix. unless of course, you take your blender wherever you go.

 

[djm221]

I'm trying to make the same decision. I haven't driven either of them yet, but each one has their pros and cons on paper.
The Matrix is only 3 inches taller than the P5, so there isn't that much difference in height.
What I've found...
Pros for the Matrix base/XR - Toyota reliability, gas mileage, slight edge in cargo space, higher resale value
Cons - higher ride height, crap torsion beam rear suspension, may be a little more money with equal options, but the base can be had cheaper

Pros for the P5 - sportier, more fun to drive, 0% financing or lower resale value (if you're buying used, that is a pro)
Cons - Reliability record not as good as Toyota, weak engine (but it is ULEV), rated gas mileage is 5mpg less (and that adds up when driving over 25,000miles/year)

As far as straightline performance, I think the nod goes to the Matrix Base/XR (XRS is much faster, but more expensive and that engine doesn't belong in the Matrix. It fits the Celica's personality much better). Aside from mags times showing the Matrix XR is a little faster, the real power and weight numbers would indicate the same thing. They both weigh about the same. They both have the same rated HP, and the P5's torque is listed as being higher, but in every dyno chart I've seen, Toyota's 1.8l equals or betters Mazda's 2.0l from 2000 RPM to redline. And the Toyota has a little more up top. Typical 1ZZ dynos show 110-120HP to the wheel, the P5 dyno on flyinmiata.com website didn't even reach 100WHP.
Of course, the best way to decide is to drive them. And as soon as the roads aren't covered in salt and s***, I'll do that.

 

[Sir Nuke]

IF you want a mini van wanna be....get the matrix.

IF you want a car that has much better styling....and will out handle nearly everything on the road around it....get the P5.

 

[VPower]

i've been there....

let me tell you why i choose the P5

1. handle very very well
2. i hate the indoor of the matrix
3. weird sensation sitting in a matrix.
4. in my case, matrix cost more than the p5 with the options i wanted. (fog lights, mags, abs...)
5. My girlfriend told me i look like a sex machine in a p5 and gay in a matrix. (oh please, her family are toyota all the way)

 

[ZiO]

If you are buying the AWD matrix... get that... if not... buy a p5

 

[duMb KeoLa]

put it this way, its all up to you. i liked the look of the pro5 from day one, and when i saw my friend pull away with 19" adr gt sports spining first and second, i had to get one. no complaints what-so-ever! handling is the s***, engine is okay, but the look takes the cake. look at a matrix thats dropped compaired to a dropped pro5......youll know wat i mean. slap a turbo in the pro5 and youll be the s***! besides, if you want to drive something like a matrix, more better you get a handi van
=o)

just my thought, but go with the Pro5

KeoLa
TeaM Pro5

 

[ZiO]

thats the first NICE white P5 i have seen..... good job buddy

 

[duMb KeoLa]

thanks, its a lot of work to keep clean =oP

 

[pr5zoom]

Car and Driver Review P5 wins

Just read the following,

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Cara.../june/200206_comparo_boxes.xml?keywords=boxes

Mickey

 

[WaatDaHell]

You've heard most of the pros and cons about both cars clearly above and I'll try not to repeat it. Except for one thing: The Matrix is not a minivan. It's a cross between a minivan and an SUV. At least that's what it looks like. Though it's not a minivan, I call it a Mini-Minivan.

C'mon. Seriously...You don't think it looks nice do you? I mean, I know people like the space and value and reliability and everything, but I still don't get it. Look at the Toyota Echo. It's so horrible looking. Let's say you're in the market for a really small, economical car. Would you consider such an ugly car? Consider this too. Let's say you're looking for a midsize SUV that's really cheap with decent reliabilty and tons of space. A Pontiac Aztec is perfect. But would you really consider buying it?

All in all, the Matrix's looks alone should be a turnoff. But if it's not, I guess there's not much I can tell you. Just read every magazine review, especially Car and Driver's review. The Matrix is "an appliance on wheels." While Automobile magazine says the Protege5 is "a sport car in station wagon clothing."

 

[GXL]

While I disagree with some people here about the cons on the Matrix, I still rate the P5 ahead but not by much. The Matrix has great looks and more power, the P5 is almost a perfect balance combination of all the car in its class. That's why Car & Driver rated the P5 #1

Here, this should help you decide a little better:

Not bad for a mini-van

 

[GXL]

Beauty!

You can even get leather on the P5...

 

[eMKay]

I work for Toyota, and I bought a P5...does that help?

 

[WaatDaHell]

While I disagree with some people here about the cons on the Matrix, I still rate the P5 ahead but not by much. The Matrix has great looks and more power, the P5 is almost a perfect balance combination of all the car in its class. That's why Car & Driver rated the P5 #1

Here, this should help you decide a little better:

Not bad for a mini-van

Yeah, not bad for a mini-van....because it's dropped maybe.

 

[jsgolfer]

TRD has a supercharger for the matirx and you will get alot more aftermarket support for the matrix. that is the only thing i hate about the Protege. other than that, go for the protege if you can be patient and wait months for parts.

 

[MYFBPEX00]

TRD has a supercharger for the matirx and you will get alot more aftermarket support for the matrix. that is the only thing i hate about the Protege. other than that, go for the protege if you can be patient and wait months for parts.

Tha is because most of the engine and suspension parts are form the celica.