Toyota MATRIX or MAZDA Protege 5?

[Chunkee]

Any one have any experience with either of these cars? My 93 Honda station wagon has to go!

Thanks

JC

 

[SuperTool]

Wait for next years mazda-3 (Protege replacement). There will be a 5 door hatchback too.
When it comes out, either get it, or Protege 5 with deep discount due to new model
Interior
Exterior

 

[chin311]

protege 5, they look a lot better IMO

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: chin311
protege 5, they look a lot better IMO

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: SuperTool
Wait for next years mazda-3 (Protege replacement). There will be a 5 door hatchback too.
When it comes out, either get it, or Protege 5 with deep discount due to new model
Interior
Exterior

anyone know if these will hit the US and when? what are the specs?

JC

 

[SuperTool]

It's a 2004 model, so I am guessing it's coming soon.
http://www.caranddriver.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=40020&sessionID=CBDFCAA1E4BB4376891659D2C3482740

 

[Dacalo]

I have test driven both when I was shopping for a car, and I got a Protege5.

If you can wait for the Mazda3 get that. If not, you can get a Protege5 for a really good deal since they are gonna be obsolete.

Both lack a lot of trunk space. BTW, Protege5's handling owns Matrix

 

[gnuel3]

Matrix! But I'm biased since my parents have one...

It's soo roomy and comfy inside, but there isnt much storage space...I think my old 88 Camry can fit more stuff in the trunk.

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: Dacalo
I have test driven both when I was shopping for a car, and I got a Protege5.

If you can wait for the Mazda3 get that. If not, you can get a Protege5 for a really good deal since they are gonna be obsolete.

Both lack a lot of trunk space. BTW, Protege5's handling owns Matrix

from the article links about the new mazda 3, it seems like there is nothing new to scream and shout about...the styling is a little boxier in my opinion, it looks pretty slick...but it seems as though the performance is not elevated any

JC

 

[stickshift]

matrix only because toyota has a better reputation

 

[ElFenix]

the pontiac vibe is the exact same car as the corolla wagon, might want to look into that since its significantly cheaper

 

[conjur]

Saw a Matrix the other day...pretty sharp looking. But, the Protege5 has, I believe, $2250 in rebates (good thru tomorrow, 9/8) although those are usually extended.

 

[OS]

Get a matrix. It has a base celica motor in it, slightly underrated by about 10 hp. That's not to say it's fast by any measure, they're both really slow, but the matrix is less slow. I've driven an auto protege sedan and a stick matrix before.

Oh also, if you plan to keep the car for a long ass time, another reason to buy a matrix; it has a timing chain instead of a timing belt (protege has a timing belt) and it'll save you a 500 dollar job at ~100k miles.

Besides, with mazda, you never know if you're gonna get a letter in the mail saying that they f*cked up and they overrated your motor.

 

[Thegonagle]

I just bought a 2001 Mazda Protégé ES (a sedan, but essentially equipped the same, with 4 wheel disc brakes and 16 inch rims with 50-series tires).

I tell you, it?s a blast to drive. I love it! The ride is a little harsh, I suppose, and the engine runs a bit too fast on the highway due to its sporty gearing (~3400 RPM at 70 MPH in fifth gear, IIRC), but WOW, that handling is great. The current Protégé reminds me of what Honda Civics used to be, pre-92, when Honda made some of the sharpest handling ?ordinary sedans? on the road.

I don't have experience with the Matrix, but because it's a Toyota, I'd expect it to be a little more comfortable than the Protégé on long trips. Do you want a car with extra-sporty handling, or a more comfortable cruiser? Think about that, test drive 'em both, and then decide.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

biased vote for the matrix ...

i think the matrix looks cooler and the cabin has a lot of space...and a ton of headroom....feels almost like an suv inside....comfy...

and matrix is a toyota...enough said about that hehee


but i agree w/ thegonagle....just test drive 'em both and see which one suits your tastes best

 

[Chunkee]

thanks guys! the matrix does have more room for storage total wise, but the protege is a little quicker..thing is i know toyota is (was a good product), where is the matrix made, mazda is made in japan...both are good products, but the mazda maybe a little cheaper right now

JC

 

[jlee]

Matrix with TRD supercharger.

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: CadetLee
Matrix with TRD supercharger.

sounds nice but that is the high dollar charlie version!

 

[Dacalo]

have you test driven either of them yet?

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

I personally like the Protoge5 styling better myself.

 

[andylawcc]

as OS mentioned, Matrix has the same engine (and base) as the Celica and the Corolla, so roughly 130 "VVTI-ed" hp and 105 torque. Gas mileage wise it is excellent (stick or auto, as long as it is the non-XRS non-4WD version), but i would probably say it is not as fun to drive as the Pro5 since it has better suspension and more torque. My friend and I has driven a Matrix (Auto) and a Celica (Auto and Stick), we both can say we are not too thrill with either cars but it would make a decent commuter. i have yet to try the Pro5 though.



I am not sure about the price and cargo space differences, but have you look into the Scion xB if it is not too extreme looking for your taste?


and hotdamn, the Mazda3 look sexxxxxxxxxyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!