I've got a baby on the way, an 80 pound dog, an ever increasing amount of travel for work. Factor that with retardedely high gas prices and the fact that I now have rather easy access to a truck that I didn't have two years ago and I have some incentive to consider dumping my 4x4 pickup for something more practical.
I've looked at the Vibe, Malibu Maxx, and Mazda 5.
The MZ5 was the most enjoyable to drive, but had fairly poor fuel economy for a 4 cylinder. Plus my wife hates it. But it did offer the best seating positions and hauling space for people and stuff.
The Max had the least pleasing seating comfort and had the least cargo flexibility.
The Vibe really has no weak spot other than a gruntless Toyota made 1.8L. But it gets like 30 in town and 35+ on the highway. Plus it has a great seating position, very useful back seats, and turns on a friggin dime. The cargo area is also much more functional and forgiving than the other two and is easier to clean. Not as big as the Mazda, but more useful than the Maxx.
With the Vibe I'm getting Toyota reliability (not counting their recent problems), an excellent powertrain warranty, and nearly double the gas milage that I currently do. I'm looking at '07's and can get $2500 right off the sticker without even beginning to haggle.
For current Vibe/Matrix owners, are you happy with you car? Other than the engine, any major complaints? How is the factory "Monsoon" upgrade if you have it?
I've looked at the Vibe, Malibu Maxx, and Mazda 5.
The MZ5 was the most enjoyable to drive, but had fairly poor fuel economy for a 4 cylinder. Plus my wife hates it. But it did offer the best seating positions and hauling space for people and stuff.
The Max had the least pleasing seating comfort and had the least cargo flexibility.
The Vibe really has no weak spot other than a gruntless Toyota made 1.8L. But it gets like 30 in town and 35+ on the highway. Plus it has a great seating position, very useful back seats, and turns on a friggin dime. The cargo area is also much more functional and forgiving than the other two and is easier to clean. Not as big as the Mazda, but more useful than the Maxx.
With the Vibe I'm getting Toyota reliability (not counting their recent problems), an excellent powertrain warranty, and nearly double the gas milage that I currently do. I'm looking at '07's and can get $2500 right off the sticker without even beginning to haggle.
For current Vibe/Matrix owners, are you happy with you car? Other than the engine, any major complaints? How is the factory "Monsoon" upgrade if you have it?
