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Toyota Matrix vs. Mazda Protege5 - READ ONLY

292 messages,  Last post on May 02, 2003 at 1:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Matrix, Mazda Protege5, Hatchback, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 30

#1 of 292 Pleeeease help!! by matrix2003

Feb 10, 2002 (8:30 pm)

I am in the market for either the Toyota Matrix XR w/ Sport & Sport Plus Packages, or the Mazda Pro5. I am willing to wait a few months in hopes that demand for the Matrix will settle down and I will be able to deal a little on Toyota's newest product. Even so, in comparing invoice on both cars, it seems that the Pro5 offers more bang for the buck. If anyone has any insight or advice PLEEEEEASE let me know, as I am truly torn between the two cars! Thanks!!

#2 of 292 P5 vs. Matrix XR by maryboo19

Feb 10, 2002 (9:15 pm)

Read through the Matrix and P5 forums, you will find some insights on the pro's and con's of both.
 
I was really torn between these two as well, but finally settled on the P5. Comparably equipped, I found the Matrix to be about $500 more. I chose the P5 for a few reasons, all IMO:
 
-better styling
-sportier suspension and steering
-rear disc brakes (only available on Matrix XRS)
-special financing, and more room to negotiate as Matrix is a new model
 
I also hear it is difficult to find Toyota's with certain option combinations, Mazda doesn't have this problem.
 
The Matrix also has a lot going for it, and would also be a good choice. It has a 5 yr/60K powertrain warranty, probably better resale value, and a roomier and more flexible interior.
 
For me, the P5's better driving characteristics and styling outweighed the Matrix's extra room. It all depends what your priorities are. My suggestion would be to drive both before making a decision.

#3 of 292 Just bought 2003 Matrix XRS by Peterun

Feb 11, 2002 (5:34 am)

Six speed manual transmission; 17" wheels. The vehicle is great, so far. EPA rating is significantly higher than stated in brochure. Negative: Asks for premium unleaded. Positive: Supremely comfortable, great design, Toyota reliability and trade-in value. Pete

#4 of 292 Hi matrix2003 & Everyone - Helpful Links by revka

Feb 11, 2002 (9:34 am)

To matrix2003- Welcome to the Hatchbacks Board, and good luck with your decision. In addition to the feedback here, you should try comparing these two vehicles into Edmunds' side-by-side vehicle comparison tool.
 
To everyone- Please note: in the Helpful Links on the left side of the page, you'll find direct links to Edmunds.com side-by-side vehicle comparison and some other related Town Hall discussions (i.e. Protege5, Matrix). Keep your eyes open for other new items to be posted in that area. Hope this is helpful. Happy motoring!
 
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

#5 of 292 test drive results by hurler4

Feb 11, 2002 (11:27 am)

I've tested the P5 and the Matrix XR, and they definitely have different feels to them. The P5 feels more European, while the Matrix feels like, well, a slightly sportier Corolla. Here are the advantages to both, in my opinion:
 
P5:
-sporty handling
-good torque
-great looks
-standard roof rack
-foldaway mirrors
 
Matrix:
-more room
-better gas mileage
-feels safer and more solidly built
-Toyota quality
-more options (navigation system, 115-volt outlet, etc.)
 
If I was sure the P5 was going to be as safe and reliable as the Matrix, I'd get one in a heartbeat. But the Matrix just "feels" more substantial. So it's a tradeoff of character vs. quality, in my opinion.

#6 of 292 safe and reliable? by mp5freak

Feb 11, 2002 (11:58 am)

When you talk of safe and reliable, I'm surprised that a car that is more or less brand new would be held in higher regard than one that has existed as a top performer (in the regular Pro. sedan form) for many years. That was my biggest thing when getting the P5 - the regular Protege was held in such high regard with such a high owner satisfaction that I felt totally comfortable buying. The Matrix, although it is made by Toyota, is so new that I would be a bit hesitant. Not just of the reliablility and safety, but until more reviews and user stories are shared I'm not so sure about the other important factors - i.e. power, fun-to-drive, value, handling, etc. With the P5 I knew I was getting a solid car that had all the best points of the top of the line Pro ES, in an awesome hatchback form with all the options as standard.
 
Now if they weren't selling so fast I might have been able to get a better deal (i.e. more off the MSRP) but I guess when the dealer can't keep them on the lot at the full MSRP, what are you going to do?

#7 of 292 Marix Nav. system not standard!! by mnkyboy

Feb 11, 2002 (12:29 pm)

Why are people saying that the Matrix comes with a Navigation system? Its a $1,750 option!! For that price, you can get a better navigation system in a P5. What good is the navigation system when I hear the Matrix isnt that fun to drive, I own a P5 and a Corolla, and the Corolla is just plain boring...ZZZZ..

#8 of 292 Navigation by ashutoshsm

Feb 11, 2002 (12:35 pm)

I still don't understand why people value navigation systems in cars. Just get a dash-mountable handheld navigation/GPS unit ($200 to 1000 for really good ones), that charges off the cigarette lighter output. Granted, it may not be the most ergonomic position to use it, but you can pull it out to use in your other car/s, or for a camping trip, or a hike!
 
And its cheaper (and usually better) than the $1750 you pay for it as an option!
 
And you shouldn't be using toys while you drive anyway We don't use cellphones while we drive, do we?

#9 of 292 Not your father's Toyota by mdaffron

Feb 11, 2002 (1:06 pm)

If you think Toyotas are bulletproof, here's a real eye-opener story from autonews.com today:

http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38302

Meade

#10 of 292 by hurler4

Feb 11, 2002 (1:07 pm)

I always used my cellphone when I was driving my Ford Thunderbird (the boys at AAA knew me on a first-name basis).
 
I guess the main point I was trying to get across was that the Matrix felt more solid and safe than the P5. The doors were heavier, the materials inside felt more substantial, and it just had a more solid feel on the road. But yes, it does drive like a Corolla. Maybe I'll test out the 180-hp Matrix XRS, but I heard that it has absolutely no torque at the low end. Has anyone heard anything about this?

Messages Page 1 of 30

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