Versa V. Matrix

[bright_one]

Had anyone here considered the Toyota Matrix before they bought their versa? If so, why did you go for the Versa? I had been set on a two or three year old matrix for awhile before the Versas came out but now am definitely leaning toward the Versa, especially since a Versa new is cheaper than a used Matrix.

[ilusha55]

i actually did considered it along with mazda 3 and suzuki aerio ( )but what pissed me off is the dealer that was behaving like i was a 1000th customer today. Matrix is a great car but with V coming out it became overpriced. I mean it has 4 extra hp and has the same size as V so are those little things worth extra 2k?

[campersand]

You pretty much summed it up. I really liked the Matrix but it's more expensive than the Versa and doesn't get quite as good mpg. If you don't already know about this, you can go to cars.com and do a direct comparison of any cars you want. Sometimes the stats they have aren't totally accurate but it's a good tool nonetheless.

[ruthfish]

Yes, I was ready to buy Matrix before I learned about the Versa. When I test drove the Matrix, I had some issues with the blindspots and overall I didn't like the feel of it.

Versa is much easier to manouver and in my opinion has better visability.

Good luck with your new car purchase!

[MinisterofDOOM]

For those of you who were looking at the Matrix but decided otherwise due to price, remember that you can get the same car, only better looking, for less money in the Pontiac Vibe.

I'm not saying not to get the Versa...in fact quite the contrary. I'd prefer it if I had to choose between the two.

But if you're dead set on a Matrix but don't want to pay the $2k premium for that little badge, the Vibe's the way to go.

[campersand]

For those of you who were looking at the Matrix but decided otherwise due to price, remember that you can get the same car, only better looking, for less money in the Pontiac Vibe.

I'm not saying not to get the Versa...in fact quite the contrary. I'd prefer it if I had to choose between the two.

But if you're dead set on a Matrix but don't want to pay the $2k premium for that little badge, the Vibe's the way to go.

Isn't the Vibe more expensive than the Matrix?http://newcars.cars.com//compa...101A0

[MinisterofDOOM]

New prices may have been, but KBB puts used Vibes at around $1000 cheaper than used Matrix..es...Matrices...? That seems fitting, considering normal GM versus Toyota resale values.

[Ever Victorious]

Ooh, ooh, time for my two cents!

The day that the ASCD switch decided to go wonky on my Versa, I was given a Vibe as a rental car by the dealership.

OMG does that thing handle like a pig! I haven't had something that unresponsive and sluggish since I drove my mother-in-law's old '93 Dodge Caravan! Plus, the c-pillar blind spot is actually BIGGER than the Versa's if you can believe that.

I'm sorry, but like most Toyota products, the fact that it will run forever does NOT offset the fact that driving it makes me want to bang my head on a brick wall until I pass out.

[BenDupre]

After I bought my Versa, I kept shopping for a while. I actually drove Matrix and Yaris AFTER buying the Versa (the local Toyota dealer had none of either on the lot that day). I liked the Matrix, but the Yaris is a buzz box 2-door speck.

I understand the Matrix gets mileage consistently within the EPA estimates which makes me regret choosing the Versa. I love the car, the convenience pack, MP3 stereo, and the cargo space behind the seats is loads taller. Can't get over the 27.5 MPG I'm getting when so many others seem to be getting consistently well above 30.

One thing I didn't like about Matrix was the clutch pedal was too far over to the right. Working the clutch made me feel like I was cracking walnuts with my thighs.

One thing I love about the Versa is the CVT. I never would have considered buying an automatic in such a small car, but the CVT made me completely change my mind. In fact, it single handedly upsold me into the SL.

Ben

[electech]

Same here fellas. I too looked at the Matrix and it was just too pricey. My goals were great gas mileage at $14000 to $15000. I ended up spending more than I had too because I liked the features of the SL and the CVT. Mine is not getting the mileage I would have hoped either. In fact, the tank I am on right now looks to be on a sub 30mpg run!! A couple of co-workers are rubbing it in bad over their Civics averaging in the high 30's coming to work. Same size engines, the V has less power and less mileage, very maddening!! But, I do like the V though, it is a comfortable little car. Good luck with your choice.
Modified by electech at 6:57 AM 9/9/2006

[Ever Victorious]

For what it's worth, the Vibe I drove during that rental day did not get anywhere near its touted mileage. I did actually have to fill up the car that day, and caluclated out a whopping 21 MPG. Stop me if I'm wrong, but aren't they supposed to get about 28 in the city?

[jallendavis]

epa says 30 in town for 6spd and CVT but I know from personal experiance that driving habits can more than make up for that differance.

Example: drving like a madaman to get to a biz. meeting (almost 300miles 80/20 city highway in my '92 maxima) 17mpg ish. Same rout on the way home the next day almost 25mpg (but it took me 40 minutes more to get home). my though is stop griping and look at how you're driving.

sorry for the rant. I know this is totaly unrelated to this thread

just my $.02

[BenDupre]

You are absolutely right about driving habits. But some of have low mileage despite babying the vehicle and driving mostly highway miles. "It's always the driver's fault" is keeping some legit problems from getting attention.

Ben

[jallendavis]

Too True. alas I have become one of those f***ers who make blanket statements that are only somewhat true. I reaaly should know better. Sorry to all!

[ilusha55]

A couple of co-workers are rubbing it in bad over their Civics averaging in the high 30's coming to work.

Don’t say that word, i don’t want to be in a civic ever in my life, this car is so small i better pay more for the gas that driving this go cart...

[evil200000000]

yes I've considered about the matrix before. Ever since i wanted a new car, I was looking at hatchbacks. In the end I chose the Versa b'cuz its cheaper (Versa top of the line is still cheaper than Matrix with power package). It has a CVT transmission which is good too. I only heard about the Versa on the day when i was about to put down deposit for a YARIS. Luckily I bought a Versa. Otherwise, I'll regret it.Versa is still rare here. I feel like a movie star.

[philmcneal]

remembers guys, every car has an EPA rating (say Versa is 30/34 for the 6spd verison) so that gives it an EPA combined rating of 32 mpg)

In my opinion a conservative driver should be able to get 100% of the EPA rating in the city if they drove within speed limits and limit their jackrabbit starts.

Most people fall below the EPA rating... usually by 60-90% depending on their driving habits, which is why people never get the mileage posted on the sticker. Remember those numbers are created in NON IDEAL SITUATIONS, so to get those numbers you got to work for it... not just drive like you been "taught."

As for me, I'm above my EPA rating by 22% in city driving so guys.... stop frowning upon your mileage and actually try to drive for mileage and I'll promise you'll never believe your car was this capable!

But hey.. if you don't want to leave a little bit more early to save some gas then that's just your opinion

SO in theory if I drove a versa, 22% EPA should mean 39 mpg for me

[rwanttaja]

In my opinion a conservative driver should be able to get 100% of the EPA rating in the city if they drove within speed limits and limit their jackrabbit starts.

This *completely* ignores the traffic conditions. A car stopped and idling gets zero MPG. The EPA rating criteria is based on a certain set of conditions; if the real-world conditions don't match, the car cannot make the EPA rating.

Ron

[OKVersa]

I actually wanted the Vibe. I liked the storage capacity better than the Versa, and didn't have the "hump" issue with the fold down seats. With rebates, we were going to get the Vibe, with a sun roof for less than the Versa.

Then I started doing 'net research and discovered Vibe owners were having a great deal of problem with their paint and having a more difficult time to get GM to deal with it.

Then I suddenly realized I was comparing a 2006 Vibe with a 2007 Nissan. Sure, the Vibe was less, but it was already a year old.

The Matrix? I could only find one dealer that had one in stock and as we walked up to test drive it, some one drove off in it.

After buying the Versa, I don't see how any compact could compare with the ride and room.

[BenDupre]

Sure Matrix has a level load floor, but measure floor to ceiling and see the difference. If Versa bumped the floor up to the level of the rear seatback you'd have what Matrix got: Less Space.

Just look at what you can stuff in the back of the Versa:

Ben

[indus49]

I looked at the Vibe, Matrix, Mazda 5 door and the Versa.

As far as the Vibe/Matrix goes, interior styling killed it for me. The radio was the same the GM uses for all of its Grand Prix/Grand Ams, that pre-90s retro amber crap I didn't like back then, either.

And the interior seemed cheap, plastic and unrefined. A stark contrast to the smooth, detailed and comforting interior of the Versa. I like the way it looks inside and out, and the Versa was easier on the wallet (gas and initial price) than the Matrix or the Vibe. A clear choice for me.

[campersand]

But hey.. if you don't want to leave a little bit more early to save some gas then that's just your opinion

Actually, that would be a choice, not an opinion.

Sorry, I'm a d!ck.

[philmcneal]

This *completely* ignores the traffic conditions. A car stopped and idling gets zero MPG. The EPA rating criteria is based on a certain set of conditions; if the real-world conditions don't match, the car cannot make the EPA rating.

Ron

lol that's why you never idle at a stoplight in fact my engine gets killed before I approach it :P

Quote »Actually, that would be a choice, not an opinion.

Sorry, I'm a d!ck.

[/quote]actually your right on that one, I'm the kinda guy willing to leave 15 mins earlier to work to save on gas, if traffic is really bad on the way home, I even take 1 hour naps before I leave.

Stop and go is a huge mileage killer, and I perfer the streets to be cleared before attempting to drive in the heart of the city again.

[proxim2020]

I looked into the Matrix and the Kia Spectra 5 before the Versa. After finding the Versa, the Matrix just seemed very over priced. Most of the specs matched up, but there was a 2-3k difference. I also enjoyed the Versa had a Manual 6 over the Matrix's 5. More Gears = More Fun = One Happy Boy!!! The kia was reasonably price, had an excellent warrant, and a lot of standard features. I didn't like the kia because there's virtually no aftermarket presence. The majority of the mods would have to be custom jobs which would cost more $$$. Also after a simple 2 mile test drive, the car seemed to be running hot. Performance slowed and there was a burning smell coming from under the hood...lol.

[LF65]

I love the pic with the trash cans in the back. I went to Lowes one day and bought a front load washing machine and carried it in the back of my Versa. Way to go dude. Versa Rocks!!!

[Ever Victorious]

I looked into the Matrix and the Kia Spectra 5 before the Versa. After finding the Versa, the Matrix just seemed very over priced. Most of the specs matched up, but there was a 2-3k difference. I also enjoyed the Versa had a Manual 6 over the Matrix's 5. More Gears = More Fun = One Happy Boy!!! The kia was reasonably price, had an excellent warrant, and a lot of standard features. I didn't like the kia because there's virtually no aftermarket presence. The majority of the mods would have to be custom jobs which would cost more $$$. Also after a simple 2 mile test drive, the car seemed to be running hot. Performance slowed and there was a burning smell coming from under the hood...lol.

Depends on what mods you're talking about for the spectra5. There's a company called KFX Performance that does nothing BUT Kia mods. And because of the popularity of the Spec5, that's where the bulk of their focus is.

[BenDupre]

Funny, during an interview I saw with one of NISSANs marketing VPs he was asked what response they expected from the tuners, and he replied while they'd hope they would be happy with the versa they had absolutely no intentions design/marketing or otherwise of catering to that segment. (I paraphrase)

In another clip about the spectra 5 I saw a factory rep say "This car is ready for the tuner market" (i quote).

Ben

EDIT: Here's the interview http://youtube.com/watch?v=8Fj...earch=
Modified by BenDupre at 4:28 PM 9/18/2006

[happycar]

I looked at both Vibe and Matrix and was leaning towards them before I found the Versa. What changed my mind about the “legendary Toyota quality� was test-driving a couple of 2-year-old Vibes and one 2-year-old Matrix. I can tell you, that plastic interior that looks kind of cheap, is kind of cheap. Every one of them had at least one door that would not stay closed, a piece somewhere that was broken, and at least one loud annoying rattle coming from somewhere. It was obvious to me why they were back on a dealer floor after less than two years.

[proxim2020]

Depends on what mods you're talking about for the spectra5. There's a company called KFX Performance that does nothing BUT Kia mods. And because of the popularity of the Spec5, that's where the bulk of their focus is.

That's also why I didn't choose the Kia. KFX Performance was the only place that sold pre-fabbed mods. Basically if they didn't have it, it's a good chance that you won't get it unless you made it yourself. The Spec 5 has been out since late 04 and still only has about 3 body kits you can put on it within the whole industry. A lot of companies do not seem they want to create products for the car since they don't think it has a big market. Something that Kia owners hate. I bet by Jan 07, there will be 3 body getting ready to be released for the Versa.

[Jemdawg]

To be honest, the Matrix is more money, but you can do much more with it. Granted that the V just came out and there's less aftermarket products because of that, the Matrix still can be worked on much more than a Tiida. The best I've seen a Tiida at is about 167hp, but I've seen a Matrix with a turbo at 300+hp at the wheels.

Besides...the Matrix has Lift, what more could you want? The Matrix is basically a Honda killing machine.