I've narrowed down my car search to the two. If you're so inclined, beef up my pros/cons list from its current pathetic state.

Thanks,
The Car-Ignorant Greenwich Villager



xA Pros: Looks cooler, Fun to drive

Matrix Pros: AWD

 

Btw, I'd have to get automatic (if that makes any difference). :D

 

TC!!!!!!!!!

 

Matrix = Vibe = GM

xA = Ist = Toyota...

 

I am sorry but it should be the other way around...
Vibe=Matrix=Toyota

 

yeh.. that's the case

 

Gas saver.....and spirted

 

Enginewise, yes...but I heard buildwise, it feels like a GM. *shrug*

 

Get the xA unless you need the extra cargo room.

 

The Matrix is just a corolla with a spiffy body. A friend bought one and she is real disappointed. Soft on corners and not much fun to drive. Only 600 miles on it and she hates it. I've been seeing a lot of new ones on the road with their paper dealer advertisements still in the license plate frame. I guess the rebates on it right now are drawing people in. I think the xA has it beat on all counts--except choice of colors!

 

I'd get a xA and spend some extra on some rims, maybe drop a lil and a nice stereo, and you'd be one happy camper...

 

vibe/matrix/volts (made for the japanese market) - all the same car... just different bodies... vibe/volts made at NUMI in california , Matrix made in canada ...

dont really know where this is going..but their build quality is all the same... my mom has a matrix... it's not bad at all.. handles well...

 

I like the matrix over the vibe.

There's something about the vibe body that screams AZTEK!

 

I carpooled with an enthusiastic Matrix owner for a while and came --><-- this close to buying one myself last June ... so here's my $0.02:

Matrix: Beefier and probably safer in a crash, a bit more power, spacious rear seat (on a par with the xB) and decent cargo area. Also has hitch available for bike racks, cargo carriers or a really small trailer. And as you noted AWD available.

xA: Better mileage and handling, fits in smaller parking spaces, somewhat better interior fit/finish, standard ABS and less $$$$$.

And then there's looks ... personally I like the xA better but that's just my opinion :D

 

hmnnn...

i've always felt the matrix handled better than the xa... also... tests have shown that the xb handles better than the xa from motorweek tv...

mototrends results - 600 ft slalom
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/wago...on/index1.html

matrix - 66MPH
xa - 62MPH

motorweek article

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2303a.shtml

 

So I test drove the Matrix, the Mini & the xA yesterday. Going into it, I thought I'd definitely like the Mini best, but I found it to be claustrophic (I'm only 5'3") and just too damn small. It had plenty of engine, but when I merged on to 95 and had to get ahead of an 18-wheeler it did feel a bit like David and Goliath. And not in a good way. Can't beat the interior though. So cool!!

The Matrix handled fine. Had enough pep for me and made me feel safe but in a way too safe. I almost felt like a soccer mom!

Bottom line is that, to me, the xA is the *most* fun to drive. If I can get over my mental hurdle of driving in snow sans 4WD I'll be joining you all soon. :D

 

Carrie,

Looks like you need to put in an order for the limited-edition RS xA with the traction control then! Or, keep in mind you can always order a set of snow tires and wheels online to keep around for the winter, if you find that you still need more traction if you get a vehicle without it.

Here's one of several forum links about the RS model:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...asc&highlight=

Thanks for keeping us info'd - it's like reliving the fun of the search.

~B

 

siopao2000 - Thanks for the links. In a nutshell, for the lzay, regarding the xA vs XB, from those links:

xA 0-60 in 10.8 seconds, quarter mile in 18.2 seconds at 77 mph.
xB 0-60 in 11.5 seconds, quarter mile in 18.5 seconds at 74 mph.
Both are quick off the line, but power is lost in later gears. xA was much quieter under full throttle.
The xA had slower turn-in, but really stayed planted through each turn. xB had a more precise turn-in that made for a sportier drive. But the xB has a taller roll center, which is why it also has the electronic stability control. An available front strut tower brace adds body stiffness and even more handing response.
xA 31 city/ 37 highway
xB 30 city/ 34 highway
xB's wheelbase is over five inches longer than the xA's, though it's overall length is only a bit more than one inch longer.

 

but arent the xa's and the xb's engine the same.......a toyota echo engine......

 

but doesnt the xa have a echo engine? i rather take a corolla engine over an echo engine