yes it is from the echo. whats wrong with having an echo engine in a small car?

corolla/matrix/vibe engine = celica engine =1zz or 2zz

 

I'd just get the Vibe, basically a Matrix -all the toyota with all the GM incentives sound like a win/win deal to me. Too bad you don't like the box. The BOX is the best of em all

 

ive test driven the vibe, matrix, and Xa. the vibe is more GMish than Toyota like. The matrix is definetly toyota. Good ride and good feel and everything is wonderful. The Xa feels much of the same. I would go Xa between matrix and Xa. Xa has better stereo (in my opinion), sportier seats, and a more unique look. i like both very much but i think the Xa would win out for me.

 

alright ive test driven vibe, matrix, and xA. vibe and matrix r not the same thing. yes they may be based off each other but you can definetly tell the diff. between GM and toyota. the two r like night and day. now back to the topic of matrix vs. xA.... the matrix is a nice riding car, good shifting, peppy little car (at least in FWD version). it rides comfortably and doesnt feel the bumbs the xA feels. the xA has a better radio, sportier seats, and the looks that make it unique and not like a cookie cutter since not many are buzzin around yet. the xA doesnt have the engine the matrix has but i would still go xA if i had the choice. i dont see how you could bring the matrix AWD price down to what a fairly well equipped Xa is. make sure you've test driven both and see what fits you best. i wud be xA all the way but that jus maybe me. good luck findin ur car

 

I've heard a lot of horror stories about the Matrix not living up to Toyota standards. . . btw they are built out of the SAME plant, I believe the Fremont plant in CA. My details may be off so don't hold me accountable, but I think it was also the same plant that built the older Corolla/Geo Prism, which are crap compared to the newer Corollas (no more Prism yay!) I think it is a joint-venture plant, hence the similar cars. Yes the matrix shares a lot with the Corolla, but it is not the same car. . .

I'd shy towards the xA, however I really hate the xA in auto, my personal preference. It's a cooler car, period. You'll also save some cash too! the xA is very solid and built very well; I have a lot of confidence in this car. I can't say the same for the Matrix.

 

The vibe and matrix are the exact same thing, except for the sheetmetal exterior. All of the mechanical parts are toyota, its only the interior which is designed by GM. So, for all of you that are bias agains GM (saying they always break), trust that the mechanisms are all toyota.

IMO, the interior is actually quite nice. Especially the rear area, the way the seats fold down is very smart. And i like how its all plastic, even on the back of the rear seats, so you can easily load, tie down, and roll whatever you gotta haul. Not to mention, the front passenger seat can fold down completely (you can throw a laptop on there just fine or load an 8 ft ladder into the cabin with all doors closed).

The Vibe and Matrix's suspension is actually BETTER than the xA's. Read more about it at www.matrixowners.com

dont discount the matrix, it can carry more and has more power. The only bad thing is that the AWD is not available in manual transimission.

The xA beats the vibe/matrix in small size, price, and stock audio.