Topic: Best AWD hatchback/small SUV?

[Mattt]

I'm looking at buying a new vehicle and would appreciate some comments on the list below. I want a small hatchback that is practical and reliable, handles nicely and is in the 30K range. AWD is also a plus. The Impreza fits the bill but I don't like the new styling. I'm going to be finacing the car, so this is a vehicle I could own for ten+ years.

Subarau Impreza
Subarau Forrester
Toyota RAV
Toyota Matrix
Honda CRV
Nissan X-Trail

Audi A3
Saab 9-2X
Volvo V50

The last three are real beauties but I question their long term reliability and overall value compared to the others.

Also, I'm going with a manual transmission.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[jeeper]

Volvo V50 seems to be the only one that worths your money.

[Scaerio]

Others will find me biased, but there are some great financing (try 0% with 0$ down) deals right now on the Suzuki Aerio, which comes in an AWD SX version - probably the bargin in this field.  Plus Suzuki has just released the new Grand Vitara, which has been quite a success in Japan, and offers what appears to be great value for the $$$.

Just me, pluggin' for the underdog.

The SAAB, Volvo, and Audi you mentioned are great, but don't expect anything under $35,000 and forget about cheap financing...

[wing]

V50 or A3 would be my choice, although you won't find either for $30k with AWD

[ovr50]

The 3 choices below the first group are all great but too expensive (as has been said).

I would take the Forester over the Impreza by a big margin. A base Forester should be a good choice.

I would take the RAV over the Matrix, but the new RAV (not here yet) is going to be bigger than the 05MY and pricing is uncertain (as far as I know).

I would probably favor the X-Trail over the CRV. Just my preference, that's all.

Of this group, the Forester might be top of my list (although I think a re-designed Forester is coming for 07).

Lot's of good choices in your list.

[smainville]

Having owned an X-Trail for a little over a year I certainly would recommend it to anyone, 64,000km with no issues.  Very good on fuel, great seats and conveniences.  I also like the Forrester a lot, both of these can be had in the low 30's.  I would buy a V50 as well but I doubt it can be had in the 30's.

[munk]

Have you seen the price of gas lately? I would take a Matrix. Is practical, reliable, handles nicely, will easily last 10+ years, has AWD available and is well under $30K. Meets all of your requirements. Plus it saves you a lot of cash.

[mrthompson]

But it's slowwwwww...   

[AVToller]

I loved my 2001 Forester S (note, there are only 2 r's) and the new ones are significantly better. I drove the Matrix AWD and it is a very nice package, but it is a tad slow if you enjoy spirited driving, but a super choice if your focus is more on longevity, practicality, and reliability. Seriously, I think all of the cars on your initial list are good. 

[si]

as far as I know, matrix AWD only comes in automatic which would make it even slower.




I had a chance to spend the day in a V50 T5 AWD at a Volvo winter driving event.  It really did feel much like an Impreza in driving dynamics.  Had great grip, was well built, functional, easy to drive, and VERY FUN.  If I were in the market for a small AWD wagon I would look to Volvo.  The 6 speed tranny was easy to engage and fun.  A very well built safe car.  Also, you can get it with HID headlights - once you get 'em you'll never want to go back.  I can't praise the car enough.  But as far as cons: not too much ground clearance, back seat tight for 3, sips premium.  It may be over budget, but for 10+ years of worry-free safe fun driving, the car is well worth it.

[ovr50]

The reason I did not chose the Matrix was that I felt there was a blind spot when reversing, and I found the seating position with the steering wheel not so comfortable. I drove a XR 5 speed several years ago but did not get it at the time. I saw a ton of them on the roads in the Maritimes in the summer of 04, a lot more than we have around here.

Thing is, all the list is good, you just have to pick the one that suits your needs best and feels best to you.

[traingirl]

To add to the comments about the V50.  I had a chance to test drive one this weekend and if you can still find an MY05 Volvo is offering $500 + 0.8% or an additional $3000 cash back.  That might take you roughly in line with your $30K budget.

[wing]

Wow thanks for the info traingirl!  That's a deal!

But you cerainly aren't getting an AWD version for $30k, they start at $41

[traingirl]

No - I test drove a FWD.  But Mattt noted AWD 'a plus'.  However, FWD will save on fuel and a good set of snows might do the trick?

Just food for thought...

So the deal is V50 2.4i SR, 5 speed AT, climate pkg (love those heated seats), metallic paint, sunroof for $34,000 - a bit over the $30K.  BUT handles very well, 168 HP with plenty of torque at low rpm, safety up the wazoo.   Great looking wagon.

[peterx]

How about a Legacy wagon; the base model is a bit under $30 and is not a whole lot bigger than an Impreza and certainly looks better to my eye.

[crazycar]

Having just gone through a similar decision, I bought an 06 Impreza.  I actually like the new styling!  The Tribeca though is ugly, so very ugly!  The best thing to do is drive them all, back to back if possible.  I couldn't justify the price of one of the cute utes and wanted something that was small and I could toss around, without having to worry about the high centre of gravity.  My two cents on some of the models you mentioned

Subarau Forrester--similar driving dynamics as the Impreza.  Is a bit slower and pricey if you want a few options.

Toyota RAV--fun to drive, felt peppy.  Touchy brakes though.  Didn't like the spare on the rear door.  You will pay top dollar, but the reliability can't be beat.

Honda CRV--I detest this vehicle!  I drove my sister's a few times and just don't like it.  In fact, neither does she now!  It is too noisy and feels tippy to me.

Saab 9-2X-same car as the Impreza.  You can get an 05 for almost the same price as an 06 Impreza.  I felt more comfortable with my local subaru dealer than with saab, so I bought the subaru.

Start testing driving and you can start narrowing down your choices.

[johngenx]

For AWD at/under $30K, forget Audi, Volvo or other "upmarket" brands.  Just ain't gonna happen.

The best value, by far and away is the "base" Impreza at less than $25K including most power options, AC and of course, Subaru's superb AWD system.  The Matrix will get better mileage, but the AWD AT Matrix is not a fun car to drive.  I found the AT versions with ratios completely mismatched to the engine and it just kinda droned along fighting the lack of low end torque.  I bet the AT would be a much better match to the Camry's much more powerful four banger. Maybe Toyota just swapped in the same ratios?

Also, on the Subie, you get four wheel discs and ABS.  You get side bags on the 06 models as well.  Subaru upped the value equation on the 06's with a very small price increase and a few more features and bit more power.

As to the Forester, it's also revised for 06, and better than ever.  You'll be "stuck" at a base model to keep things under $30K, but even the base is a pretty nice stationwagon.  According to my insurance company, it's NOT an SUV, but a "stationwagon" and that saves us a decent amount on insurance.  (We have an 01 Forester and really like it, super reliable, fun, and hauls a ton of stuff...)

I don't know much about the Nissan, but people seem to like it.  I can't stand our local Nissan dealers, so I haven't ever shopped their products seriously.  The X-Trail would be a serious value contended against both the Subaru Impreza and Forester.

The CR-V just doens't turn my crank.  People love them, and they're well made, but I found the driving a little uninspiring and soft.  I'm sure they're great, but just didn't suit me.

[si]

the Subaru is a great car, more fun to drive in WRX form.

Too bad it now looks propellerless.

[boytoys]

But it's slowwwwww...   

Therefore a Matrix saves gas, What about HONDA ELEMENT ?
Very functional and practical...? 

[asdf]

10+ years is a long time to own a car.  If that is the case I would be looking for the most practical car since your needs will change over such a long period.  I would get the Honda CRV.  It is probably the most well rounded of the bunch.  Decent power, okay on gas, AWD, lots of room and reliability.  One bonus is the back window flips open which is really handy for longer items like ladders and 2x4's. 

I would also consider the Subaru Legacy wagon which can be had for under $30K.  The Legacy GT is a bit more expensive but man is it ever sweet.  If you are not set on AWD, then I would also look at the Mazda6 wagon.