Topic: Advice please: Matrix or Mazda3?

[PJungnitsch]

I've test drove both and one of my sisters has owned a Matrix since 2003.

IMO

Mazda3 is more stylish inside and out (I really love it) and has a quieter engine.

Matrix is much more practical with true flat fold rear seats, a much bigger cargo area, and about an inch greater ground clearance.

Reliability and service wise both seem to be very good.

[Snowman]

I owned Vibe previously and found it to be very functional and if I were in the market for a FWD hatch\wagon would be hard pressed to find a better alternative to a Matrix. Enjoy your ride, you made a great choice. 

[MKII]

mazda parts are way more expensive than toyota...
matrix did excellent on crash test ratings.. so no worries

References please 

Some 2006 figures, the Matrix is slightly better:


2006 Toyota Matrix 4-DR. Crash Ratings (5 star scale) from http://www.automotive.com/2006/12/toyota/matrix/safety/index.html

Frontal Impact                        Side Impact
Driver's Side *****        Front Occupant ***
Passenger's Side ****       Rear Occupant  ****   

2006 Toyota Matrix 4-DR. Rollover Rating and Figures
Rollover Resistance Rating ****   


2006 Toyota Matrix 4-DR. Standard Safety Features
• Daytime Running Lights   • Child Seat Lower Anchorage
• Adjustable Upper Belt - Front   • Pretensioner
• Energy Management Feature   • Rear Center Lap/Shoulder Belt
• Advanced Air Bag Features   • Rear Seat Head Restraint
• Tire Pressure Monitor   



 2006 Mazda3 4-DR. Crash Ratings (5 star scale) from http://www.automotive.com/2006/12/mazda/mazda3/safety/index.html

Frontal Impact                        Side Impact
Driver's Side ****         Front Occupant ***
Passenger's Side ****      Rear Occupant ***   



2006 Mazda3 4-DR. Rollover Rating and Figures
Rollover Resistance Rating ****   

2006 Mazda3 4-DR. Standard Safety Features
• Child Seat Lower Anchorage   • Adjustable Upper Belt - Front
• Pretensioner   • Energy Management Feature
• Rear Center Lap/Shoulder Belt   • Advanced Air Bag Features
• Rear Seat Head Restraint   • Trunk Release

From Canadian spec models

Safety 2007 Mazda Mazda3 SportGS                      /  2007 Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback
   
Front impact airbags driver and passenger                / driver and passenger     
Driver side impact airbags seat mounted                    /  N/A     
Passenger side impact airbag seat mounted                /   N/A     
Overhead airbag curtain 1st and 2nd row                    /   N/A     
Occupancy sensor Standard                                    / Standard     
Side impact bars Standard                                       /Standard     
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) Standard                              /  Optional     
Panic brake assist Standard                                     /  Optional     
Exterior light control fully automatic                           /  N/A     
Fog/driving lights front                                           /   N/A
 
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