Comparison b/w Civic SI, Civic DX-G, Corolla, & Matrix?

I'm looking to purchase a new(er) car at the end of summer for around
$16-22,000 CDN ($12-16,500 US) and have been looking at these four options:

1. 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS or XR B-pack
2. 2004/2005 Toyota Corollla B-Pack
3. 1998-2002 Honda Civic SI
4. 2001-2003 Honda Civic DX-G

I previously owned a 1993 Saturn SL1 and liked the luxury-type features
(A/C, pdl, pw, pm, comfy seats, cruise, tilt, etc) and a Jeep YJ
(convertible - openness). I currently drive a 1997 Toyota Corolla SD, the
plain-jane no frill model. It doesn't even have A/C. I have a 15 month old
child and A/C is kinda needed. My Corolla is also very uncomfy and not
suitable for long drives.

In my new car, I want some frills, like keyless entry, pw, sunroof would be
AWESOME!, cruise control, etc. Price is also a factor - I'm a full-time dad
raising my child and the more money saved the better. I want reliability,
practicality, comfort, gas mileage, etc. It's going to be for daily driving
mostly in the city. I live in the cold climate of Canada which ranges from
+30C to -30C (-22F to 86F) so heat and coolness are big factors as well as
handling in ice/snow/rain.

I'm looking for honest and unbiased opinions. I'm posting this in Honda &
Toyota newsgroups and I know people in their respective ones no-doubt prefer
the company they are driving, but please be as impartial as possible. I only
plan to buy one new car in the next 10-15 years and this will be it. Tell me
your gripes and your praises for any of the models you own(ed) above or have
heard about. All comments appreciated!!

My current views are:
1. The Matrix seems very practical for everything. Reliability is hard to
tell because they are relatively new but they seem OK? They may be a bit big
tho and I wonder about fuel consumption? Pricy, too, for the higher models.

2. I love Corollas for their reliability and price. I tried an '04 out in
the winter and it handled VERY well. It was also very warm and somewhat
comfy. I've heard the '05's will be very comfy. It also seemed to have alot
of power. I guess my only gripe with them is their simplicity. Simple can be
good, but they aren't great looking cars and they lack the sunroof which I'd
really like if possible. Still tho, for the price it's a pretty good choice.

3. I'd love to own an SI but I wonder about 2-door for a child? Many say
it's hard to get them in and out and it's not so great. I've also heard
mixed opinions on the higher output VTec engines - some people say they wear
out a little faster? The price is also alot higher unless I go '99ish with a
bit higher K's. However, they have all the bells and whistles and are fun to
drive - as well as a good resale value. (PS: I know the '04's have 4-door,
but they are a bit outta my price range for now ...but if you have some
feedback on them, feel free to reply!) Is it worth the SI or is the DX-G
just as good?

4. The DX-G seems like the Corolla's comparison but with a few more frills.
I know very little about them tho except that they are a few $1000 more.
Feedback needed!

I thank all of you for your help!! Sorry for the crossposting and the long
post!

griffin

 

2005 Corolla B-Pack sounds like the best deal, but does not come with a sunroof.
Another good choice is the 2000 EL which can be had with a sunroof and the 127
HP engine.

Pars
98 Civic Hatch

 

2005 Corolla B-Pack sounds like the best deal, but does not come with a sunroof.
Another good choice is the 2000 EL which can be had with a sunroof and the 127
HP engine.

Pars
98 Civic Hatch

 

2005 Corolla B-Pack sounds like the best deal, but does not come with a sunroof.
Another good choice is the 2000 EL which can be had with a sunroof and the 127
HP engine.

Pars
98 Civic Hatch

 

I test drove the '04 Matrix and the only thing I didn't like was that there
was no lumbar support in the seat. It really needed it.

With that price range, have you considered the bigger brothers, Camry and
Accord? You may sacrifice a little at the gas pumps, but you are adding a
lot of size, and with children, a little more metal around you sounds like a
better deal if something should hit you.

If size is a major deal, look at the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV and Honda
Element. They should also be in that price range.

Let us know what you decided to get

Keith
' 99 Accord EX-L V6

 

I test drove the '04 Matrix and the only thing I didn't like was that there
was no lumbar support in the seat. It really needed it.

With that price range, have you considered the bigger brothers, Camry and
Accord? You may sacrifice a little at the gas pumps, but you are adding a
lot of size, and with children, a little more metal around you sounds like a
better deal if something should hit you.

If size is a major deal, look at the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV and Honda
Element. They should also be in that price range.

Let us know what you decided to get

Keith
' 99 Accord EX-L V6

 

I test drove the '04 Matrix and the only thing I didn't like was that there
was no lumbar support in the seat. It really needed it.

With that price range, have you considered the bigger brothers, Camry and
Accord? You may sacrifice a little at the gas pumps, but you are adding a
lot of size, and with children, a little more metal around you sounds like a
better deal if something should hit you.

If size is a major deal, look at the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV and Honda
Element. They should also be in that price range.

Let us know what you decided to get

Keith
' 99 Accord EX-L V6

 

I don't really need anything too big or powerful. I admit, I miss my Jeep
alot just because of the freedom but now I need something compact and
efficient. I'd love to get one of the new Accords but I can't really afford
anything newer than '97-'98 with lower kilometers. I've also heard alot of
complaints about Camry's as not being as cheap (repair-wise) or as reliable
as the Corolla. The safety issue was kinda one reason I started looking at
the Matrix line - they appear a bit bigger. I will definitely test-drive a
Matrix for awhile tho before really considering it because comfortable seats
are something I REALLY miss. The Saturn seats were sooo comfy
believe-it-or-not. My Corolla seats are like wooden chairs ...;p

Thanks for the input!

 

I don't really need anything too big or powerful. I admit, I miss my Jeep
alot just because of the freedom but now I need something compact and
efficient. I'd love to get one of the new Accords but I can't really afford
anything newer than '97-'98 with lower kilometers. I've also heard alot of
complaints about Camry's as not being as cheap (repair-wise) or as reliable
as the Corolla. The safety issue was kinda one reason I started looking at
the Matrix line - they appear a bit bigger. I will definitely test-drive a
Matrix for awhile tho before really considering it because comfortable seats
are something I REALLY miss. The Saturn seats were sooo comfy
believe-it-or-not. My Corolla seats are like wooden chairs ...;p

Thanks for the input!

 

I don't really need anything too big or powerful. I admit, I miss my Jeep
alot just because of the freedom but now I need something compact and
efficient. I'd love to get one of the new Accords but I can't really afford
anything newer than '97-'98 with lower kilometers. I've also heard alot of
complaints about Camry's as not being as cheap (repair-wise) or as reliable
as the Corolla. The safety issue was kinda one reason I started looking at
the Matrix line - they appear a bit bigger. I will definitely test-drive a
Matrix for awhile tho before really considering it because comfortable seats
are something I REALLY miss. The Saturn seats were sooo comfy
believe-it-or-not. My Corolla seats are like wooden chairs ...;p

Thanks for the input!

 

I will look into that. I'm not too impressed with the Integra lineup so I
kinda just skipped over the Acura's altogether but I have noticed that the
1.7 EL's are in my price range. I also was not aware they had optional
sunrooves (sp?). I will go look into those. Thanks!

 

I will look into that. I'm not too impressed with the Integra lineup so I
kinda just skipped over the Acura's altogether but I have noticed that the
1.7 EL's are in my price range. I also was not aware they had optional
sunrooves (sp?). I will go look into those. Thanks!

 

I will look into that. I'm not too impressed with the Integra lineup so I
kinda just skipped over the Acura's altogether but I have noticed that the
1.7 EL's are in my price range. I also was not aware they had optional
sunrooves (sp?). I will go look into those. Thanks!

 

only

its a veritable love fest between toyota and honda owners. i think we are
all mutually respectful of each other. if i didnt have a honda, id have a
scion or matrix.

models.

id go with the matrix. honda really doesnt make a decent hatch anymore, and
a 4 door hatch is handy. reliability is on par with corollas/other toyotas,
and fuel mileage isnt going to kill you.

 

only

its a veritable love fest between toyota and honda owners. i think we are
all mutually respectful of each other. if i didnt have a honda, id have a
scion or matrix.

models.

id go with the matrix. honda really doesnt make a decent hatch anymore, and
a 4 door hatch is handy. reliability is on par with corollas/other toyotas,
and fuel mileage isnt going to kill you.

 

only

its a veritable love fest between toyota and honda owners. i think we are
all mutually respectful of each other. if i didnt have a honda, id have a
scion or matrix.

models.

id go with the matrix. honda really doesnt make a decent hatch anymore, and
a 4 door hatch is handy. reliability is on par with corollas/other toyotas,
and fuel mileage isnt going to kill you.

 

For your needs, and as a Honda err enthusiast, I'd say the Corolla - boring
but reliable, durable and possibly closer to bullet-proof... and Honda is
not offering anything to trump it now... like the superior DW suspension
system they used to have - sad that. The old Civic SOHC Honda engine is
umm, tired!

If you can live with a 2-door hatch - we did with our kids back then with a
Rabbit and Beetle as 2nd car - take a look at the Scion tC... a lot of car
for the $$ if the price stands... and you get Toyota "build". Check out
www.scionlife.com.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

For your needs, and as a Honda err enthusiast, I'd say the Corolla - boring
but reliable, durable and possibly closer to bullet-proof... and Honda is
not offering anything to trump it now... like the superior DW suspension
system they used to have - sad that. The old Civic SOHC Honda engine is
umm, tired!

If you can live with a 2-door hatch - we did with our kids back then with a
Rabbit and Beetle as 2nd car - take a look at the Scion tC... a lot of car
for the $$ if the price stands... and you get Toyota "build". Check out
www.scionlife.com.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

For your needs, and as a Honda err enthusiast, I'd say the Corolla - boring
but reliable, durable and possibly closer to bullet-proof... and Honda is
not offering anything to trump it now... like the superior DW suspension
system they used to have - sad that. The old Civic SOHC Honda engine is
umm, tired!

If you can live with a 2-door hatch - we did with our kids back then with a
Rabbit and Beetle as 2nd car - take a look at the Scion tC... a lot of car
for the $$ if the price stands... and you get Toyota "build". Check out
www.scionlife.com.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

Ya, that's two people who've suggested the Scion ...altho I have yet to see
one here. Looks nice tho ...I'll ask my Toy dealer this weekend about them.
Anyone here have any true values for MPG for the Matrix ...city and highway.
Those "official" ratings are useless.

Thanks again for the feedback everyone.

me??