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