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





"griffin" <gryffy@DELTHISshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:9kvvc.654034$Ig.8615@pd7tw2no...
> 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
>
>