My wife drives a 1996 (owned since new) Toyota RAV4 and she is due for a new vehicle soon but the problem is that she is so indecisive that it takes her for ever to make up her mind on what she wants; so I basically have to do the shopping for her and throw ideas her way.

This is what I know:

1. She definitely wants AWD (an absolute MUST HAVE)
2. She loves the "zippiness" and handling of my Fit and all its storage.
3. She likes the Fit's size for its easy handling.
4. Loves the USB and countless cup holders.
5. She appears to like hatchbacks somewhat but not solely.

That doesn't leave us with many options in our price range with perhaps the exception of the Matrix S and all I know about the Matrix is:

1. It is AWD
2. Has a larger displacement than our Fits

If we have any members that own one, could you please reply and let me know of your experience with the car whether it be good or bad? We have yet to go shopping or even looking at cars at this point and I'm only trying to lay down a foundation to get her motivated.

Thanks!!

 

Import an AWD Fit from Japan?

 

Have you looked at this?...

Suzuki Auto : SX4 AWD Crossover

They use this in Top Gear to put stars in and see how fast they can do a road course setup.

And if you really want AWD, its a bit more money, but with a true AWD setup (unlike even the RAV4's psuedo AWD)...

http://www.insideline.com/subaru/imp...rst-drive.html

 

When I was first looking to get a new hatchback in 2006, it was down to the Fit & the Matrix. I registered both on fitfreak, and on the matrix forums (matrix nation/owner? I don't remember now). From reading the posts over there I saw plenty of complaints for little things like switches always breaking, etc. Then I found out it was a rebadged Pontiac Vibe somehow, and that killed it for me. I still think the Matrix is a nice car, especially the AWD version; I would consider it again. I'd take a good look at the Suzuki also, nice suggestion. In the end I'd probably go with the more reliable one.


oooh I was looking at the Fit 1.5X just yesterday. I wish we could import them easily without the modifications needed to register here. Honda„*ƒNƒ‹ƒ}„*ƒtƒBƒbƒg click the 1.5X, there's a little slideshow/vid about it on one of those links.

 

how about the all new redesigned 2012 subaru imprezas? Ill admit that I didnt like the look at first but its starting to grow on me but thats subjective. Evidently it gets the highest mpg (36 highway) AWD vehicle one can buy and great reliability.

 

A coworker has a Toyota Matrix (2003 ) model & she has complained about the pieces, like window controls & door handles coming loose. The newer models may be much better. One of my neighbors has the Subaru Impreza Sport at it is sweet. If your wife is looking for great mpg, she will not get that with a Subaru. Subies are great in the snow.

 

Skip Toyota. Go Subaru.

 

yah, definitely skip toyota's. they are over rated for sure. their offerings on their lower end models including the matrix have been like looking at cheap domestic cars from early-mid 2000's.

 

And it has for me too! I never knew this until I saw a Vibe today and saw the resemblance and looked it up online. Thanks for letting me know!

In regards to Subaru's, I know they make a great car as I have owned one but I don't think they are all that attractive with perhaps the exception of the Legacy sedan. I'd love it if they had a true hatchback.

 

Take a look at the Impreza WRX--esp the sport model--comes pretty close to a hatch back. My friend has a 2010 and it is pretty sharp looking.

 

Wrong.

The Vibe is a rebadged Toyota Matrix. It was built as joint venture between GM and Toyota in California's NUMMI. It rides on Corolla's chassis and it's powerd by Toyota's 1.8L engine.

 

You're right it was a joint venture with GM, and that's one of the reason's I didn't get one, another reason was as all the little maintenance issues.

 

[quote=hogwylde;1038959This is what I know:

1. She definitely wants AWD (an absolute MUST HAVE)
2. She loves the "zippiness" and handling of my Fit and all its storage.
3. She likes the Fit's size for its easy handling.
4. Loves the USB and countless cup holders.
5. She appears to like hatchbacks somewhat but not solely.


[/quote]

your wife is hinting at a subaru wrx wagon. ;) trust me. lol