Nissan Versa vs Toyota Matrix

[kydisneyfans]

We are current Saturn owners and have been for many years. With GM making the mistake of closing the brand, we are switching manufacturers. I test drove both the Versa hatchback and Matrix tonight and would like opinions from owners of both, pros and cons. Buying a comparable GM product or Ford are not options, we have had both Fords and Chevys that did not last at all.

The Versa seemed to be a better value for the money, but is it as reliable long term as a Toyota which seems to last forever? Finding a Matrix is much more difficult, and the local Toyota dealers say they fly off the lot as quick as they can get them in. The Versa also has better incentives.

We also considered a Madza3 but have not test drove one yet.

The Toyota recall has no effect on my purchase.

Thanks in advance.

 

[soccerchick]

Like you, I am not a GM fan AT ALL, but a co-worker has the Pontiac Vibe, which is supposedly the Toyota Matrix in GM cover. She loves it and got a crazy good deal on it. She DID get a recall letter for it from Toyota for the gas pedal adjustment. There's an article about it on Edmunds.com. Not sure if you can get a new one though.

 

[Snoozan]

My DH has had his 2003 Matrix for 8 years now and he's still in love with it. It's not the most comfortable ride for me, as the passenger, but the driver's seat is fairly comfortable. We love how much stuff we can put in it with the seats down. His is a 5-speed manual and gets about 32mpg with 35 mpg on the highway. It's a very versatile little car and looks pretty cute, too!

 

[MaggieMoo'sMom]

My husband works in the Nissan plant here in Tennessee. The Versa is made in Japan, so he doesn't make it, but my in-laws have had two of them and loved them. My father-in-law was rear-ended at a stop light by a driver who never hit her breaks. He was knocked into the median and then into oncoming traffic. The Versa was destroyed, but he walked away with soreness.
Likewise, I slid on ice in my Rogue and plunged off a 10-foot embankment, flipping end-over-end, and landing on my roof. I crawled out the window and the only injury I had was a small piece of glass in my knee. We all lease, so how long they last I am not sure. I am surprised Nissan still lets us lease after the January we had as a family! LOL! But, they are fabulous in car accidents...note that my front bumber is on the bottom of my car as is my DD5's princess lunch box (by the rear tire). I was happy to be alive.

 

[golfgal]

The Matrix is built on the Corolla frame-which has been the most reliable car ever. I would go with the Matrix.

 

[Chesire]

My DH has had his 2003 Matrix for 8 years now and he's still in love with it. It's not the most comfortable ride for me, as the passenger, but the driver's seat is fairly comfortable. We love how much stuff we can put in it with the seats down. His is a 5-speed manual and gets about 32mpg with 35 mpg on the highway. It's a very versatile little car and looks pretty cute, too!

This has been our experience with a 2007 matrix. Great car, great gas millage and fits a ton! We did have to drive a bit to find a manual transmission, but my husband wanted it. I think we paid around 17 thousand for it.