Battle of the Hatchbacks (used Fit vs. Matrix/Vibe vs. Versa? Which to get?)

[z3pilot99]

When looking at the vibe/matrix check the engine if fuel economy is a concern. There were two different engines available; both 1.8l. The 1ZZ is the standard engine. The 2ZZ the high reving performance engine, This engine was used in the vibe gt (as in the previous post). The matrix is corolla/celica based. Oh, there is a hatchback to maybe consider; celica. It is a two door hatch. A last year celica should be in the price range.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Ryland

There is nothing like a hatch back compared to a sedan for cargo space and ease, I don't think I could handle owning a car with a trunk.

The low opening of a sedan trunk can be really a PITA while loading a car for a road trip, altough while not loaded to the roof it provides a bigger luggage capacity. Well, regarding loading and unloading, the best setup is still either a fastback (with a hatch) or a wagon

[RedDevil]

Speaking of fastback, remember the Gen 2 Insight is basically a Fit Hybrid with better looks and a bigger trunk. And flat-headed rear passengers.
You won't believe the stuff I carried with my Insight; whole beds, cabinets, 9' wood panels, my wife's impression of what a family needs on a week out...

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by Ryland

There is nothing like a hatch back compared to a sedan for cargo space and ease, I don't think I could handle owning a car with a trunk.

Agreed. I like my Tempos and Tracer but they simply are harder to load and don't hold as much as they could if they were hatches.

[mikeyjd]

Ford Festiva>

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

The Versa quite resembles me the concept of the original Volkswagen Beetle with its spartan design and trims.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by ChazInMT

You know for about the same MPG and cost you could have an 04,05 Civic, which is a bigger car...

You do know that for some of us, bigger is NOT better?

[dremd]

My mother had a Vibe, then a Fit, both were great.
The Fit was more loved, had more space, and was more fun (it was a sport).
The vibe had more road prescance, was a nicer ride, and was an appliance.

The vibe was totaled on a curb.
The fit was totaled in a ditch.
Neither resulted in any injury.
The Versa has been off the list due to a poor design on the rear seat folding.

Just my 2c

[Mira]

Originally Posted by dremd

My mother had a Vibe, then a Fit, both were great.
The Fit was more loved, had more space, and was more fun (it was a sport)...

Wow, the Fit has more room than the Vibe?? wouldn't have thought that

[dremd]

49.x in vibe, 57.x in Fit.
The magic seats in the fit are epic.

And from a loading perspective, I totally agree with the numbers.