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CONSUMER REPORTS
(CR) GIVES 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX & PONTIAC VIBE
"VERY GOOD" RATING IN TESTS OF SIX
HATCHBACKS AND WAGONS
2002 Volkswagen Jetta posts highest overall score in test group
YONKERS, NY - The 2003 Toyota Matrix
and Pontiac Vibe-twins built on the same platform-received "very good"
overall ratings from Consumer Reports in tests of six small, versatile hatchbacks
and wagons for the August issue. These twins vehicles straddle the line between
SUVs and cars, and are essentially tall wagons or hatchbacks.
Consumer Reports' auto engineers gave the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta wagon the highest
overall score in the test group. It topped the score of the Ford Focus SE, which
was tested in October 2000, and had been CR's highest-scoring small wagon.
For the August issue, Consumer Reports compared the newly introduced Matrix
and the Vibe, with four similarly priced four-door hatchbacks and small wagons-the
Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Focus ZX5, Mazda Protegé5, and Subaru Impreza
Outback Sport. CR's engineers found the Matrix and Vibe to be space-efficient
tall wagons, comparable to the others tested in this group. All six vehicles
blend practicality, affordability, and a dash of sportiness into compact packages;
they range in price from $19,200 to $22,075.
"Auto manufacturers are striving to reach young car buyers with new designs
like the Matrix and Vibe that are both exciting and versatile," said David
Champion, director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Facility in East Haddam, Connecticut.
"Overall, both the Matrix and the Vibe offer good practical alternatives
to a small SUV and at a cheaper price. We would expect them to do well in the
market."
The Matrix and Vibe are basically the same vehicle with slightly different styling
and badges. They are built through a joint venture between GM and Toyota, just
as the Chevrolet Prizm and Toyota Corolla twins had been for many years. Both
the Matrix and the Vibe are based on the redesigned 2003 Corolla sedan, which
CR tested for the July 2002 issue. The Corolla, too, earned a "very good"
overall score.
Full tests and ratings of the six vehicles appear in the August issue of Consumer
Reports, which goes on sale everywhere magazines are sold beginning July 9.
The complete report is also available to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org.
Five of the six cars tested for this
issue, the Jetta, Matrix, Vibe, Protegé5, and Impreza Outback Sport earned
a "Recommended" rating from Consumer Reports because they performed
well in the magazine's tests and are expected to have at least average reliability
based on survey data from CR's readers. The only one that did not receive a
recommended rating was the Focus, which has had reliability problems.
With its comfortable ride and quiet, high-quality interior, the Jetta wagon
feels as substantial as cars costing much more. The Jetta GLS ($22,075 as tested)
comes with a newly upgraded optional, 180-hp, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
engine and five-speed automatic transmission that accelerates quickly. But the
combination of the turbo-charged engine and automatic transmission produced
uneven power delivery. Braking performance was excellent. The Jetta has had
average reliability.
The Matrix and Vibe offer a lot of room and many of the virtues of an SUV, such
as a little higher driving position, easy access, and optional all-wheel-drive.
They differ mainly in styling. To see the difference all-wheel-drive makes,
Consumer Reports bought a Matrix XR with AWD ($20,232 as tested) and a Vibe
with front-wheel-drive ($19,200 as tested). AWD provides extra traction in slippery
conditions but exacted a slight penalty in acceleration and knocked about 2
mpg off the overall fuel economy. Both the Matrix and Vibe use the same 1.8-liter
four-cylinder engine. With AWD, the engine is rated at 123-hp; with front-wheel-drive,
it's rated at 130-hp. The four-speed automatic transmission used in both cars
shifts smoothly. Braking performance was excellent overall. CR predicts better-than-average
reliability for both the Matrix and the Vibe.
Like other Ford Focus models tested by CR, the Focus ZX5 has superlative handling
and a good ride. This hatchback version of the Focus has less cargo space than
most of the other cars tested in this group (more cargo room is available in
the Focus wagon). The Focus ZX5 ($19,390 as tested) is powered by a 130-hp,
2.0-liter four cylinder engine that provide merely adequate acceleration. The
four-speed transmission shifts smoothly. Braking performance was excellent.
The Focus has a much-worse-than-average reliability record.
The Protegé5's sporty styling is complemented by nimble handling and
excellent braking. But its stiff and jittery ride, noisy cabin, and low seats
all detract from the package. The Protegé5 ($19,375 as tested) is equipped
with a 130-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic that
provide adequate acceleration and smooth shifts. The Protegé has a much-better-than-average
reliability record.
The Impreza Outback Sport offers the versatility of a hatchback with the security
of AWD. But there's little room in the trunk area for luggage, and the raised
ride height compromises agility and ride comfort. The Outback Sport ($20,051
as tested) is powered by a 165-hp, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ("boxer"-type)
engine and four-speed automatic that deliver good performance and smooth shifts.
Despite a mushy brake-pedal feel, braking performance was very good overall.
The Impreza is likely to have better-than-average reliability.
To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
- 30 -
AUGUST 2002
The material above is intended
for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional
purposes. Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union, an independent,
nonprofit testing and information-gathering organization, serving only the consumer.
We are a comprehensive source of unbiased advice about products and services,
personal finance, health, nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936,
our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consumers.
OPI:DPL:06/26/02
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