Hey guys. I've been shoppin around for while and i've been looking at the P5 and the Matrix the most. I have a couple of questions for u guys if u can help me :P
First, how much cargo room is there all together when u have the back seats down? I thinnk i heard something like 25 cubic feet, but i don't know if that's right cuz the matrix has like 52, which is more than double. What's up with that?
Also, do you guys know when the 2004's are coming out so maybe i could get a better deal on the 03?
Were you guys looking at matrixes too? What made you pick the p5?
Are there any major problems or rattles or anything? I know with a matrix i wouldn't really have to worry about problems, and i don't know that much about the P5 and owner's experience. Lemme know what you guys think, and thanks a lot!

 

matrix/vibe: fugly
p5: not fugly

and right now you can get 0% on a 2002 so why wait for the 03 clearance.

 

I can't speak for the Matrix version, but I drove a Pontiac Vibe for a week and it has it's share of interior rattles & squeeks (I am always suprised when brand new cars do this!)

Funny thing, the sunroof hasn't changed at ALL over the years. The unit in this 2002 Vibe was identical to the one in my in-laws 1995 Camry, including the, IMHO, stupid "double-click" to close the damn thing.

 

My girlfriend has had a matrix for about 2 months now and I have to say that it is nice. It definitely has more room then the mp5. The handling is pretty nice(it comes with firestone tires, which are crap). And, it comes with abs(standard). That's #1 in my book. It gives the mp5 a run for its money(plus, it is a toyota). Sorry to say.

 

Actually, ABS is only standard on AWD models and the top of the line XRS model.

 

I've driven both the P5 and the Matrix and i think the p5 handles a lot better, but the matrix is still pretty good, especially for the amount of stuff it can hold. The shifter in the matrix feels a hell of a lot better to me than the p5 too... Right now i drive a 2001 Celica GT-S, and dude, it's been such a good car to me. There was a bit of squeakin from the engine bay a while ago, but the dealership fixed it and aside from that, there are no problems. I noticed on cardirect.com that there is a $750 rebate if i was to get a P5 before sept. 30th, which is phat.
Anyways, anyone else have any input to convince me to get a P5? Thanks guys!

By the way, this forum is really responsive and mature :P

 

my .025 cents.

sounds like a pretty clear decision to me. great handling/fun -> get P5, power (assuming you're getting the one with the Celica GT-S motor & tranny) and cargo room -> get Matrix.

so what's it gonna be?

 

you drive a celica GT-S!!!!!!!!!!!!! andyour looking for a new car? WHY? the GT-S kicks ***, ive only driven 2 but i was very impressed with them both! i love how the center console curves down and makes everything smooth. If i were you i would keep the GT-S. or are you getting 2 cars?
________
HONDA CM450A HISTORY

 

I just bought my Pro5 Last weekend. I'm a car guy, so I went through a lot of debate as to what I should get. I wanted performance, so the WRX was naturally at the top of my list. I looked at used Accord Wagons, 2.5TS Impreza, Jetta Wagons, Audis, etc. The Pro5 was low on my list because of the perceived lack of power and its smallish size. I sat in, but never did drive, a Matrix and it just gave me a weird vibe (pardon the pun). I did like the flat, plastic covered load floor, but the price was a bit out of my range, and it was just too high profile for me.

I finally drove a Pro5 and wanted to walk away with one right then and there. The gearbox being the only real holdup I had. My proce range could not accomodate the WRX, and I knew that if I bought the 2.5TS that I'd kick myself for not buying the WRX. The Pro5 surfaced as the best all around choice.

I don't know what you'll be hauling around, but I haul around photo gear and sometimes I need to take some pretty long and bulky objects with me. I meausred the loading bay and cargo room of the Pro5 and it's more than adequate.

The car is now my best friend (next to my girlfriend) after only 4 days of ownership. It's just so much fun to be in, and drive. Handling doesn't have a right to be as good as it is. Power? I don't mind. It helps me relax in traffic and around the city. My last car was a 94 TransAm. It's nice not having all that power. And I know the motor in the Mazda is basically bulletproof.

I plan on autocrossing my Pro5. I love the handling. Love it. It's fun, responsible, and a absolute blast.

BTW, I'll be getting a new shift bushing in my car in no time

Hope this helps, and sorry if I rambled.

 

There are a few reasons that i want a new car: The celica's back seat sucks, the trunk isn't that big (i'll be moving a lot of crap a lot cuz i don't have a house to stay in :P), it requires premium gas, the insurance is raping expensive, the amount of speed it offers is kinda unnecessary and is more likely to get me into trouble, and i'm also thinking about getting a motorcycle.

Yeah i agree about the MP5 shifter feeling crappy. I would probably get an SS too, but i don't really plan to do any other mods to my next car. I would have the motorcycle for fun :P I've been looking around at plenty of other cars too. With the impreza wagon 2.5 i would be kicking myself too for not getting a WRX (which i can't afford). The Suzuki Aerio is a damn good value, but it just feels realy quirky and weird. I wouldn't be getting the Matrix XRS, i would be getting the XR, which has 130 hp, cuz like i said, i dont really need a lot of power. The Jetta Wagon TDI seems like a good option and it has amazing mileage, but i think it's a tad too expensive. The P5 and the matrix are the top contenders in my mind. I'm gonna go check out the p5 again today.

Does anyone happen to have any pics of their SS? Does anyone have pics of the gauges at night? I really don't like the white-faced gauges, but if they look alrite at night it would be tolerable :P Thanks again guys!

 

pic of the new 2003 P5

Click Here

not bad looking

 

Fresh Brains!!!
Become one of us; become one of us!

 

The gauges on the matrix look way better than the ones on the p5.

 

I want a P5 sooooo bad!!! They were unloading the 03's at the dealership today as I was driving past to go to work. I stopped in after work and drooled a little...lol

 

Thinking about getting a P5???

What's there to think about, just go out and get it.