Outback vs. Matrix

Reliability and resale.......

Toyota= 9 Subaru=3 at best

The Matrix would compare to the Impreza in size and price.

The base engine of the Impreza has more torque and you have the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

The base Matrix will be more fuel efficient and should have a better network of dealers

There was a big deal in Quebec because a local automotive journalist put the Toyota Corrolla on a dyno test and it did produce less than 100hp (97hp) Since the Matrix is the Wagon version of the Corrolla, you can see that the engine might be a bit less powerfull than expected.

Another car in the same category is the Suzuki Alerio

I find that these three cars are interesting and should be worth a look.

A last piece of information, The Impreza TS Wagon is the entry level car sold by Subaru, on the Subaru impreza plateform, you can have much more equipment like the Outback Sport and the WRX. In order to simply match the Impreza Wagon features and capabilities, you have to select the most loaded version of the Matrix or Suzuki

Charles Leblanc Impreza 2000

Are you asking about OB or OB Sport? The OB Sport is basically an Impreza wagon with body cladding. Matrix is probably better on fuel in most situations and may give you higher; OB sport is arguably more controlled, nicer to drive and more responsive in most situations. If you mean the Outback, it's a bit of an an apples and oranges comparison. They're both wagons and they both have 4 wheels and 5 seats. That's about it really. Cheers

Don't pay any attention to Rastis. He just hates Subaru.

I hav a freind with a Matrix and he loves the thing. However, I like the Subaru because the AWD system is simpler and more effective; simpler is more reliable and easier to fix if it goes wrong. I live in a northern climate and spend a lot of time on bad roads.

I don't think you could go wrong with either car; it will come down to preference.

In August I compared the Vibe to Forester.

The Forester was more $. OTOH it was also larger, and had anti-lock brakes and some other feature that I wanted, that was optional on the Vibe. According to Consumer Reports it was also faster and quieter, which was important as both cars were a step down in this department, compared to what I had been driving. It is also AWD, which seems a little intriguing; although I've gotten by with FWD for most of my life, AWD can't hurt in Minnesota.

For these reasons, I got a Forester.

On the down side for the Forester, the Vibe gets better mpg, and has the blockbuster Toyota name behind it, although this may not translate into resale, if that's important. I also give extra points to the Vibe since it is built by Americans (or at least, Californians) instead of Japs.

Both companies are reasonably mature: Subarus are better than they were

20 years ago, I think, just as Toyotas are better than they were 35-40 years ago, and as Hyundais will be in 10-15 years.

In short, the Forester gave a lot more for a little more money, in my opinion. I think the Vibe twins are good cars too. Drive them, look at what you want, do the numbers, and good luck.

I know you are looking at an Outback not a Forester, but I couldn't resist hearing myself talking :-) Pete

So are Outbacks, but I'm a sure there are at least a few Japanese folks in the Indiana plant.

Barry

You haven't been to California lately...if ever...have you?

Built by Americans (of various ethnicities), yes, but the downside for me would be having to deal with a Pontiac store.

Two totally different movies. They don't compare to each other.

8])

Anything from "Dr. Rastis" should be considered emanations from the southbound end of a northbound horse. Please don't feed this troll!

Rick

Your entitled to your opinion there Rick, but then again so am I. Most Subaru's are not worth scrap metal in 5 years, they are a throwaway, right up there with the korean garbage. Subaru gives Japan a black eye....built cheap, to be cheap and stay cheap for cheap people. They ONLY reason they sell here in California is to people that can't afford a GOOD car, so they buy Subaru (and Kia,Hyundai and the fabulous Daewoo).

I think you are right about Subaru reliability Dr. So I would like to report a miracle and have it registered so it might be used in due time to document the fact that I'm probably a saint and deserving to be remembered as such after my death. I'm the happy owner of a 96 (made in sept 95) Legacy Brighton entering its 10th salted canadian winter (140,000 miles). No rust showing yet. Never had any issue with it except the usual wear items (cam belt, water pump, front half-shafts...) It's always outside, starts at -35 C° (-31 F°) etc. Since this is a cheap car built cheaply, I dont see any reason for its good showing other than the virtuous life I'm having. Thanks DR. for making me aware of it. Take care and keep telling the truth about all those cheap and sinful foreing cars. St Gilles

Not to defend Subaru, but, how many miles have you put on the thing? Some of the items you describe sound like normal wear and tear. I've owned both a Civic and Accord. And both were great cars. But, they were not any better than any Subaru I owned. The Honda's were a lot cheaper but not particularly better and the lacked AWD. BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

You're entitled to an opinion and I have no reasons to defend Subaru, but it bothers me that your opinion is so far off base. The statistics do not show any major disparity in resale in quality between Toyota and Subaru. Check out

or consumer reports or some other survey. You'll find that you're wrong.

-LK

Can't say much for the matrix. But, My wife and I own a 01 Outback (base with Auto Tranny) and a Forester S (Auto Tranny).

Both cars after 4 years have been just fantastic. We keep them washed and waxed and they look new and run great. Only trouble we have had is the Oxygen Sensors in the cars went early and both replaced under warranty.

My next car is definitly gonna be the Legacy GT Limited. Love the look and the extra horsepower.

I had a 90 Prelude and ater 2 years there were rattles and weird sounds coming from the dash. Both our Subies after 4 years are still quiet and smooth. Not a peep under the dashboards. The Honda was a great car, and I had it for 11 years. However, after the 7th year, rust started to show and the "luster" of the paint started to fade after 6 years.

We really like out subies.

I had a '93 (next generation) Prelude; no squeaks and rattles ever, in 8 years of ownership, and about 85K miles.

Not so with my '93. Paint always looked good. On any car, it helps to wax regularly.

Only have my first, but I like it very much. Going on 16 months and 20K miles of trouble-free driving.

HW

I test drove a lot of cars before I bought my Subuaru Baja, including two Matrixes, I remember thinking "I like that car" when I left the Toyota lot. Then I drove a Subaru and clearly thought, "I really WANT this car". Just take each one for a test drive, and put your foot in 'em. You'd have to be pretty numb not to notice how much "happier" the Subie feels at higher RPM's. I'm sure they're both great cars though, choose with your own criteria.