- Toyota has an ubeatable durability/reliabilty record, and a stronger dealership network;

- Subaru’s rust easier/faster than Toyota’s;

- Subaru’s parts generally cost more;

- Subaru’s are more expensive to insure (in Canada anyway);
(maybe because of all the boy racer’s out there driving Impreza’s, lol)

- Impreza seating/ ground clearance too low;

- Impreza has to be one of the ugliest vehicles on the road;

So, to recap, it’s not so much how Totota won me over, but rather how Subaru has turned me off.

I also tested the Suzuki SX4 – small trunk space & small gas tank were deal breakers for me…

My thoughts:

Compared to the first gen Matrix, the 2009 w/ 2.4 engine is a completely different, better vehicle. We own the FWD, not the AWD model. I think the 5-sp auto + 2.4 is great. There is still a lot of understeer and the wheel is dead for the most part. I owned a 2004 AWD model and it was terrible. Traded for a Jeep after a year.

I bought the 09 Impreza 2.5i prem a few weeks ago. The body rolls more than I like, but the car itself stays planted very well. It’s more comfy driving down the interstate than the Matrix. I just like the car better. Better materials, feel and layout. Yea, the outward appearance isn’t super cool. But there are more to cars than that.

We drove a lot of cars before buying the Matrix last year. Mazda3, Cooper Clubman, Honda Fit, Nissa Versa… The deal we got on the Matrix was better. The Clubman was $30+K. The Fit was a go-kart. The Mazda3 was a rattlebox. The Versa was nice, but had less space.

I can’t see ever buying an AWD car other than Subaru. I just don’t get these reviews…

There are almost zero STi’s out where I live. I think they’ve all been wrapped around telephone poles.

The Vibe/Matrix is a boring, econobox with breeding heritage of a Kenmore fridge. Who brags about being able to hold stuff?

People are going to start to look for real small, economical cars. We need something like the Fiat 500 or Panda, maybe the crappy Ford KA or some KEI cars from Japan.

I don’t enjoy routinely dusting VW Beetles, but if it has to be done, so be it.

Toyota could shaft the AWD option on the Matrix and most people would not miss it. Actually, because the Matrix is such a slow seller, they could shaft the Matrix and most people would not miss it.

For the price of a Matrix XRS you could get a base model Rav4 4X4 which would be a better family hauler from Toyota. Sadly, the fuel economy is not much worse than the Matrix. Clearly Toyota needs to rethink the Matrix. They would probably do better to make a simple functional wagon with great fuel economy versus a wanna-be rally sport wagon.

Pointless. Functionless. Added cost of materials and manufcturing steps, not to mention collision repair cost, on this vehicle with no function besides a designers aesthetic ego gratification. INHO, makes about as much automotive sense as Ford spending many hundreds of thousands of cheddar to refresh the Mustang logo on for the ‘10 Hoss.

Goes to show, Toyota is starting to lose it’s original, minimalist, efficiency-driven plot….

You might want to check Audi’s competition history before bashing AWD as ‘paranoid.’

:-(

The Lancer Ralliart Sportback (according to Mitsubishi) will be fitted with a version of the Ebo X’s twin-clutch transmission.

On the Matrix and Impreza, I might not like the styling of the Impreza (way too conservative) but I’d take it over the gaudy look-at-me! styling of the Matrix.

The Lancer is a formidable adversary, I have to agree. I’ve drive an ‘08 GTS CVT but look forward to driving the ‘09 GTS now that it has the 2.4L engine.

If Mazda or Mitsubishi wanted to make my dreams come true, they’d fit a VW DSG 6-speed in either the MAZDASPEED3 or a Lancer Ralliart Sportwagon.

Please post DATA for all your claims, and please be aware that, as I said before, a TSB and recall are different. A TSB can be a simple adjustment, and they are very common regardless of manufactures. Multiple can be anything greater than 1…a bit vague wouldn’t you say?

Mitsubishi’s past problems, like Nissan’s, would concern me quite a bit. Although, I know they have made excellent strides in their quality and workmanship. Much of that can be owed to their work with the French automakers. (Mitsu does alot of work with Citreon-Peugeot). Finally, I would believe a press release from the alliance that was setup. Your engine is as much a Mitsubishi as my platform is as much a Mazda. However, the C1 platform was designed by Volvo, Ford, and Mazda. Therefore it is a shared platform, not just a Mazda platform.

I’d never want to mis-direct someone either, and only base what I know on a personal experience. My Mazda3 has done very well… and so I tell others when they ask.

Majority of tuners and Auto tech follow the TSB report not any other report. I fix and tune my own car so I follow TSB. ACTUALLY if you research more you will find multiple recalls on Mazda 3 and 6. Do you think that Mazda will recall all those problems in one year. Nobody will buy their car if they do that. let’s us face it Mazda has more recall that any other Japanese cars. That why you wrote
“Make sure the AC is up your liking. The electronic climate control does a bit better job at keeping a cooler temperature than the manual controlled unit”.
this is listed on the TSB it is not a recall because it cannot be fix.

You know what they say that don’t believe anything you see or read on tv or magazines.
The Mitsubishi 4B1 engine is the newest range of all-alloy straight-4 engines built at Mitsubishi’s Japanese “World Engine” powertrain plant in Shiga on the basis of the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)it means it is still Mitsubishi not Chrysler or Hyundai

There are no issues or crop up.
My car 28,000 miles and still no problems.
I didn’t say you. I said Mazda Lover and it doesn’t implicate You.
It means the consumer. I am trying to be honest I never intended to mislead the consumer.

Again, I have not had ANY recalls on my Mazda or taken it in for any warranty items. For the 04-06 with manual climate control, there is a baffle put in place to re-direct more air to the cabin. Mine has the cabin air-filter and auto climate control, which does a great job in cooling the cabin. That wasn’t a recall either, but a TSB. There is a major difference between a recall and a TSB. And, your link, is for a Mazda6.

The new Lancer is a new car with a drivetrain developed with help from Chrysler. I’m sure there will be some issues that crop up, as with all first-year models. Most of the Mazda3 issues were from 2004 and early 2005. Some of other issues were from owner negligence or abuse (broke motor mounts).

The number of airbags doesn’t really matter as much as their efficiency in keeping occupants safe. However, just using a seatbelt is still the safest thing a person can do to prevent injury in an accident.

The Sportback looks nice, however I doubt I’ll be trading my car in for something with a similiar package. I’m very happy that you like your Lancer, everyone has a subjective opinion about the vehicles they own…as I do with my 2 cars. Of course, we would never want to admit owning a POS. That doesn’t always make one more superior than the other to another person.

EDIT: The Mitsubishi 4B1 2.4l MIVEC engine is made by the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC (GEMA). Made up of Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai, I recall reading the press releases back in 2002 regarding this alliance. This is the same 2.4l engine found in new Dodge products. Definitely not a bad motor, but the MZR2.3/DHE-423 is an engine tuned more for performance as it is not a “square” design like the GEMA engines. Something I enjoy a bit more.

You paint me as a “Mazda lover” and probably think I am being blind to your Mitsubishi…which is fine, but lets not be a hypocrit here.

I thought the 2006 doesn’t have A curtain airbags the 2008 Mazda3i offers it but not all Mazda3 MODELS and there are only 5 airbags not 7 airbags.
I recommended the Lancer because of safety feature like a steel beam in all of it’s doors and the 7 airbags and 5 star rating. Mazda has a lot of recalls which a little unnerving to go back and forth at the dealer. You already mentioned one of it’s recall the AC but still unfixable. My Lancer rear car seat folds but still a Sedan or what Top Gear call family Saloon.

Mazda Lover here’s your recall list
it’s about almost 30 recalls from 2006 and 2007
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/33/06333990.html

MIVEC Engine was not develop by Chrysler. I think you are talking about the Platform which is also shared by Hyundai.

One recall in a year for Mitsu is pretty damn good compared to other Japanese cars especially the well loved Mazda.

That’s why Top Gear hates Mazda.

If you really want durability Buy a Toyota.
Nothing else and nothing more

I put my Impreza (Outback Sport) through some awful rigors and never had a mechanical issue. Must say, it sold me on Subaru. Have heard less than stellar things on Mazda’s durability from my own mechanics. The Matrix/Vibe had zero appeal with its idiotic configurations (ie, no 5mt with the 180hp engine and awd – what were they thinking?).

And all this harking on Suzuki – sounds fine on paper sure – but the majority here knows they aren’t going to buy one. Admit it..

@psarhjinian: I see, I’m 6 ft and my gal is 5-5. We just switched carseats too, the Safety1st Alpha-Omega, and can face the little guy forward as he has reached the proper weight and height, that clears up quite a bit of room. There are levels on the carseat, which is pretty handy. Although I wasn’t aware of the 2-3 inch recommendation, that would take up a bit of front seat room.
I’ve noticed in our 760, due to the backseats angle, that it is harder to get the correct position on the carseat. But that is our backup vehicle, so the carseat is hardly in there.

I did notice, in a friend’s 900 (same as your 9-3) that the car isn’t much more roomy (up front) than a Mazda3, but the trunk is quite a bit larger.

Well, we’ll probably be getting a used XC70 before too long and let the 760 go till it dies…that should take care of any lack of space should there be a #4.

@BEAT: I did have a chance to drive one, I still like my 2006 Mazda3 wagon better. It is a COMPACT car like the Mazda3 and Civic, as well as the cars in this comparison.

I have not had one issue with it either, even the loaded out GT trim with 5ATX. Side (in the seat) and curtain airbags do help a bit, even though I didn’t pay attention to the crash-ratings when I bought the car. Plus, the idea that Volvo (as I am a long-time fan) assisting with the design of the platform and safety features is a benefit to me.

Plus the Lancer wasn’t out at that time and right now, it doesn’t offer the wagon body style. So, it’s really a moot point.

Per your second comment, why would someone want a steel cage in their car? It should already have that integrated into the design…that would worry me from a safety standpoint.

It’s a 5th door because it is hinged, something to call it because people don’t like the word “hatchback” or “wagon”. Plus, you access the cabin with that door…unlike in most cars with a flat trunk, unless the rear seat folds down.

The trunk..
Wonder why it’s called 5th door? which is not really a door. Another marketing lingo for the consumer.

Vehicle
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES-Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Review

Got my new Mitsu 2 days ago and I love it. Test drove 5 other cars that are comparable and this one was the best by far. GOOD JOB MITSUBISHI.

Just hope you keep it up. The car has some amazing safety (good for my kids) features and lots of toys. It totally blew away most of the competition and at 6 foot 6 I enjoy the roomy interior. Lots of toys as well… Satellite radio, Blue Tooth, awesome stereo, and sunroof… Excellent warranty which gives me (new father of 2) peace of mind. Sales people were awesome as well. Let the car sell itself. They did not have any theatrics, drama, scripted tag teaming, etc.. Highly recommend the dealership. Great car and again, thanks Mitsubishi.
Favorite Features
Everything. Safety, warranty, toys, handling, etc. Got to see it and drive it to appreciate and understand.
Suggested Improvements
More lights and maybe a steel cage? But all in all this is a great car.

Believe me my Lancer 08 has more room that those cars mentioned above that’S why it is called the WANNAB BE family sport sedan in Top Gear.

my friend is 6 feet tall he was seating behind me on my Lancer 08 and I am 5′9. My friend who is 6 feet drives a Mazda3 and he said there is more legroom in the rear in my Lancer than his Mazda3.

Just telling the truth because I am a consumer too. The Lancer has 7 air bags.2 curtain air bags, 1 passenger front airbag, 1 driver side airbag and 1 knee airbag, 2 Car seat air bag. I Think Mazda3 doesn’t have an knee and seat air bag.FACTS ABOUT MAZDA3: Consumer report

The Mazda3’s standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is relatively quick and sparing with fuel; the 2.3-liter is strong and refined. Handling is precise and sporty. Interior quality is very good. The turbocharged Mazdaspeed version is very quick. Without the curtain air bags the Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test.

see that’s why my cousin pick the Lancer over Mazda. Well, if he has the money The Acura TRX is another great family sedan