The great roadtrip -- Vibe/Matrix or ZX5?

[dvodvo]

Hi all,I know this comparison is a little tired, but solid opinions on the net are so hard to come by.I am embarking on a lengthy road-trip that will likely see me run the car I choose for it into the ground (if I can sell for $2K at the end I'd be extremely happy). The decision is between a 2003-06 Vibe/Matrix and a 2005-06 Focus ZX5. Obviously I'm trying to get the best price, and resales of the Focus are so temptingly low, but I was wondering if anyone on this board can make enough of a case for the Vibe's reliability to put an older, higher mileage Vibe/Matrix over a newer Focus. For example, I can get an '06 60000km ZX5 for the same price as an '03 90000km Vibe.Anyway, I know this is a Vibe board, but hopefully someone out there might have some good experience with both? Or can at least speak for the performance of an aging Vibe (let's assume fairly well taken care of).Any advice is much appreciated!!Dan

[jake75]

Does the Focus have a timing belt that will need to be changed at 100,000 km? The Vibe has a timing chain that does not require a change.

[Kincaid]

I would expect better reliability out of the Vibe and better utility (are you hauling stuff on this trip?) plus the fact that many Matrix parts are interchangeable would be a plus if you find yourself out in the middle of nowhere.The Ford would, I assume, get you a teeny bit better gas mileage.

[Nobama]

I'd go with the Vibe, the few people with Focuses that I know hated that car. Also, try and snag a certified used one. The warranty is good at any GM dealership, handy for road trips.

[RIT]

Vibe and Matrix are made by Toyota, and the Focus is made by Ford. You do the math !

[wyatt89]

My mom's friend/husband had a zx3 and a zx5 and I swear those things needed new brakes every year...and they drove like grandparents. They were buzzy, cheap looking inside, nowhere near as comfortable, and seemed to have a lot less room. That being said, my vibe has made some looooong trips and it's comfortable, it's a bit noisy, and fits a lot of stuff. I would expect better mileage out of the vibe than the focus.

[SalsaGT]

We just got back from a 3 week, 6300 mile trip in our 04 GT. Loved every minute of it! The car cruises effortlessly and has no trouble climbing mountains with 2 adults, one child and a car full of gear. It is so versatile if you are willing to tuck things away in all the compartments like under the cargo area, in the rear side pockets and the roomy area under the front seats. I'd recommend the Vibe over the Matrix, Car & Driver said in their original 2003 comparison that the Matrix seats are too soft. I sat in my friends Matrix and the seats are as described. I'm 5'10 and 160lbs and the seats never left me uncomfortable even on 500+ mile days in the saddle. And we got between 32.5 and 36.5 MPG on the trip. Previous experience with an 04 Auto netted about 32-34 mpg on the highway.Just my 2 1/2 cents....

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[SalsaGT]

Just a couple of fun pix, our Vibe on our home street and then one in Teton, ID.

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[SalsaGT]

Oh yeah, and to the reliability of the Vibe, there is a local cab company that uses Vibes, one has 269K still going strong, not using oil and another with over 500K and just the same. Any more questions?