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Special Event Chat

Edmunds' Editors: This week - Ask Chris!
Though Chris spends most of his time being a family man, he has taken a little time to talk to us about the "mainstream family of cars". If you are the type of person who wants quality advice and the most for your buck when you shop for your new car, Chris is the person to talk to. Bring all your questions about the mainstream family of cars. If you need answers just ask Chris!

When
Tues., January 23rd
5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET
Read the chat transcript

About Our Guest
Chris Wardlaw - Editor-in-Chief, Edmunds.com.
Our editor-in-chief, Christian Wardlaw, was born and raised in suburban Detroit. It is no surprise, then, that he took an interest in automobiles at an early age. Parental reports confirm that the first word out of this precocious autophile's mouth was "car." By the age of three, Chris could identify the make, model and year of most vehicles surrounding the family Pontiac when cruising through traffic. He began his editorial career at age eight when his father took him to see the new Mustang II. Chris, always succinct and to the point, pronounced it ugly. Chris has always known that he wanted to be an automotive journalist. As a staff writer on his high school newspaper, he tried in vain to acquire test cars from manufacturers and dealerships so that he could write reviews. Needless to say, manufacturers and dealerships were unwilling to hand the keys of their vehicles over to a 17-year-old. Undaunted by his early lack of success, Chris attended Western Michigan University, where he majored in English and minored in journalism. Before landing at Edmunds.com, he held a wide variety of occupations that included such far-reaching specialties as a whale watch guide on Cape Cod, Mass., to a new- and used-car salesperson at a Ford dealership in Phoenix. Since joining us in 1994, Chris has overseen and developed the entire editorial department, as well as shaped much of what is viewed and read both online and in the printed Edmunds.com Buyer's Guides found in bookstores. His primary goal is to inform and educate the consumer to the best of his ability so that they can make wise choices and great deals when buying or leasing cars and trucks. Chris lives in suburban Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.

Chat Transcript

<Edmunds_Moderator> Welcome to our Special Event Chat with Chris Wardlaw, Editor-in-Chief, Edmunds.com. He's here to answer your questions and tell us all about the family of mainstream cars. We're glad you joined us. Please submit as many questions as you want and he will answer as many as he can during our chat hour.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Welcome, Chris!

<Chris_Wardlaw> Thanks, it's great to be here, logging on from the Edmunds.com offices this evening.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Where, exactly, are your offices located?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Santa Monica, CA. About a mile from the pier!

<Edmunds_Moderator> Lucky! Very nice. Still regular working hours out there.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Yup.

<dallas> Hi everyone!

<lancerfixer> Good evening.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Hi, glad you all could join in.

<dallas> Hi Chris!

<Edmunds_Moderator> Our first question this evening: Of the mainstream line of cars, which of them has the best safety performance rate?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Are you speaking specifically about sedans?

<Edmunds_Moderator> Let's focus on sedans, yes.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Looking over a list of crash test data, which is about 20 pgs long. The Ford Taurus scores quite well in just about every category, in terms of crash test scores.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The Chevrolet Impala does a great job of protecting occupants, (A lot of cars out there on the market...)

<Chris_Wardlaw> Among small cars, the Ford Focus does a pretty good job. The Honda Accord is also very highly rated, as is the new Honda Civic. The Nissan Maxima does a decent job.

<lancerfixer> Isn't "mainstream" A bit vague a term? Obviously, bread and butter models like Accord/Camry/Taurus fit the mold, but with the wide variety of minivans and (ugh) SUVs on the road, exactly what types of vehicles are we talking about here?

<Edmunds_Moderator> Lancerfixer, the term is definitely not what it used to be!

<Chris_Wardlaw> Subaru Legacy, specifically the station wagon, they haven't tested the sedan for a number of factors. I would expect because their underlying structures are similar, their scores would be similar.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The Toyota Camry does a good job, and the VW Passat is highly rated. The VW Jetta. The Volvo S 80. The S 80 does an outstanding job, actually.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Does that get specific enough, lancerfixer?

<lancerfixer> It's interesting, too, to note that geographical differences play a lot into the "mainstream" term. For someone from New England, Saab, Volvo and Subaru are all mainstream cars, but in the Midwest these cars are rarely seen, and GM still seems to rule the roost.

<Edmunds_Moderator> I have a young family... which is the best value. I know that the VWs have not had that great a repair record in the past. I need something that will hold up.

<Chris_Wardlaw> I would agree with you lancerfixer.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Domestic automakers control market share in the Midwest largely because that's where a number of assembly plants and their headquarters are located.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Not only is Subaru big in new England, but also in the Pacific NW. On the West Coast, Japanese and high-line European makes are big.

<lancerfixer> I'm from New England, living in the Midwest, and I've always said you can't swing a dead cat in Boston without hitting three Saabs, two Volvos and a Sube...

<Chris_Wardlaw> Moderator, could you repeat your last question?

<Edmunds_Moderator> I have a young family... which vehicle is the best value? I know that the VWs have not had that great a safety record.

<Chris_Wardlaw> It depends on how the consumer defines value. For example, you can buy a Chevrolet with a $2000 rebate, and that might represent an excellent value for someone without a lot of up-front money.Chris_Wardlaw> Another person may purchase a more expensive Honda, which costs more up front, but requires fewer repairs, and that represents value for them.

<Edmunds_Moderator> I need something that won't be tied up in the repair shop. I had a '94 Saab and loved it, but spent too much time and money in the shop.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Other people's definitions of value may include brand perception, safety scores, or a number of other factors.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Has Nissan come out with any new cars?

<Chris_Wardlaw> To me, what a young family of four should look for is the largest, safest, most reliable vehicle that their budget will allow them to buy.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Dallas, can you repeat the question, please?

<dallas> Sorry, I was asking about the Alero. Chris do you have any opinions on it?

<jersey Jack> Chris...what cars in the mainstream are owner friendly. Meaning easy to fix the simple problems. Breaks, heads, things of that nature.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Let me go back to that Alero question...

<Chris_Wardlaw> Generally I like the Alero, and think it's one of the better efforts from GM. However, I wouldn't recommend that somebody buy one, simply because resale value will tank as soon as Oldsmobile dealerships shut their doors for good.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Based upon our experience with long-term test vehicles built by GM, reliability is not likely to withstand the test of time.lancerfixer> Chris, what ARE your thoughts about GM closing what seemed to be their most promising division? DO you think the right division was closed?

<Edmunds_Moderator> Has Nissan come out with any new cars?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Interesting question, lancerfixer. I definitely think the right division was closed. I think GM needs to continue in that vein and put GMC truck up for review

<lancerfixer> Why's that? Why not Buick?

<colin Kameoka> What about other GM divisions.

<Chris_Wardlaw> GM has too many brands, which makes them thinly spread their marketing dollars, meaning there's not enough brand identity, and people buy other vehicles because of that.

<colin Kameoka> I recall Edmunds talked about what GM needs to do to save itself.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The company loses market share year after year, and cannot support the portfolio that their brand includes.

<lancerfixer> Well, that's true, Chris, but it seemed that the Olds car had the most differentiating features among the GM cars. That's why I was surprised that Olds was the one to go.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Re: Nissan.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Yes, they've introduced a few new models in the past year, a few more are on their way. The redesign of the Sentra was in 2000, and a Sentra SE-R is coming in 2002.

<colin Kameoka> Chris on the Nissan subject, Can they pull out of their tailspin?

<Chris_Wardlaw> They re-styled the Nissan Frontier and gave it more HP with a supercharger for 2001, it now makes 210 HP.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Reminder: Check out www.edmunds.com for a listing of our new Upcoming Chats in Town Hall!

<Chris_Wardlaw> They also debuted the next Z car at the Detroit Auto Show, which is due in 2003.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The most interesting Nissan they've unveiled is a full-size pickup that will compete head to head with the Big 3s full-size truck models.

<colin Kameoka> I have noticed that Edmunds did correctly predict that the Sentra did cannibalize sales from the Altima.

<lancerfixer> Speaking of the Altima, do you see it as redundant in their lineup? Kind of Nissan's Contour, if you will?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Going back to Jersey Jack's question about user-friendly cars. Very few cars are easy to fix in today's world.

<Chris_Wardlaw> In 1996, all vehicles had to be outfitted with a diagnostic system called OBD II (on board diagnostics) this is a highly advanced system that absolutely requires computers and access to high-tech machinery to work on.

<Chris_Wardlaw> As far as user friendly, ergonomics... there are cars that are more simple in those terms. Some examples: Fords, (the Ford Focus is an extremely good example) and GMs are extremely straight forward in their design.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Toyota and Lexus are also straightforward in their interior design.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Going back to lancerfixers question about the Altima, great analogy!

<Chris_Wardlaw> About the Altima and the Contour.

<lancerfixer> Thanks.

<Chris_Wardlaw> But Nissan is redesigning the Altima for a calendar year 2002 introduction. The car will be longer and wider to compete better with Camry and Accord.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Maxima will move further upscale in terms of luxury and performance.

<lancerfixer> Would that move it into I30 territory, a-la Passat/A4?

<Edmunds_Moderator> Fun fact: Camry has been rated as one of the best overall values in its class.

<Chris_Wardlaw> When you put those two products up against their competitors and you drive all of those cars back to back for days on end, it becomes extremely clear just how poorly GM is targeting the best sellers in that segment.

<teo> Ok I agree that the Impala is not a VW Passat, but is not that terrible.

<lancerfixer> Indeed, it seems some of GM's best products are ones that are only available overseas...why might that be, Chris?

<lancerfixer> No, it's not terrible, Teo, but could you name anything about the Impala that's make you choose it over a Passat?

<teo> The way the car was portrayed I found it to be a bit overboard...that's my opinion.

<teo> Lancerfixed...a powerful V6 engine, enough room for 5 and their gear.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Teo, unless you have the opportunity to drive 100s of miles with the vehicles that compete against the Impala, it's likely that you'd think that the Impala is a perfectly suitable family sedan, but its not.

<teo> 5 star crash test ratings, 2003 safety requirements already meet.

<Chris_Wardlaw> It's a weak effort from a company more focused on brand management and profits than the product.

<colin Kameoka> Chris: Can I start a new debate?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Sure Colin!

<jersey Jack> Go for it colin

<Edmunds_Moderator> Colin, feel free to jump in with your questions!

<Chris_Wardlaw> I'm open to questions and comments from the whole audience.

<colin Kameoka> How about the difference between RWD and FWD. Mainly in the cars in the $30K range. Passat vs. 3 series.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Colin: RWD is better for performance. FWD is better for poor weather conditions and interior packaging and cost.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Colin: we would choose the 3 series over any of its competitors in that price range and over many vehicles that cost more than the 3 series.

<colin Kameoka> Personally, I think torque steer annoying.

<Edmunds_Moderator> TC, you are here. Please feel free to post questions for Chris and he'll do his best to answer.

<Chris_Wardlaw> In March, we'll be gathering the 330I and 9 of its competitors to do a 10-car entry luxury sedan comparison test.

<colin Kameoka> Chris: is the TL-S part of that?

<Edmunds_Moderator> Reminder: Don't miss Tuesday night's chat, Jan. 30th 5-8pmPT/8-9pmET with Associate Editor, Ed Hellwig as he answers questions and tells us all about the world of Muscle cars, the Subaru WRX and more. See you all there!

<tc and TARA> My wife is buying a Forrester next month and is wondering if buying a new one is worth it? As opposed to a 98 for say $5000 less.

<Chris_Wardlaw> TC and TARA, I'm not able to do a private chat with you while the chat is going on in the main room, but if you'd like to ask a question, just go ahead and post one in the field at the bottom of your chat screen. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Teo: re: 4WD sedans-- good question! It depends on public acceptance of 4 WD sedans.

<Chris_Wardlaw> A great indicator that All Wheel Drive passenger cars are finding favor with the public would be the fact that 8 out of every 10 Audis sold in north America is equipped with Quattro AWD and that since Subaru put AWD standard on every model on the lineup, sales have skyrocketed.

<Edmunds_Moderator2> I thought I would come in and help out so that all of your questions get answered.

<teo> And how about RWD sedans? Do you think GM will move to RWD once the Mid-Lux platform is introduced to market for the 2005 model year?

<Edmunds_Moderator2> If you type a "?" we will put your name in the queue and get your questions answered.

<Chris_Wardlaw> TC and TARA: the new Forrester is essentially identical to the 1998 model.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Subaru's are known for bulletproof reliability, and if cost is a consideration, I would select the used Forrester and save a ton of cash.

<Chris_Wardlaw> But, if you choose a used car of any make, you should do a VIN check to make sure the car has not been in a serious wreck or flood.

<Chris_Wardlaw> We have a link to a company called CarFax on edmunds.com and they can do a VIN check for you.

<lancerfixer> Chris, do you think the European manufacturers are accurately predicting a backlash against SUVs by rolling out their bevy of wagons? Are they poised to capitalize on the impending SUV market collapse?

<colin Kameoka> Debate over BMW 325 vs. 330. Is the price premium on the 330 worth it?

<jim> That's the question im facing now too.

<Edmunds_Moderator> How does the Toyota Camry compare to the Ford Taurus or the Nissan Maxima?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Lancerfixer:

<Chris_Wardlaw> First of all, I don't think the SUV market is going to "collapse"

<lancerfixer> Perhaps collapse is too strong a word...

<teo> Current Camry is way too bland...looking forward to the 2002 replacement...And the upcoming Pontiac Vibe.

<lancerfixer> Certainly, not sustain its current sales rate, though.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Colin, always great to hear from the mouth of experience :)

<Chris_Wardlaw> It will continue to change in the direction that it has been changing for the past few years, which has been to focus more on high-riding, car-like vehicles (i.e. Lexus RX300.)

<Chris_Wardlaw> As opposed to strictly truck-based vehicles like the Lincoln Navigator or Dodge Durango.

<Chris_Wardlaw> However, wagons will become more popular in the next few years, both due to trend factors and due to education of the average consumer.

<colin Kameoka> I have the Tours as a company car. It's a 2000 SE wagon. My car is a 96 Maxima SE 5 Spd. I can tell you what I would rather drive....

<Chris_Wardlaw> A stable, cheaper, more enjoyable to drive station wagon as opposed to a gas guzzling less enjoyable to drive SUV.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Please continue to submit questions for our guest, Chris Wardlaw.

<teo> Chris, do you think the current VW Golf GLS 1.8T is a good buy? Likes? Dislikes? Is it worth $20K?

<teo> Worth it..

<jim> Chris, do you have an opinion on the bmw 325 vs. 330 price?

<colin Kameoka> I do prefer a stick. Chris: Are 5 spds going the way of the dinosaur? Mostly due to the sportshift?

<Chris_Wardlaw> There was a question earlier: How does the Toyota Camry compare to the Ford Taurus or the Nissan Maxima?

<tc and TARA> A friend of mine drove a used Camry 4wheel drive right up my new steep driveway over snow and ice today. It was impressive. How many years did Toyota make those?

<teo> Ford Taurus...ugh!

<Chris_Wardlaw> The Taurus is the best domestic mid sized sedan available today. And represents an excellent initial purchase value. However, Its reliability history is a sketchy one.

<tc and TARA> Domestic is the key word.

<Chris_Wardlaw> And because so many Taurus's are dumped into fleets, resale values are terrible.

<lancerfixer> I've noticed, too, that the Taurus resale value is poor at best...

<teo> Specially the infamous blowing gaskets in the 3.8L V6.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Cranker, Chris Wardlaw, Editor-in-Chief, Edmunds.com is here to answer your questions and tell us all about the family of mainstream cars.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Maxima is a very reliable extremely roomy and comfortable performance oriented sedan that suffers from some odd styling cues and a relatively harsh ride.

<colin Kameoka> Even a lowly Tercel has one!

<colin Kameoka> I was annoyed that the Taurus didn't have an air recycle button!

<cranker> Why doesn't Edmunds like American cars, it seems like if it isn't a BMW it sucks, how about those Impalas?

<colin Kameoka> Cranker: from an outsider here, Its because I don't think they offer what some customers want.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The Camry is the best selling car in the U.S. for the 4th year in a row.

<Chris_Wardlaw> And that is because it is able to provide an excellent blend of interior comfort, simplicity of operation, reliability, resale value, a comfortable ride, and decent performance.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Plus the styling, while bland, doesn't offend anyone.

<teo> My problem with the Camry = you see yourself driving around the corner at least 20 times a day!

<Chris_Wardlaw>There was a question from Chris earlier: Do I have an opinion on the bmw 325 vs. 330's price?

<lancerfixer> Speaking as an owner of both a Chevy and a Honda, Cranker, I'd have to agree with Edmunds' overall opinion of American cars. (at least GM products.)

<teo> Lancer you have a Cavalier for goodness sakes!

<Chris_Wardlaw> If price is a consideration for the BMW, get the 325 -- you won't be disappointed.

<Chris_Wardlaw> If money is no object, get the 330 and load it up with options, you'll enjoy either model, they are great cars, and BMW doesn't pay us to say that!!

<Edmunds_Moderator2> TC are you talking about the TMV? Great tool huh.

<lancerfixer> Actually, I've used the TMV and been laughed at by several dealers.

&lTC and TARA> Yes Moderator I am talking about the TMV. The dealers use Kelly here on Cape Cod.

<teo> LOL

<lancerfixer> The Civic is put together just as well as an Accord...

<colin Kameoka> Jim: make sure to test the 3 with and without the sport package. I was surprised how different they are.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Are there any sources that will give me realistic car prices before I go shopping for a car?

<jim> I've test driven both and it's a tough call. The 330 had great low-end torque I think.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Is this style of going back and answering questions working for everyone?

<jim> I've only driven without so far. Looking to get one with the spd and 5 spd.

<colin Kameoka> Jim: Ah, good to see another stick user :)

<jim> :) Wasn't overly impressed with the auto stick. it overrode what I wanted to do too often.

<tc and TARA> I just bought a 78 Peugeot 5 speed with 40K miles in great shape and I love it.

<teo> Stick Shift is used widely in Europe and everywhere else in the world.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Also, automatics are more expensive.

<Chris_Wardlaw> I want to make sure I get to as many of your questions as I can, and they're coming in fast and furious.

<lancerfixer> It's fine, Chris.

<teo> Let's give Chris some more room to answer, don't you think?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Colin asked: Are 5 spds going the way of the dinosaur? Mostly due to the sportshift?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Answer is: No, while sportshift is a great marketing tool. And fun for a few minutes to play around with, they eventually get old and most people just leave the vehicles in drive.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Manual shifts will always appeal to true enthusiasts who want to get the most out of a vehicle.

<Chris_Wardlaw> In most cases, they add between $800-$1000 to a price of a vehicle.

<lancerfixer> Why, then, do so few mainstream cars offer 5-speeds, or make them very difficult to find?

<jim> 1200 on the 3 series.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Budget-minded people will stay with the manual shift vehicle because the standard transmission costs less.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The Lexus IS 300 is a perfect example of the continuing appeal of manual transmissions.

<colin Kameoka> Actually, I have lived in California all my life. I don't find driving in traffic with a 5 spd a problem.

<Chris_Wardlaw> In 2002,

<lancerfixer> I know what the market is, but it seems more people would buy sticks if they were available in the cars they were in the market for.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Reminder: Don't be left behind! It's rush hour on Friday Freeway every Friday, 5-6pmPT/8-9pmET. Come and leave the rest in your dust! See you in "Winners Circle".

<colin Kameoka> Lancer: part of why I don't like GM. where are the 5spd V6 sedans?

<jersey Jack> Moderators...I like this chat. How often do you do them?

<teo> %-speeds are a real pain in bumper to bumper traffic.no thanks.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The IS 300 will be available with roll-em-yourself gears despite the fact that the company only expects 5% of buyers to choose that option.

<Edmunds_Moderator2> Jack, every Tuesday night we talk with an Edmunds Editor, glad you like it!

<Chris_Wardlaw> lancerfixer asked: Why, then, do so few mainstream cars offer 5-speeds, or make them very difficult to find?

<colin Kameoka> Teo: I have been driving in traffic for 500000 miles with a stick. I will agree its not for everyone...

<tc and TARA> Does Toyota make a AWD vehicle as yet?

<teo> Chris, Do you recommend the VW Golf GLS 1.8T? Likes? Dislikes?

<Edmunds_Moderator> Jersey Jack, a very wide variety of topics, yes.

<Edmunds_Moderator2> Jack, yes...the Editors all have various areas of expertise...some will talk about sports cars, muscle cars, test drives, you name it.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Yes -- Don't miss Tuesday night's chat, Jan. 30th 5-8pmPT/8-9pmET with Associate Editor, Ed Hellwig as he answers questions and tells us all about the world of Muscle cars, the Subaru WRX and more.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Answer to earlier question: because it is far cheaper for a manufacturer to set up an assembly line and develop and certify a single type of transmission, and with most people preferring automatics in this country, that transmission wins if costs are a concern during the development of a vehicle.

<Chris_Wardlaw> I think I have time for a couple more questions, let's see what we've got...

<jersey Jack> What is your take on the Camry Chris?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Question from Teo: Chris, Do you recommend the VW Golf GLS 1.8T? Likes? Dislikes?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Teo: The Golf is expensive compared to other vehicles in its class.

<tc and TARA> Doesn't Toyota have a new AWD vehicle?

<teo> TC and Tara the upcoming Pontiac Vibe AWD and the Toyota Matrix AWD sport hybrid wagons

<Edmunds_Moderator> What is a standard warranty on most new vehicles?

<Chris_Wardlaw> However, it is constructed of higher quality materials and carries a greater load of standard equipment than other vehicles it competes against.

<tc and TARA> Is the Matrix out yet?

<teo> TC and Tara no it will be in 2002

<Edmunds_Moderator> Fun fact: BlockerBeamT is a Ford first. In the event of a frontal collision with a car, the BlockerBeamT is designed to make contact with the car's bumper to help prevent the car from sliding beneath the higher-riding Excursion.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Beyond that, the 1.8 T turbo motor is an amazing power plant. Primarily because it provides excellent low-end torque for a turbo motor

<Chris_Wardlaw> Plus, the car is a blast to drive!

<teo> Chris and what about its reliability?

<teo> I heard the new 2001 VW Golf will be sourced from Brazil, not Germany.

<teo> Ok Chris so the Golf gets your thumbs up eh?

<Chris_Wardlaw> Teo: Though VW have had a checkered past, reliability across the board has improved dramatically starting with the introduction of the 1998 Passat.

<Chris_Wardlaw> With its excellent 10-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and considering that many components are shared with higher-line Audi vehicles, reliability is not as great a concern with VWs as it was just five years ago.

<teo> Chris, thanks I am seriously considering getting a new Golf GLS.

<teo> Go to the NAIAS show link for the Matrix/Vibe pics.

<tc and TARA> How much for the new Matrixes?

<teo> Should be around $20K to $25K for the Vibe/Matrix.

<Chris_Wardlaw> TC and TARA, re: the Matrix

<Chris_Wardlaw> They were shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The Toyota Matrix will be sharing its basic structure powertrains and suspensions with the Pontiac Vibe.

<teo> TC and Tara I prefer the design of the Pontiac Vibe..the Matrix sibling looks like a Focus hatchback on steroids.

<lancerfixer> Yeah, I wonder if the dashboard is a green waterfall of characters....

<Chris_Wardlaw> My favorite of the two happens to be the Vibe, simply because I prefer its styling. With room for 5, and a good-sized cargo area, combined with Celica engines under hood.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The Matrix and the Vibe should prove fun and utilitarian.

<Chris_Wardlaw> As well as reliable. We look forward to driving it.

<tc and TARA> The Matrix will be smaller than a RAV4?

<teo> Toyota quality at a Pontiac price. TC and Tara...I think it will be bigger, but no larger than a Lexus RX300.

<Chris_Wardlaw> It will be about the same size as a RAV4, but.the Matrix will not even pretend to have the ability to travel off-road.

<Chris_Wardlaw> The RAV4 is more a sport utility vehicle.

<tc and TARA> We like to stay on the road.

<teo> I don't like the Matrix looks.

<Chris_Wardlaw> And the Matrix is more a station wagon/van in the same vein as the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

<Chris_Wardlaw> All Wheel Drive will be available on the Matrix

<teo> The Vibe/Matrix will have a 6-speed manual. A 180HP DOHC from the Celica GT-S.

<Chris_Wardlaw> Looks like it's just about time for me to wrap up.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Thank you Chris for sharing the wealth of information that you have with us today. You have given us a clearer vision when selecting a car. It was exciting to hear about the mainstream family of cars. This was a great chat! We hope you join us again!

<teo> Thanks Chris and everyone for this enjoyable chat!

<Chris_Wardlaw> Thanks for dropping by to chat everyone.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Thanks to all the members that joined us tonight! See you all again on Friday for Friday Freeway, "Car Trivia", 5-6pmPT/8-9pmET. Come and test your knowledge of cars!

<colin Kameoka> Yes thanks.

<Chris_Wardlaw> I enjoyed our conversation and look forward to the next time I can answer your questions.

<Edmunds_Moderator2> Glad you all enjoyed it, we'll be here every Tuesday with our Editors :)

<Edmunds_Moderator> Everyone Drive Safely and thanks again for joining us.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Reminder: Check out www.edmunds.com for a listing of our new Upcoming Chats in Town Hall!

<Chris_Wardlaw> Stay tuned to our site (www.edmunds.com) for more exciting road tests and comparisons. Have a good night.