New car opinions needed
 

I'm in the market to buy a new/used car and I was wondering if any of you have had any experiences with the following vehicles that I've narrowed my selection down to:

Toyota Matrix
Toyota Corolla S
Toyota Rav4
Honda Civic
Honda CRV
Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape
Mazda 3

I'm looking for something reliable with decent gas mileage...I was also considering AWD...is it all that much better in the snow than a FWD?

Thanks!!!

The Matrix is the best looking of the group you picked. Does that help?

These are very different vehicles. Much of the answer you seek depends on what you value.

Are you in a harsh climate where 4wd would really help?
Are you wanting something that is really good on petrol?
Are you wanting a vehicle that's sporty looking?
Are you wanting a vehicle with lots of options?

Moooo

Um...sure!

I'm in Nebraska so snow does occur here
I'd like at least 26 mpg
Yes
All I need is AC and a CD player

Yes. It's better at getting going, but not stopping. It's always fun to see the new people learn that lesson in Denver.

I'd go with the RAV4 or CRV. The reason being it will get around quite well in inclement weather, and being a Honda/Toyota and also having 4wd it will fetch better resale value.

It may not get 26, though. I don't know what it gets, but I'd go that route unless its as low as 20.

If you're looking for 4wd with 26mpg, nothing comes to mind. Perhaps a Subaru?

Moooo

What kind of year?

Last year I purchased a new/used Toyota RAV4. I managed to find a 1998 limited edition with 46,000 miles on it. It was/is in perfect condition and had every available option and because of its age I got it for a song from a Chrysler dealer. One of the "limited" options were special luggage/tote bags that clip onto the inside of the rear door. They were not even removed from the plastic packaging.
All I can say is I love this car. It rides high like an SUV, but is small enough to make driving in the city etc just as easy as in a car. It gets a combined 28-29 MPG and it's AWD. Last winter we only saw the one snow (November I think) but it got around in it just fine. It also rides pretty nice as well, definately better than my 99 Civic coupe.
If you can find one that is well cared for - I highly recommend the RAV.

I think the new body style on the Civic looks pretty good. They managed to make it look bigger, more like an Accord. I might drive one to work and back if my lanky arse would fit in it.

I'm shooting for an '04 or '05

I don’t know these specific models but I will say I have a healthy respect for Toyota (proven history of reliability) and Honda (incredible engineering prowess) so IMO you can’t go wrong with either make.

As for 4WD vs. AWD, theoretically for most snowy/icey road conditions an AWD is probably better.
In a straight line they’re equal in that they both apply power to the ground evenly. The problems start when you go to make a turn. A 4WD model, aka part time 4X4, locks the front and rear outputs so that they spin at the same rate period and in order to track accurately ‘round a corner you need the front wheels to spin at a faster rate than the rears. This will cause loss of traction and result in “pushing” the front end.
An AWD, or All Wheel Drive aka “full time 4WD” allows for this differentiating in front and rear drive shafts in order to track accurately ‘round a corner and still apply power to the ground evenly.
For most customers that’ll never actually take their rig off road, AWD is probably the better choice, though it will cost you gas mileage so ensure that you actually need the extra traction it provides.

Fuk the Japenese go for the Mustang
http://www.mustang-deutschland.de/mu...onvertible.jpg

Definitely would if I could afford the insurance.

If your looking for an '04 or '05 you would probably get the best "deal" on a Civic or RAV as both just released redesigned versions for the '07 model year. Corolla and Matrix (if it's still around) are not due until 2008 (actual year) The CRV should be out early next year. The Mazda 3 is good little car, but the Escape/Tribute - Well they have sold a bunch of them.

You pretty much couldn't go wrong buying a toyota or honda product. I still think buying a brand new car is a stupid move.