Midsize Hatchback Comparison: 2006 Mazda3 S vs. 2005 Toyota Matrix vs. 2007 Dodge Cal

[Rick]

Read this full Mid-size Hatchback Comparison article at Motor Trend: Just look at what has happened to the five-door hatchback. The once mundane two-box compact hauler has been tweaked into all manner of exterior form, the powertrains refined for greater pep and efficiency, sophisticated technologies introduced into even the least-expensive models, and lists of options enriched to near luxury-car levels.

Full Article...

 

[dogfriend]

I was very interested in the Mazda 3 as a commuter/weekend fun car. The problem was with headroom. The A-pillar/upper door frame is too close to my head. The Dodge Caliber was even worse. The Toyota Matrix is the only one with reasonable headroom / vision for me. (I didn't look at the Chevy, cause I'm prejudiced against GM products).

 

[Rick]

We were looking into that class of vehicle, but we decided to go used instead. Ended up with a Corolla

 

[dogfriend]

We are still kicking around the idea. My current commuter is a 2wd Toyota PU, but I am thinking about getting something a little more fun to drive & a lot safer. My head touches the headliner and my knees are splayed out to the side when I drive it. I call it the "clown" car because that's what the driving position is like.

I'm not really that tall, only 6'1", but I have headroom problems in a majority of the late model cars out there. The Mazda 3 is a neat little car, with enough room for the dogs in the back of the hatchback model, but I can't see making new car payments on something where I could bash my noggin in a minor accident.

I'm thinking about possibly buying a late model used Matrix, but the price of the new ones aren't that much more around here.