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COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
The term "crossover" is one you could be hearing a lot in the coming months. Increasingly, automakers and the media alike are applying this label to a growing group of vehicles that straddle the line between SUVs and cars, and are essentially tall wagons or hatchbacks. Crossovers are usually based on the platform of an existing car model, and, like an SUV, typically provide a versatile interior for carrying cargo, a driving stance slightly higher than that of a typical car, and, often, the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD).
Subaru initiated this concept in 1996 with the Legacy Outback, a version of the AWD Legacy wagon that had a little higher ground clearance and more-rugged styling, and was intended to appeal to SUV buyers. Since then, we've seen the introduction of other "SUV wagons" as well as many car-based SUVs that have further blurred the old definitions of "car" and "sport utility." There are more to come this fall and in the coming years, as automakers continue to mine this segment.
For this month's test, we compared two new "crossover" models--the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe (shown above)--with four similarly priced four-door hatchback/small wagons. The early-2003 Matrix and Vibe are basically the same vehicle with different styling and badges. They're built through a joint venture between GM and Toyota, just as the Chevrolet Prizm and Toyota Corolla twins had been for many years. Both the Matrix and the Vibe are based on the redesigned 2003 Corolla sedan, which we tested for the July 2002 issue. Despite marketing nomenclature, we found the Matrix and the Vibe to be space-efficient tall wagons, similar to the others here.
Of the other four vehicles in this group, three--the Ford Focus ZX5, Mazda Protege5, and Volkswagen Jetta--are hatchback/wagon versions of existing sedans. The Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, introduced in 1996 and redesigned in 2001, carries on the theme of its larger sibling, the Legacy-based Outback.
The six models here have as-tested prices ranging from $19,200 to $22,075. All scored reasonably well in our tests, and five of the six models are on our recommended list. The exception is the Focus, which, according to our annual reader surveys, has had below-average reliability, preventing us from recommending it.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Volkswagen Jetta wagon not only had the highest overall score in this group, but it topped the score of the Ford Focus SE, previously our highest-scoring small wagon. Unlike the Focus, the Jetta is recommended because its reliability has been at least average.
The Jetta is comfortable and quiet, handles well, and has a usefully large cargo area, top-quality fit and finish, and an impressive selection of standard safety gear. It accelerates quickly, easily posting the fastest times of the group, but the car attained a so-so 23 mpg overall and is the only one of the group to require premium fuel. In addition, rather than smooth, even acceleration, the combination of the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine and the automatic transmission produces uneven power delivery that tends to either lag or come in bursts. Another debit is the tight rear seat.
We chose the GLS trim line, with its newly upgraded optional 180-hp, 1.8-liter turbo engine. The car comes with a comprehensive list of standard power and safety features and starts at $20,350. With five-speed automatic transmission and shipping, the price came to $22,075, the highest in this group. The Consumer Reports Wholesale Price--which includes buyer rebates and what the dealer paid after incentives--is $19,841. (All CR Wholesale Prices were effective as of June 2002.)
The Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe twins offer a spacious and versatile interior. To see the difference all-wheel drive makes, we chose a Toyota Matrix with AWD and a Pontiac Vibe with front-wheel drive. AWD provides extra traction in slippery conditions but exacted a slight penalty in acceleration and knocked about 2 mpg off the overall fuel economy. Handling is fairly nimble, the ride is comfortable, and braking is excellent. Major flaws include a noisy engine and a driving position that some of us found uncomfortable. We scored the Matrix slightly higher than the Vibe because of small functional differences. Either is a good alternative to a small SUV, and, based on the impressive record of previous-generation Corollas, reliability should be very good.
In standard form, the Matrix and Vibe use the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine as the Corolla. The Matrix XRS and Vibe GT come with a high-revving 180 hp Four. We bought our Matrix in the mid-trim XR version, with AWD. As such, it starts at $18,445. With cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, and an audio upgrade, the price came to $20,232, including destination charges. The CR Wholesale price is $18,182.
The base Pontiac Vibe we bought starts at $16,340. With power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; alloy wheels; and antilock brakes (ABS), the price came to $19,200. The CR Wholesale price is $17,885.
Like other Focus models we've tested, the ZX5 has superlative handling and a good ride, though we prefer the more spacious Focus wagon. The ZX5 is a bit noisy inside, and fit and finish are unimpressive. Poor reliability prevents us from recommending the Focus.
Like its wagon and higher-priced sedan counterparts, the Focus ZX5 is powered by a 130-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It comes well equipped at a starting price of $15,840. With automatic transmission, sunroof, ABS, and both stability and traction control, the price came to $19,390, including shipping. The CR Wholesale price is $16,095.
The Mazda Protege5 offers nimble handling and excellent brakes. But we found the ride very stiff and uncomfortable and its low seat height makes it a bit harder to get into and out of than the others in this group. Reliability, however, should be...
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