Well, I have been car shopping for 3 months now. Really researching all of the cars out there in the ~20k price range with 4 doors and preferably a rear hatch.
I have drove all of these units, all of these were new, I also drove the used model of some of these. I drove both auto and manuals of these.
Toyota Matrix nice car, but I dont think it had enough features for the price tested at 21k.
Scion XB Great vehicle, a good family size, but 2.4 eats the fuel. I dont believe that it will really get 29mpg.
Scion XD Love the rear reclining seat! The best of all the auto's I tested. Had tons of road noise.
Mazda 2.3 Great styling for this car.
Kia Sephia 5 Still not sold on the Kia. This car is close to the Saturn, but I dont think it is anywhere close to the same quality. Engine does well though.
VW Rabbit The new 1.5l is a killer motor! But the cost for cost, i would have had to spend another 3-5k to get what the saturn has.
VW Jetta Same boat as the rabbit.
Dodge Caliber TONS of road noise! Car seems very cheap made and plasticy.... Cooler in the glove box is nice
Chevy HHR Didnt like this at all. The worst of all the vehicles that I drove. Styling is horrible!
At the end of the day, the choice was down to three options. The VW, the xB and the Saturn.
Car shopping for me was for a couple of needs for my family. One, I was replacing a quickly aging Suzuki Esteem as a commuter car. Two, I drive 500-1000 miles a week for work and need something with good mpg and something comfortable. Three, I wanted something 5 door so I can take my family around with ease. And the last, I dont want to drive something like the Yaris, I am a guy and have "guy" needs...lol
The Saturn drives awesome, nice power (not a powerhouse though), great styling and tons of features. I got the Sport package 5dr XR 5spd with the Premium Trim package and the Moon Roof. I was hoping to find one with the upgraded stereo but none could be found with the other options with in a 300 mile radius of the dealership. I got the Silver one, and of course the int is black leather.
The car is quiet, smooth, and handles great! The upgraded int package in my opinion is well worth the extra money! The sport seats are way more comfortable than the standard clothe ones. I have owned many many cars in the past, and other than power, I think this one drives similar to my old 944 turbo I had. Very smooth, controlled and really sticks to the windy roads
As you can tell I am very happy with my purchase. If anyone has any questions about the car, I am more than happy to answer.