Which Hatchback?

leomort

didn't know that Toyota was bringing out the Matrix early. I don't know if I care for its looks though. Between the two, I'd prefer the look of the Vibe. question: will the AWD be available with an automatic?

I too have considered Subaru's Impreza sport wagons. The cargo space seem small and cramped. I was looking at the Impreza OBS. Wife doesn't care for this compact wagons looks.

The VW GOlf's cargo area also appeared small to me as well. Perhaps it's looks are decieving?

Mazda Protege's are generally very spacious for a compact. Their HB warrants a look, especially if they run their special financing deals.

My parents bought a 2000 Hyundai Elantra brand new. I was very surprised by it. Very spacious. Perhaps not as refined as Honda or Toyota but also worth a look. You've got to keep in mind, this car is going to depreciate look a rock. But if you keep your cars a long time it might be mot point for you.

There will finally be a variety of htachbacks to chose from which is a nice change.

Leo

erlemire

I'm looking for that kind of HB for a summer buy and this past two weeks, I've been jumpimg from preview to review on Protege5's, Elantra GT's, Subaru sportwagen's ans focus ZX5's.

There's a lot for all taste, and I can't wait to try one of these at the dealer (I know some drive will be soon for the Subaru ans the Mazda).

If you are the kind of driver who drives in traffic every day to work, and respect spped limit at all time (we all do officially but...) so I recommend a ZX5 or Elantra GT.
but if your a more agressive driver, and like to hand out on twisty road and like a like a little "controlled slipping" out of the curve, I hightly recommend the Subaru and for finantial reason the Mazda or Elantra.
People who like to impress with a flashy car would like the standard body skirt of the Mazda and the after-market performance accesories of the subaru.
Personnaly, with two kids, don't like the minivan driving, loves euro shaped cars, and a little sport but not to much because that my driving point get loss to easily, I still can't choose between the Mazda and the Elantra, I think I'll wait for the test drive ;o)

erlemire

I'm looking for that kind of BB for a summer buy and this past two weeks, I've been jumping from preview to review on Protege5's, El antra GI's, Subaru sportwagen's and focus ZX5's.

There's a lot for all taste, and I can't wait to try one of these at the dealer (I know some drive will be soon for the Subaru and the Mazda).

If you are the kind of driver who drives in traffic every day to work, and respect speed limit at all time (we all do officially but...) I recommend a ZX5 or El antra GT.
but if your a more agressive driver, and like to hang out on twisty road and like a little "controlled slipping" out of the curve, I hightly recommend the Subaru or an Mazda.
People who like to impress with a flashy car would like the standard body skirt of the Mazda and the after-market performance accesories of the subaru.
Personnaly, with two kids, don't like the minivan driving, loves euro shaped cars, and a little sport but not to much because that my driving point get loss to easily, I still can't choose between the Mazda and the Elantra, I think I'll wait for the test drive ;o)

mpgman

Don't be too sure that the new GT hatch will depreciate "like a rock." Good reviews, limited availability, and the utilitarian design in a relatively inexpensive package with leather, 4 wheel discs, alloys, fog lights, keyless entry, and optional roof, ABS, and traction control might make the resale better than people think or fear. Once Hyundai sees what a winner they have, the price could go up and the base content down. Interesting to see how it all pans out. What sold me on the Elantra GT was seeing Hertz putting Elantra sedans in their fleet. They would be the last to want unreliable cars to ruin their reputation.

heysharon

Excited to test drive new 5 doors. But as a 32 yr old, childless chick, I'm new to the hatchback market. Where do I hide my stuff? Torn between the 'sportiness' of the Mazda P5 and the seeker 'Saab-esque' Elantra GT (haven't seen unclose yet). Then again w/ the upgrades to the Sentra (60/40 rear seat split) making antiquing easier, maybe I'll purchase another Nissan. Decisions...

pocahontas

You said: "I'm new to the hatchback market. Where do I hide my stuff?"

Many hatchbacks come with some kind of removable cargo cover to prevent people from seeing your stuff.... Good luck with your decision. And please keep us posted on what you decide. Happy Shopping! ;-)

Pocahontas
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cjaccetta

Check out the Elantra GT. I was able to fit my road bicycle into the hatch by dropping the "60" side of the 60/40 rear seat. I was also able to carry three bags of golf clubs and three overnight bags easily -- I didn't even have to remove the cargo cover or fold the seat. Hatchbacks rule if you carry lots of "stuff" when you travel.

My wife and I looked at the Sentra, and if you have any friends you won't want to put them in the Sentra's backseat: it's tiny! Other than that we liked the Sentra. We also looked into the P5 as well -- it turned out to be a little too expensive for our tastes but a cool car nonetheless.

My wife and I dig all the features of the GT and we got ours for a good price. We've put about 1,100 miles on ours with no problems to report.

Good luck in your search.

heysharon

for the advice. Even the little nephews complain about the size of my Sentra ("Aunt Sharon, you need a minivan.") Well, not quite, but I do like the looks of the Elantra GT. Will seek out a Hyundai dealer soon, as the Sentra is pushing 110,000 miles (though going strong).

mattwa

I bought a GT a couple of weeks ago and I am very pleased. It's an amazingly functional car at a great price. You get the headroom and rear leg room of a decent sedan, the space and flexibility of a small wagon, the fun of a coupe (with the 5 spd), and the toys and comfort of a low-end luxury car. The Pro5 and Golf are also nice, just hard to match the Elantra for value.

I think hatchbacks are due for a comeback. A lot more economical than SUVs, a lot more practical than sedans, and a %^#@ of a lot more fun than a minivan.

silverhatch

Hey - My name is Jen, and I live in SoCal. I say - go for the Protege5! I'm a 30 year old "chick" and have no family (yet), but I love my 2 week old silver Protege 5! It has a hatchback cover that covers your stowage and I love it's sporty look. I got mine fully loaded, moonroof, 6CD changer, auto everything. I do agree that the Hundai looks good, but I just couldn't get over the memories of my best friend from High School's first car: a Hyundai -- and it was a heap. But I know... things have changed ....and I shouldn't judge from a first impression ... speaking of first impressions: I drove a Protege rental in New Mexico one vacation 5 years ago-- and loved the zippiness of the car on those back roads. As a 93 Civic hatchback owner, I debated for weeks between a Jetta Wagon and the 2002 Pro5... (I wanted that hatchback feeling - and was even set on a Mazda Tribute... for a while). Anyway -- bottom line is, I love my final decision. Let me know what you decide.

pocahontas

Hi Everyone-

To further enhance your experience at Town Hall, be sure to check out the Additional Resources box on the left side of this page. In this area, you'll find links to other related discussions/articles throughout Town Hall.

Please note, not all of these discussion are from the Hatchbacks Message board. You'll also find links to other message board discussions. (i.e. Women's Auto Center: Help me select a vehicle!)

So if you need more feedback to your question..., don't hesitate to also post (copy/paste) your message in one of these other discussions. Hope this is helpful. ;-)

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heysharon

Congrats on your purchase! Loved the silver I saw in the showroom. Still torn between the two. I really like the looks of both the Pro5 and Elantra GT. Going to let the test drive decide. Will keep you posted.

billrubin

I am a new owner (well, as of later today) of an Elantra GT. I looked at the Protege5 (I have a 1989 Mazda 626 hatchback which I love) and thought it was terribly ugly. It reminded me of the old Ford Escort Wagon -- not at all like a hatchback. The Elantra GT is amazingly similar to my 626 hatch, and if you look at it sideways it is very similar to the old Saab 900S.

Bill

hung0820

I am currently the owner of the Hyundai Santa Fe and I all I can said is that the Hyundai Quality is far beyond compare to the past. I will be the owner of the Elantra GT by next year. I believe the GT have the Traction Control options which other manufacture do not offer. Standard on side airbags, sway bar, all independent sport suspension, sun/moonroof, ABS, & leather seats, many more (etc)..for less price, wonderful 10/100k warranty, good looking too...I have finished studied about the Matrix and the Toyota do make good and nice looking car; but then they are too expensive. I can buy the Elantra GT and save more than $10k on top model versus the Matrix...Beside the Elantra GT have more options than any of its competitors (study and you will know)...

seminole_kev

offers Traction and stability control systems. I know that the VW jetta offers traction control, but can't remember if the Golf does.

seminole_kev

Just checked it out. Comes standard on the 1.8t

mpgman

But they cost several thousand dollars more and VW is nothing to write home about regarding reliability.

moparbad

I just checked the ratings for Golf reliability for 1997, 1998, and 1999 models. Golf was rated as MINIMAL problems in all categories. The rating of minimal is the best possible. The categories were engine, transmission and driveline, steering and suspension, brakes, heating and A/C, starting and charging, and accessories. The data is compiled by Automotive Information Systems.
Golf is recommended by Consumer Reports.
Golf 1998 is rated 8.2 out of ten for reliability by Edmunds.
Golf reliability is nothing to complain about.

mpgman

Hope you are right. It is still on my list for a second car in the Fall.

pittdp

I feel in love with this car and bought a silver one with the polished aluminum rims of the showroom floor. The car only had 4 miles on it. Yahoo!!!!
I really feel this car has been put together very well and think that I will have many years of enjoyment out of her. As to the descusion of the fucus motor being in this car, I doubt it. If you look at the specs the focas has a diffent tourqe curve and has it max HP at a different RPM P5 is 6000, while focus is 6500. The only thing I am waiting on is the locks for my wheels that are on order and the elecronic re-view mirror that auto dims and had the temp and compass on it.

pocahontas

And congratulations on your new Protege5! Here's direct link to our ongoing Protege5 discussion where you can share notes with other Protege5 owners and enthusiasts.... Happy Motoring!

Pocahontas
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ethuresson

I am in now way dissing some of the other fine cars mentioned in this discussion, but I believe the Golf is really in a different league than all the others mentioned, and you definately pay for it. Our 00 TDI has 25k completely trouble free miles in 18 months and gets about 35mpg city (nothing to write home about) BUT gets between 45 and 50mpg highway at 70+mph. (auto tran)
Golf was rated THE safest subcompact by CR in 01. (TDI model specifically, possibly due to the extra mass of the diesel engine)
Build quality/fit N finish of this car are WAY above the others; if you check this out in person I think it's pretty obvious. Solid as a boulder, too.(TDI's only built in Germany, can't vouch for Brazilian or Mexican made models)
Did NOT like the standard 2.0 4 banger. Would've gotten a 1.8T if available at the time, but more than happy with the diesel.
First VW, BTW (other than old bug in HS), so I'm not some VW fanatic blinded by brand loyalty; I just thought the car was worth the extra few grand over it's competition and so far satisfied with purchase.
Sorry about the novel, LOL!

elec3

If I remember correctly the redline on my Pro5 is 6500 but it is definitely not the Focus engine. The 2.0 in the Protege5 is based off of the 4 cylinder available in Mazda's 626. How do I know this for a fact? I had the opportunity to spend a fair bit of time driving a 1999 Mazda 626 4 cylinder before I got my Pro5 and guess what...the engines even sound the same. The Pro5, of course, is much quicker than the 626 with similar engine because it's a much smaller, lighter car.

A lot of people at school are calling my Protege5 a shaggin' wagon or grocery getter lately which bothers me a bit (21 is way too young to own a wagon, but I don't think the P5 really counts) but usually I just laugh because they have no idea how fast and fun this car is.

csandste

between the ZX5, Elantra GT and Pro5. My 87 Nova bit the dust last July and there were no Elantra GT 5speeds in stock.

Found the Pro5 a bit too expensive for my taste and 5 speeds were in short supply at that time, so had to choose between a 5 speed ZX3 and the Elantra GLS. Thought the ZX3 had better handling, but was turned off by the reports of niggling troubles. Bought the GLS and have had 5000 miles of wonderful experiences. Great power, comfortable handling tho. not as agressive feeling as the ZX3. Highly recommended. Best car I've ever had.

Still wish I'd had the opportunity to buy a 5-speed GT. Plenty of them are in stock now. I do like 5-door hatches, bought the first available 5-door hatch (a Renault R-16 sedan-wagon-- remember that term?). I think the ZX5 will be the best looking Focus and hopefully quality will continue to improve. The Elantra has been remarkably problem free given its first year of production.

Both the Elantra and Focus had wonderful space utilization given their size. The Elantra is much larger in most interior dimensions than an Olds Alero, for example.

I rejected the VW-- base engine doesn't have enough power and the GT is too expensive. Rejected the Kia Optima as being too crude. Maybe the new Wing will be better, but I feel Kia will be holding on until the platform merges with the Elantra in '06.

Drove a last generation used Civic 3-door hatch and the experience was underwhelming. Drove a Corolla S 4-door sedan and thought the build quality was good (though not better than the Elantra), but the car was too small and had been decontented from the last platform. Corolla 5-doors are available in other markets and look interesting, why not here? Also turned off by Toyota's corporate snottyness regarding sludging, although sludge doesn't apply to the Corolla.

Final recommendation-- Try an Elantra GT. The handling should be better than my GLS and the ownership experience--given the non-scientific sampling of the Edmunds posts, should be first rate.

matso

Our '93 Explorer had been in the shop one time too many, so we decided it was time to look for a replacement. We had no interest in the midsize SUV market, so we looked at the small ones first.

The Escape looked about right for us, but my wife was leery of getting another Ford. I really liked the Forester, but the price was just beyond our budget. While checking out the Mazda Tribute, we saw a "punky" little station wagon parked next to it and took it for a test drive.

That was a silver Protege5, and up to that point we hadn't even thought of looking at hatchbacks. But a couple of test drives later, we were sold. We drove a red Pro5 home last weekend.

I've seen a lot of reviews that say this car needs a little more muscle; I disagree. I like to get off the line quickly, and believe me, Pro5 has plenty of get-up-&-go. Driving it feels a lot like driving our Miata (the garage queen since my wife got a company car). Build quality is excellent, on par with the Subarus, and ergonomics are terrific.

We were also fortunate in that my wife's company has an S-Plan agreement with Ford and its subsidiaries, including Mazda, and we were able to get a price somewhat below dealer invoice on our Pro5.

I did take a long look at the Hyundai Elantra GT, and it looks much better in person than in Web site photos. The price/warranty are astounding, and I was very impressed with the build quality. I drove an '87 Excel many years ago, and I can say that Hyundai has come a long way since then.
We just preferred the Mazda.

My only complaint, if you want to call it that: The Pro5 CD changer holds 6 CDs, but the little cubbyhole in the console, which happens to be just the right size to hold CD cases, will only hold 4. What's up with that?!?

revka

1. someone who recently paid cash for a vehicle. or

2. someone who has been leasing for awhile and is sort of stuck leasing--with no trade-in, it would cost too much to buy new. or someone who had been frustrated in that situation, but finally bit the bullet and bought a car, but is paying for it with high monthly payments.

If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact our Public Relations director Jeannine Fallon at jfallon@edmunds.com. It is always helpful if you include your daytime phone number, and city and state of residence. Thanks for your participation. ;-)

Revka

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beingmarc

After about one month of test driving every hatchback available I decided on the Subaru WRX Sport Wagon. Here's why:

Protege5: I liked how the car looked on the outside and the interior didn't have that cheap Mazda feel that I usually see. The problems started on the tezt drive though. Where is the power??? If Mazda had only put in a larger engine the P5 really could have been a contender. C'est la vie.

Ford Focus Zx3: I never did like this car but everyone kept saying how great the Focus is and that I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't give it a chance. Well, I should have trusted my initial instinct. It handeled like a pregnany yak and I felt like I was driving a car designed by the same people who designed Tommow Land at Disneyland. The best thing about this car was its acceleration...can the Protege5 borrow some of those horses please?

VW Golf: This is a tough one. My first car was a VW and I loved it. I heard a lot of people raving about the new Golf so I had to give it a shot. I liked how it handeled and it certainmly had adequit(sp?) power...although not enough power to justify the price. Also, VW has never had a reputation of solid reliability. I liked the car but I still wanted to keep shopping...just in case.

Hyundai Elantra GT: This would have been my choice if I was a little more strapped for cash than I was. Lots of cool standard features and a sleak new look. I was plesanty surprised with its power off the line and the handeling was exceptional for a car in it's price range. In the end though I just couldn't convince myself to buy a Hyudai...yet. The company still has to prove itself in my book. Too many horror stories about the cars it made in the 80's and 90's.

and FINALLY

Subaru WRX Wagon: I've always been a closet Subaru fan ever since I saw them win the WRC in '96. The car isn't pretty by any stretch of the imagination I'll admit. But it has a certain something that makes it irresistible to me. When I got in the car I wasn't too happy with the sparse interior that it inherits from it's Rally heritage. What really sold me though was driving it. To sum it up easily: it blew away all of the afore mentioned 5-door hatches. When I floored it from a dead stop I almost got whiplash! The car just wanted to go go go. The AWD kept it firmly on the asphalt even during high-speed turning. I got back to the dealership and decided that I had to have...haven't looked back since.

Suraru's aren't the cars for most people. I wouldn't really recomend the 5-door wagons to someone interested in a lot of space. It isn't a great family car either. If you want a luxury car look elsewhere. Subaru has made a car that is designed for one thing...DRIVING! It's fun fun fun to drive. Oh yeah, it's pretty safe too.

Marc
23
Los Angeles

seminole_kev

did you test some sort of bizarro Focus? The Focus (other than base sedan LX version) handles great, but is slow. Really it's acceleration is on par with most you tested save the Golf and WRX, but it's not a fast car by any means. Kind of wondering what happened since even the somewhat less than stellar drivers at the car mags have bested some corvette handling numbers with the Focus.

Also, for the price range you had, I'd take the WRX all day long, but it's really in a different class than all the other cars you tested. The Golf kind of being between the rest and the WRX.

beingmarc

I'm sick of hearing people sing the praises of the Focus. This car just isn't that great! Let the reviewers and the rest have a love fest with it...they can HAVE it. I know a lot of people who have test driven them and absolutely hated them. Maybe the sedan is better, I'll check it out. The ZX3, however, is just another big chunk of Ford.

seminole_kev

ok.

seminole_kev

Congrats on the WRX! Real fun, fast car.

vadp

revka

A major newspaper is looking to interview folks who learned how to drive stick in their adulthood, and either fell in love or hated it. Also welcome is any input on why people love to drive stick, and any unusual anecdotes about how you learned etc.

Hope to hear from you before Feb 22 via the Talk to the Press discussion or at jfallon@edmunds.com with your thoughts and contact information.

Thanks for your participation.

Revka
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mpgman

19,000 great miles. The car grows on you. Only the Golf, IMHO, has better up front seating. Where can you get the whole package plus a roof, traction control, and ABS for under $16k with the 10/100---5/60 warranty? Leather, trip computer, 4 wheel discs, fog lights, Michelins, and 6 speaker CD no less. Even the rear wiper has an intermittent setting.

hjr2

we got our first Korean vehicle in july 1999, sonata gls-V6. no one really bashes it(in front of us)...have had 12 comments on how nice it rides,looks and drives(family memebers drove it).
The stereo gets the most comliments. even tire squealing(once i n a blue moon) seems to "shock" people.

The Tibby(hatch) is nice. It is alittle small for me, but is liveable.
We drove a GT elantra, spouse dislikes it(too cramped and "odd" looking) I like it.

Too bad we have about 3 1/2 more years to pay on Sonata. I'd get the GT in a minute if I could trade in Sonata and break even.
It has better mpg,less expensive to maintain,gas mpg is alot better,and monthly payments are about $45 a month less.

I tried to talk spouse in a GT, she wanted Tibby.
It is nice..but not as roomy as GT, and both have same engine.
(the tibby does stand out in the looks dept).

forgot to add, i read a comment by a guy waaay up the front 12 posts about his spectra and how he liked it, but was embarrased at first to driving a Kia.

Korean cars are getting a bad rap. Period. Why? People who have nevered owned one just parrot words they heard from a friend who owns a Ford or GM or Toyota, and so on. Word of mouth, the wrong, and mis-informed kind.
My inlaws thought Hyudnai was junk. well, the story is different now.
Thay all like the car, but, because it is "foreign" they wont buy one.
Their loss.

We tested a Rio(seems to be about 6 out here in GM country) it was alittle loud andf the interior was alittle "cheap" looking.
It had a great turning radius of 30 feet o so, braking was good, radio was fine, tranny did ok. If they fix it up a bit in a year or two(like give it Hyundai/d/c/mitsu "world class small car engine" they developed) I'd mayeb check it out again. great little car for work.

jiggerz201

I am trying to decide between the Toyota Matrix and the Protege 5. Here is how I am comparing them, add any comments if you like.

Protege5- better handling, cheaper, better seats, been on the market for more time, looks better.

Matrix-better cargo area, Toyota brand quality, better stature or presence, better standard features (adjustable intermittent wipers, better door lock system, air filter).

Any thoughts? I am leaning towards the Protege5 today, mainly because of the price but it is only $1000 difference.

revdrluv

Are you going for the matrix with AWD?

jiggerz201

I am considering the FWD version. I wouldn't get much of an advantage with AWD. I don't think it would be much better than FWd with snow tires. Also, it doesn't snow much around here anymore.

mpgman

Suspect you will get better mpgs with the Matrix, regardless of what it says on the window (higher anyway unless you opt for the XRS). I found the seating for the driver much better in the Matrix because I like to sit high. The Pro's center arm rest is more of a padded cover for a low mounted console...it was too low for me to be comfortable. No comparison as to the flexibility of the cargo area....Matrix hands down. Pro can be had with 1.9% if that is a major concern. Suspect that in the next several weeks you will pay a lot more for the Matrix relative to list than if you wait till summer. Personally, I prefer the looks of the Vibe.

revka

The Suzuki Aerio is another 5 door hatchback to soon hit the market. For those interested, here's a direct link to Preview: 2002 Suzuki Aerio, A Little Bit More, by Warren Clarke. Also, for more information/discussion, join us in our Suzuki Aerio discussion. Happy motoring!

Helpful Links- For more ideas/feedback on your car buying decision..., be sure to check out the discussions in the Helpful Links on the left side of the page.

Revka
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lgoldin

I am new in the hatchback discussion, but I always liked them. I used to have old Civic hatch. But when I needed replacement for it I couldn't find 5 door hatch I liked, so i ended up with a sedan. This year the market is full of nice new 5 doors. And although it is too late for me I couldn't resist to drive them.
I just came from a test drive of Aerio. It is already available in Canada. I drove the top SX model. Exterior is pretty. The interior is... Well, I don't want to bash the car, but interior is CHEAP. Electronic instruments are hard to read. May be some time behind its wheel would help. Plenty of space, rear seats are higher than front ones, which is nice. Engine has power and torque, but is not refined at all. It is livable, just not up to, let's say, Sentra's or Protege's 2.0L. I really liked suspensions. They are tight, but not harsh. Steering is nice too. 5 speed which I tested is very nice. Throws are short. Synchronizer is really good. Every shift was smooth. Wind and tire noise well dumped (or may be because engine was a bit loud?). Stereo has cassette and CD players with 6 speakers. But sound is so-so. The folding door mirrors are big. My biggest complain is a breakes. They are way too soft.
The car is definitely a step above Esteem and if somebody is looking for a Japan made hatchback in a basic form this car definitely should be considered, b/c price is right and it drives pretty nicely. But if you want more refined car and don't mind to spend a little more then look elsewhere.

revka

A journalist with a major magazine is looking for consumers who recently purchased 3-5 year old vehicles. If you are interested in participating, please respond by Wednesday, March 6 at jfallon@edmunds.com. It is always helpful if you provide your phone number, type of vehicle purchased, and city/state of residence.

Thanks much!

Revka
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seminole_kev

I was looking for a good handling, fun 5-door hatchback and had widdled down my list to the Matrix, Protege 5, or the Focus ZX5. The Golf 1.8t would have been a major contender...if they still offered it.

I didn't really like the matrix to much. The exterior styling looks better in person than in photos, but it just doesn't agree with me either. The dash is fine but I didn't like the seat material, or the weird cargo tray cover. Also, a little quirk I noticed was that when I sat in the back seat, my knee covered the window switch on the door. It's placed really low. I'm sure the Matrix will be a reliable, good car. Just wasn't quite what I wanted I guess.

The Pro5 and ZX5 were my top two. I prefer the P5's exterior styling to the ZX5. I was turned off a bit by the interior though. It reminded me of some of my family's early 90's Toyota interiors for some reason. I liked the seats, but the rest of the interior just looked kind of cheap (to me). I didn't get a chance to test the 6-disc CD changer, but the single CD model didn't sound very good. The Pro5 does drive well. The steering could have better feel, but it does handle. The problem was it seemed a very hard ride compared to the ZX5 which delivered comparable handling. If you like a pretty firm suspension, you will like the Pro5. I liked the Pro 5 alot. Just wish the interior was different.

The ZX5 kinda is the all-rounder for me. It handles very well, but had more travel in the suspension to not get hammered over rough roads (which we have a ton of in Oklahoma). I like the Focus's interior the best, but I know that it might be a too funky for some people. I really like this car.

Really all three cars are very good, and provide a good range of choices and styles. VW needs to drop the 1.8t engine back in the Golf to round out the bunch. But anyone who buys any of the cars above isn't getting a bad car. It's good to have choices in 5-door hatches again!

esto

I'm also looking for a 5-door hatch, and right now the Elantra GT is at the top of my list
(unfortunately the model I want is nowhere to be found). The others on my list are the P5,
ZX5, Impreza TS wagon, and recently I've become interested in the VW Golf TDI.

Did you consider the Elantra GT; if so, what made it drop off your list?

Erik

seminole_kev

is a good offering, but while the interior seemed well built, I didn't like it as much as the other vehicles. Really the thing I didn't like is the crash test scores of the Elantra and Elantra GT. I didn't like that at all.

stropro5

esto - I too was shopping for a 5-door hatch back and agree with many of seminole_kev's opinion (except I went with the Protege5 - because of Style and all around Drive). The Elantra GT was right up there with the others. My Dad has a 2001 Elantra sedan and it is a great car. The options of the GT along with the price made it very, VERY tempting... but it simply came down to personal preference. I went with the Protege5 for styling and the additional versatility of the Hatchback/Wagon vs. the Hatchback/Fastback.

Good luck and happy driving.

Drew

esto

I found that my upright bass (what a pain to drag that instrument around) fit much better
in the back of the GT than the P5 (and the others too), since the GT has a longer area
behind the rear seats. (I of course had one side of the back seat down). But it fit in all of
them, with the ZX5 being the tightest fit.

Erik

seminole_kev

thanks for being civil. I found some of the protege guys to be a little nutty and seem to over-react to simple statements. So I was hoping that I wouldn't get flamed for not picking the Pro5 (even thought I did like it). Of course you're going to have the angry posters with any car, so it's not just the protege guys I'm pickin' on ;-)

seminole_kev

yeah, for something that you can lay down that is long, but shallow the Elantra GT would probably offer the most space. Looking at the Pro5 and ZX5, it looked like the P5 had another 3"-5" of cargo space length, but don't quote me on that.

stropro5

My apologies on behalf of all Protege5 owners for any previous "burns". I had nothing against the ZX5... I almost think it is a little better value over the Protege5, but the Protege5 just felt more like "My" car.

As far as the Hatchback/Wagon versatility, it just seems I could fit something taller in the Protege5/ZX5 vs. the Elantra GT. I could see where the GT would be a great for an Upright Bass.