A few questions for Matrix owners

[Bakemono]

Lately Ive been thinking more and more about trading my fullsize truck in on a car instead of a 4x2 Tacoma. Ive always owned trucks because it was nice to have the 4x4 and hauling capability, but we done get the snowy winters like we used to and the rising price of gas has me wondering if maybe I should be considering a different kind of vehicle.
My plan had been to trade my F-150 in on a new 4x2 regular cab Tacoma in a couple years, but lately Ive been thinking more and more that maybe a small car would be a better idea.
Im thinking that Id be better off with a Matrix over a Corolla. It would be nice to have more interior space that way if I need to haul a large object I can just fold the seats down and haul it in the back of the Matrix.
I do some hauling, but not very often. I would end up having a trailer hitch put on whatever I end up getting and then buying a small utility trailer (when I have to haul firewood or need to haul something that wont fit in the back of the car).
I dunno, Im just thinking that with a Matrix I would be getting a lot more vehicle for the money (compared to a 4x2 reg cab Tacoma) and would have something that should still be able to do what I need.
Opinions?
Im also considering a Ford Focus as well, but I dunno about that. Ford seems to have the bugs worked out of the Focus, but I know the resale value is going to suck and my past experience with Fords doesnt exactly fill me with confidence.

[Frank@toronto]

With respect to small wagons your main choices are with the Matrix and Mazda 3.

If you have a little more money then take a look at the Mazdaspeed 3.

[Bakemono]

Im thinking the Scion Xb would be an option too. The Xb is a little on the pricey side though. I could get a nice Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab for what some of these small hatchbacks/wagons cost and not need a trailer.
Thanks for the input though, its much appreciated.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

My dad drove a van for 20 years, and because of gas he downsized, the best car he found after reaserching for 6 months was the Matrix, for interior room and cargo room. Then again mysister and i are grown and have our own cars so we don't need that much room anymore. He can fit a lot in it. It all depends what you want to haul. He loves the Matrix great fuel mileage and a fun sporty car if he wants to race it around back country roads.

[zokalr13]

what i did was buy the wife the MATRIX and have a older cheap ,disposable vehicle for hauling-a 1993 EXPLORER-i ride a KLR650 motorcycle to work and on weekends ride it up the mountains etc..so both our main vehicles are new [gas-savers] and reliable vehicles and if i need to take the dog for a run or haul stuff, the S.U.V.is there -also when winter comes the bike is stored and i then drive the S.U.V.. this is a sensible option that i came up with -hope you figure it out..oh yeah,i recommend the MATRIX!!!!

[Georgenfla]

Matrix, Mazda 3 wagon, Scion Xd, not in that order...just darn good choices.

[Ishmilhama]

I've owned trucks all my life and broke down and bought the Matrix because of gas prices. I'm very happy with my purchase, wish I did it sooner- literally doubled my gas mileage! I suggest going with the Matrix, it's great and practical, especially when you admit that you don't NEED a 4x4. I'm averaging 28-29 mpg going 22 miles to and from work everyday and on the long trips getting 32 mpg. Happy decision making.