05 vibe vs. 05 matrix?

[northcoast]

New to the forum, new to the matrix. I've learned a lot here, so thanks.

I almost bought/ordered an 04 matrix two weeks ago, until I noticed that the 05 vibe is going to have stabilitrack and side curtain airbags as options. These are very important to me.

All the details on the 05 Matrix I have seen so far are for Canada. So my question is this: Is the 05 U.S. Matrix going to have the options of the 05 Vibe or the 05 Candadian Matrix?

I called Toyota's 1800 number and they said they don't know yet. My local dealer said the 05 Matrix will have Toyota's Vechicle Skid Control as an option...I would tend to believe him, since he could go with the "It ain't gonna have it, so just buy the 04 Matrix from me now." But he also told me the Matrix is made in California, which I read on here isn't true.

Who to believe?!?!

Thanks!!

[mistamatrix]

As far as I know, the 03 and 04 Matrix bound for the US already has the side airbags as an option. The 03-04 models also have ABS w/ EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) as an option as well.
I'm assuming that Toyota would continue to have these features available in the 05's.

The Matrix is made in Cambride, Ontario, Canada at TMMC.
http://toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/...130000e%2ehtml

The Vibe is made in California at NUMMI.
http://www.nummi.com/vehicles.html

[cheezdip]

Hey, I'm from Toronto but I live in California. That little tidbit about Matrices made in California is horsesh*t. I own a matrix purchased at the main California Toyota Distributor, Longo Toyota. My car, however, was made in Buffalo, New York, which is close to Toronto. As far as I know Matrix's are not even made on the West Coast. I know that Corolla's are made in Oshawa, Ontario, and the Matrix used to be made there too. I am not sure if they make the '04 Matrix there as well or not.

Also, side airbags are available in the '04 edition. I have a basic with side airbags and cruise control added.

And by the way, I f*cking love my car. For anyone reading who is not sure what Toyota to buy, the Matrix is just the most pleasing small car you can own. Just test drive it once and you'll understand.

[mistamatrix]

cheezdip, you're confused as northcoast as to where the Matrix is built.
Didn't you read my post before yours?
The Corollas are built in Cambridge too. Same plant as the Matrix.

[northcoast]

Hi again:

Side air bags are in the seat and provide torso protection -- the curtain airbags cover the windows and provide head protection. The 04 vibe or matrix does not come with the curtain airbags.

I was curious about info on the 05 matrix, as info on the 05 vibe is already out.

Thanks again...

[ekpolk]

Originally posted by northcoast
Hi again:

Side air bags are in the seat and provide torso protection -- the curtain airbags cover the windows and provide head protection. The 04 vibe or matrix does not come with the curtain airbags.

Huge difference between side seat and side curtain bags, and very important, at least to me. I almost got a Matrix, but decided I really wanted the curtains. Glad I did. There isn't much between you and whatever comes charging at your door (in my case, a Chevy Tahoe doing 40 mph).

This is very much the real thing (no photoshop). Notice how the computer decided I didn't need the seat bolster bags, which are there too, just undeployed.