There are differences. Mostly cost. Toyota is more expensive, has bigger blind spots and makes you pay extra for VSC, XM radio, and other things that are standard on the Vibe. If one is AWD and the other is FWD it makes a big difference in MPG and performance.

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I was thinking the same thing.

Plus, those two cars are just Corolla wagons. So they actually have 3 of the same car in the running.

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Someone should MT that the Vibe and Matrix are the same cars. You should check out their new car issue. every year the Vibe gets at least one less star compared to the Matrix even though you get the same equipment for less on the Vibe.

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The suspensions are also tuned differently and most reviewers prefer the slightly sportier ride of the Vibe to the Matrix.

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Matrix and Vibe are NOT the same car. A common misunderstanding, usually perpetuated by Pontiac salesmen hoping to ride on the coat-tails of Toyota reputation.

While Matrix and Vibe are "sister" vehicles, they have many MORE parts different than the same. If you research carefully, you will learn that ONLY the Engine and Drivetrain are shared between them.

This means that all the supporting components on Matrix are the more reliable Toyota parts like: air-conditioner, alternator, fuel pump, power steering/brakes, cd/radio, cruise, body/paint, suspension, interior components and fabric, electrical components, gauges/dash, on-and-on-and-on...

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I dislike the new 6 for the same reasons you like it, it looks like. More space=too big. I liked the old 6 and the fact that it wasn't too big.

Also, no ZR-1?

And GT-R>Challenger w/a genuine (torque converter) auto, that shouldn't even be a contest.

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I'm with John R. The new 6 is too big. Mazda blew it.

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I agree with the MAzda 6 comments...i think they set out to make it a better competing car and now i think its one of the slickest new midsized sedans out there...and im also not sure why the new vibe and matrix both deserve to be in there...theres nothing revolutionary or wowingabout either of them.

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To the people complaining about the Mazda 6 size: It was too small and uncompetitive in the D segment of the market. Tweeners between C and D segment get lost in the crowd and do not sell well so Mazda made the right move.

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I'm glad someone said this, the new car IS too big. Just because it isn't the same size as everything else, who says they can't do something different - unlike some Mazda is willing (or was) to think outside the box. Look at the RX-8, the Mazda5, they thrive on different. The old 6 was based on the Euro-spec midsize platform, and I would much rather nimbly trace around a parking lot in the old car than waddle about in the bulbous new one. Different strokes for different folks, but I hate how every new generation of car gets fatter, heavier and more powerful - mostly to carry the added weight. At this rate in 15 years an Escalade will be a compact.

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Hike, I have to agree with you, I'm a loyal Toyota Owner (09' Camry), but was disappointed with the way they redesigned the Corolla and the Matrix, they sacrified Toyota's core value of quality workmanship, the 03's through 08's were much better vehicles.
My neighbor has a late model Mazda 3 and it's well built, like the Mazda 6, will see, but I can Guarantee neither of those Toyota's will be Car of the Year.

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I gotta agree with you there unfortunately. I want the hemi the most though. haha

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The Fit should win for being a frugal car that functions perfectly and many people want to drive, a feat other top contenders can't touch.

Otherwise, the Genesis for finally making Lexus irrelevant and XF for showing along with the AM lineup that there's a need for UK design aesthetic.

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Genesis and GTR are really the only ones that have the ability/potential to be game changers in their market. Of the 2, Genesis will have the bigger impact on the industry, much as Lexus did when it burst on the scene.

but then, its really about marketing dollars. The last time the civic won, it wasnt really a COTY considering competition because it only maintained status quo, as opposed to changing the industry trends

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I seriously doubt motor trend will vote for the 375HP v8 gas guzzler in the world of $4 gas. Large cars with large engines are anything but "game changers" right now.

Don't forget, this is the same magazine that awards the COTY to civics and camrys because these cars actually make an impact on the marketplace.

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cheezwiz - 80% of the Genesis sales are predicted to be the V-6 which is almost as good as the V-8.

I don't know if the Genesis will win, but it will likely beat out the G-8 since the V-6 G8 is nowhere near as good as the V-8 G8.

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