Pros and cons?

I think that the Toyota Matrix is a good car, even though I don't have one.

Its mechanically the same as a Pontiac Vibe. They have the same interiors and everything, but the Pontiac is better looking and has a longer warranty. Here is a comparison of the Matrix VS Vibe, I tossed in the VW Rabbit, which is the best small car currently on the market. http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison?op=0&tab=pricing&isbasecar=false&modelid=&styleid=&refid=&maxvehicles=5&vehicleindex=&removestyle=&numCars=3&just=center&disclaimer=false&modelId0=100516987&styleId0=100776342&modelId1=100516806&styleId1=100759554&modelId2=100515459&styleId2=100777970
If you can wait 1-2 months get the upcoming Saturn Astra. It is a rebadged Opel, and in Europe is one of the most popular cars. The Astra will be built in Belgium until an American plant is converted. The Astra should be similar in pricing with the Vibe, but the features should look more like the Rabbit.
http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/12767/upfront-news-2008-saturn-astra.html
http://www.caranddriver.com/dailyautoinsider/12859/2008-saturn-astra.html
http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12137/2008-saturn-astra.html
I found a place where i could compare the Astra with the Rabbit and Matrix. The Astra is much friendlier to rear-seat passengers, but the VW is a close second. The Astra also has the most standard features, most not even available on the matrix. http://www.vehix.com/research/comparisonTool.aspx?condition=1&year=2007&make=16000000000038&model=Matrix&radius=75&zip=80130