About the same time I test drove, the Toyota Matrix, I also reviewed a Pontiac Vibe. I had a hard time telling the difference. Turns out, they are pretty much the same car. Though the Pontiac seems to be a little more inexpensive.

Comparing apples-to-apples (or times-to-trims) the Vibe seems to cost an average of about $1,000 less than comparably equipped Matrixes.

Which begs the question: Why would you buy a Toyota if it's just a Pontiac with a "T" on the hood instead of the standard little Pontiac shield?

As one online reader opined: The Toyota might be the better value in the long run since the Matrix may depreciate less rapidly than its American cousin.

Even if they are essentially the same car.

So, depending on how you look at it, you can win either way. Or lose either way, if you're a glass half-empty sort of person.

Both cars are zippy and eye-catching. The exteriors do hear hallmarks of their respective brands. So, if you like the look of Pontiacs, then you will undoubtedly prefer the Vibe.

The Matrix I test drove was an XRS. the Most noticeable difference between this and the standard Matrix was the addition of a rear spoiler on the back-end and fog lamps on the front -- touches that dress up the car with a little more sporty flavor.

The XRS also comes with muscled up suspension, double wishbone rear suspension, and a front strut tower brace.

The downside with the XRs trim -- and it's a modest downside, admittedly -- is that you sacrifice about 3 mpg in fuel-efficiency compared with the base model because the sporty Matrix has a 2.4L engine, compared to the 1.8L version in the more inexpensive trim. Fuel efficiency is certainly no minor concern but getting close to 30 mpg on the highway is not too shabby.

Reviewers at Edmunds quoted a Toyota exec who said the Matrix was updated for 2009, in part, because most people interviewed seem to think the Matrix was a stereotypical small wagon. Which apparently is not the image one wants to project when wooing the young men who apparently are the target market. That may also explain why several reviewers blathered a bit about the "dog-friendly" cargo area in the Matrix. The car is not intended for the likes of this reviewer. As a small wagon, the Matrix was a little, well, small for a family of five. The seats were comfortable, both in front and back, so transporting two young reviewers at a time was perfectly acceptable. Adding a third to sit on the hump? That was a little rough.

While the car is small, Toyota gave the Matrix fold-flat seats in both the second row, but also in the passenger seat in the front row. So, if needed for chores such moving back to college, a young driver would be able to take advantage of almost every inch of the Matrix's interior.

In summary, the Matrix may be perfect for hauling all sorts of things, except three kids.