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As far as the color discussion, there seem to be two camps here: the people that like the bright colors and dislike the dark, and the people who dislike the light and love the dark, for the same reason...the light colors accentuate the lines. Count me in the group that loves the light colors, which is why I got the silver (lunar mist), because it shows off the side lines of the car. BUT, if you think the car just looks slab-sided to you, then the dark colors do go a long way to masking that effect, I have noticed.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
With the auto, forget it! Get the XR and save some money and some disappointment.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I actually test drove the XR with a stick, and found it to be really difficult on on-ramps and passing cars. Most of my driving IS in the city, but it felt really slow. I drive a 1996 Altima now, and it feels like a speed demon compared with the XR.
I wonder if Toyota might boost it a few hp for 2004...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Also, in regards to the optional roof rack: Does anyone know if it is a removable one, or is it permanent like the Vibe's?
Read hurler4's post #1651...everthing he says is correct AND this also applies to a 6spd vs a 5spd.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I am still hounding them for a fix for the dumb twilight sensor thingy - i am hoping the thing can just be disconnected somehow.
Almost at 3000 miles now, and except for these two things, I am loving this car. My bike goes in so easy, and I can carry five people for more than an hour without any contortions or complaints! Plus, I am still averaging 33 mpg, and that is with the auto!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
1) Does anyone have the roof rack that is optional with the Matrix? If so, is it permanently fixed on the roof like the Vibe's, or can you take it on and off?
2) Also, concerning Zombo's comment, how bad is the glare or reflection from the chrome rings around the gauges on the instrument panel? A couple of people have said that they wish the chrome could be blacked out because of glare on the windshield.
As far as reflecting up on the windshield, they reflect so high up that they are not directly in my line of sight. Due to the angle of the windshield, the reflection is not bright enough to be distracting. However, if you look up directly at that spot? Certainly, you will be able to see the reflection.
If you test-drive the car, you will notice it the first time. I noticed it, but 3000 miles later, it has never started to bother me.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2. The chrome glares a bit but not a big deal in my mind.
I ordered Michelin Artic Alpins and 16" black wheels when I took delivery of the car. The service manager said they are in the other day but I am going to wait for the snow before I pick them up. I am getting the total package for like $650.00 + tax, so very similar deal to what you got. I heard the Alpins are an awesome tire but wear quickly due to the soft rubber. Oh well...if I can get 2 winters out of them I will be happy. I heard really good things about the Nokian and actually looked into getting them but the nearest dealer is over 150kms away and the freight was crazy so I just went with the Michelin. Let us know how you like them and I will do the same.
Adios Toyota.
PS: The vibe's body styling is much better. To bad we focus more on the name of the vehicle instead of it's quality.
But Toyota's stupid policy of including "optional" ground effects on every XR sold in California turned me off. One doesn't have to be a brain surgeon to realize that ground effects are a polarizing feature: customers in ALL age groups love them as well as really hate them.
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2) What's with these "urgent" requests from magazines? I actually got an e-mail awhile ago asking for my opinions on the VUE.
3) What's the matter with the wheels/tires it came with?
4) Inspite of some suggestions from contibutors on the Vibe board, I still have trouble with clouding or fogging on the upper part of my windshield on my Vibe on cool mornings/evenings. Regretfully, I wiped away with my bare hand and this remains after the windhield clears only to turn up again when the temp drops. Any Matrix owners experience this?
(1) you are running the defrost with the recirc set to inside air - IT MUST BE fresh air coming in
OR
(2) you are not turning up the temp to moderate air temps, maybe halfway up the dial. It does not have to be hot, but if it is stone-cold (just air conditioned air coming out) it can create its own moisture on the windshield.
If neither of these applies to you, there is something wrong with your car, maybe even something important like a leaking heater core, and you should get it checked out right away.
The HVAC on the matrix is one of the things that really works well.
Oh, and ground effects are the front and rear air dams, as well as the rocker sill extensions below the side doors, that many matrixes have. if you are not sure what I am talking about, go check out a base Matrix and an XR side by side. There is lots of stuff extending below the bumpers and doors on the XR that is not there on the base model.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
On your fog problem are you keeping the air on re-circulate?
If you don't like those ground effects, either you are old, or a young person who doesn't want to look cool. :-)
Either way, Toyota is not interested in selling a Matrix XR or XRS to people like you. Start thinking COOL, dude!
And BTW leafguy, Eagle RSA is only one of the tires this car comes with. I have had Eagles in the past, and they do have poor wet traction. However, my Matrix came with Continental tires - Conticontacts I believe. They probably don't handle as well, but I don't get any squealing out of them when I corner hard (just lots of body lean and understeer), and they have great traction in the wet...I will probably switch to Michelin MXV4 Energys when these are done.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
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That's not correct. I really want the vertical seat height adjuster, and power mirrors, both of which I cannot get in the Matrix XR as options. There are also other cosmetic differences between the XR and base, which one can't get as options.
A basic Matrix XR (without Toyota imposed "options") is not built. I could compromise on just a basic Matrix XR, if available, but would still have to pay someone to take tke side skirts off.
Toyota's options configurations on the Matrix are deceptive and stupid, I'm sorry to say those are the only words to describe them. I'm sure they will sell all the Matrix(es) they make, and that gives them the liberty to build them whichever way THEY want, disregarding their own published specs for the XR.
Are you positive you cannot get the power mirrors on the base Matrix? I am surprised. I thought you could.
Are there any other differences between base and XR?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
There are other cosmetic differences between the XR and base, which I'm willing to ignore.
ABS is available on the XR both in auto and 5 speed.
There is one with 5 speed at seeger Toyota in St. Louis.
It is an available option that Toyota makes incredibly difficult to find.
There's a lot of low wattage blubs in Toyota town's marketing group.
Just coming up on 5000 miles, I am going to go out this weekend and see if I can get my oil pan under this car without lifting it, and that first batch of oil is gone!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I was able to change my oil and oil filer w/o lifting my car. I have Matrix 4WD XR.
?s for Matrix fans:
1) Does Matrix have 5 mph bumpers? I am not sure what's classification for Matrix. Is it a car or SUV?
2) I want to install side panel turn signals. Any suggestion??
Thanks
I have one of those large oil recycling pans, so I think it might be a tight fit under this car without resorting to jackstands or ramps.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
How's the suspension in the Vibe/Matrix? Does going over dirt/rocks make things rattle afterwards or does the car stay intact?
We don't want an SUV, we want a wagon with decent space and suspension. AND a decent engine. The Subaru Outbacks (o.k., an SUV/wagon cross) are just so slushy--although I'm looking into modification possibilities...
your thoughts? Would you recommend the Vibe/Matrix?
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2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
But aw man, I guess we have to go with something else. The Matrix/Vibe mpg is so attractive, though, along with the room (we want to have a bike inside, or room for hauling gardening stuff) and the design, actually...but the roads here in OR are just crazy. Abrupt transition, gravel, rocks--you got it all, right in the middle of the city--the history of development is such that a block would refuse city maintenance so the road has just gone all to pieces or there was never a paved road to start with. Guess now I know why *so many* folks have an Outback or a Forester but I really don't want to 'join', iykwim.
Darn. (wanders off muttering, contemplating what the right car for this area could possibly be, other than an Outback...)
Personally, I think one of the big reasons cars like outback have succeeded so well, is that people have become aware of the enormous deterioration of American streets, and feel they need a car that will be less damaged by them...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Can someone let me know if this is normal, or I just have a bulb not working.
Other than this seeming unusual we've had no problems with car after 10M miles and enjoying the ride.
Will appreciate any feedback.
Thanks,
Donna and Stan
10 Million miles. That's pretty darn good.
With any luck, you will get to 110K with no problems!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You can now get a supercharger for the vibe and I assume toyota will be offering soon also. The low end low rpm torque will be welcome.
Send me a message if you want their contact information....
How difficult would it be to add roof rails to a Matrix? I asked a dealer and they couldn't really come up with an answer. Could I take it to a Pontiac dealer since the Vibe has roof rails? I really want a permanent roof rack system, but like the styling of the Matrix better than the Vibe.
I'm coming off an older car so I'm sure any new vehicle is going to feel like it's handling amazingly, but I'm curious if I should be concerned or not.
People keep asking about the roof rack, but no one seems to have any information. It's still listed in the sales booklet as an available accessory, but the parts people at my dealership say they haven't heard anything yet about its availability. A used car manager who had inspected the Matrix carefully (and knew more about them than the saleman) said everything is in place on the Matrix for mounting a Vibe roof rack. If you pursue this, let us know what you find out. I have seen a couple of Matrixes with roof racks -- but obviously not the ones made by GM/Toyota.