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Changes You'd Like To See in the Matrix
Have an idea for a change that you'd like to see in the Toyota Matrix? This is the place to share your design ideas!
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My dislikes of current Matrix are:
1.Steering wheel too far forward and no telescoping offered.
2.Center console/stack mounted shifter protrudes and reduces available right knee room.
3.Noise.
4.Ride comfort could be better - a bit too stiff riding for my taste.
5.Ugly styling. (I prefer Vibe's styling.)
I'm guessing #1, #3 and #5 will be improved with the 2008 and the rest will either be the same or worse.
Pontiac has said in a press release, they'd be dropping the Vibe "towards the end of the decade", whatever that means. Keep in mind that the twins were a GM project, and Toyota only added the Matrix after they saw what the car would look like and thought it would be a good idea. That was before Scion got started.
I've been keeping my ear to the ground and have heard nothing about a Vibe/Matrix redesign.
-Mathias
There are Matrixes all over the place in New England. Are sales not great elsewhere in the country? I have read that Pontiac wants to reinvent itself in a way that explains discontinuing the Vibe. But I think Toyota would be wise to continue the Matrix (with a roof rack option please). I don't think the Scion models are taking away consumers fromthe Matrix.
Heard if the new Corolla will be available as a wagon?
I find it frustrating that in other parts of the world there are many models of great hatchbacks/wagons/microvans available, but here in the USA we're stuck with mostly SUVs.
I want something with similar dimensions to the Mazda5. The smallest size car I would want would be something the size of the Nissan Versa. The Yaris Liftback is just too tiny. I wish they made a Yaris WAGON based on the Yaris Sedan's wheelbase. That would be cool! :shades:
There are TONS of Matrixes here in Southern California. The dealers are flooded with them, and people are buying them now more than ever.
Matrix: The redesign will come at the same time as the Corolla's, meaning the 2009 model year. Toyota wants the Matrix to be a destination vehicle for Scion owners.
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/FREE/60814015/1041
The clutch and brake pedals need to be farther apart.
We need rain gutters on top so we can roll down the window without getting soaked in wet conditions.
The gauges need to be moved to the middle as with the Echo/Yaris.
The base model of the Matrix needs to be availible. I had couldn't locate a single one when I went to buy - and I even employed an auto broker!
Cargo area needs to be carpeted. Gear slids around everywhere if it's not lashed down.
Speaking of lashed down, we need some kind of tie-downs on the exterior of this rig for folks that car top, without a rack.
Eliminate all them senseless/annoying alarms.
Eliminate those Daytime Running Lights.
Redesign those uncomfortable seats.
Offer the thing in Yellow.
That will do for now. I'll probably be back with a new batch.
Regarding the list in posting 8, I'm in favor of keeping the running lights. And I hate the gauges in the middle and didn't consider cars for that reason. Otherwise I can agree with everything.
BTW, a guy at my church has (or had) a bright yellow Matrix. Don't know what year it was, but it was nice-looking.
Oh yes...better paint that can take some raod debris without chipping. You know, that's not a bad ideal for ALL cars.
- more comfortable seating, headrests hurt my neck
- arm rest/console weird placement
- shifter...place it closer!
- notchy stickshift on xrs, but that's no longer avail in 07
- offer optional carpet for rear and stock roof racks
-
Things NOT to change
- great styling, don't care what you vibe lovers think!!
- great engine/gas mileage
- overall, I think it's the best small wagon out there if you don't need AWD, then go subaru (soo fun to drive, but ohhh the maintenence)
Stiffer suspension. (the XRS suspension was perfect. It rides very smoothly and it feels much more stable than the soft base and XR models.)
Standard traction and stability control.
Standard 4 wheel disc ABS brakes
Better tires (or bigger)
Standard 6 speed manual transmission and optional 5 speed auto tranny.
Less touchy gas pedal.
An inch or two taller
Standard telescoping steering wheel.
Standard side and curtain air bags.
The clutch and brake pedals need to be farther apart.
CM: I can't speak to this one, as I have an automatic.
We need rain gutters on top so we can roll down the window without getting soaked in wet conditions.
CM: Okay, nice idea, but hardly essential.
The gauges need to be moved to the middle as with the Echo/Yaris.
CM: Why? What's wrong with them where they are?
The base model of the Matrix needs to be availible. I had couldn't locate a single one when I went to buy - and I even employed an auto broker!
CM: Can't speak to this one either, as I bought an XR.
Cargo area needs to be carpeted. Gear slids around everywhere if it's not lashed down.
CM: It is -- at least mine is. I don't recall if it was standard or an option, but either way, it's available.
Speaking of lashed down, we need some kind of tie-downs on the exterior of this rig for folks that car top, without a rack.
CM: Agreed. In fact, a roof rack option would be nice.
Eliminate all them senseless/annoying alarms.
CM: Like what? Key in ignition? Lights on? Personally, I like these reminders. I think a way to turn them on or off would be nice, though, that way everyone could set them to their personal preference.
Eliminate those Daytime Running Lights.
CM: Again, why? First of all, aren't they required by law in many places? But second, how is this even noticeable when you're driving?
Redesign those uncomfortable seats.
CM: What? I think the Matrix's seats are quite comfortable.
Offer the thing in Yellow.
CM: They do (or did) -- I own a yellow Matrix!
I think the suspension strikes a good balance between sport and smooth ride. If anything, I would want it a touch more sporty, with perhaps slightly larger sway bars, but I quite like it just as it is.
Folks wishing for a 2.4L engine may get their wish. Seems that "folks in the know" have info that this is indeed the plan for the '09 Matrix. I assume fuel economy will suffer quite a bit, and that would reduce my interest in the car.
I like the seats, but wish the height adjustment for the driver would be the normal method, lifting the rear of the seat bottom, rather than the existing design that ratchets the whole seat up and forward.
I think that if Honda can put 6 standard airbags and ABS in every model including the little $14K Fit, then the Matrix should have those standard too. I wouldn't mind seeing standard VSC as well, but as long as it is a readily available option (which it isn't now in Toyota models that offer optional VSC) that would be fine. Actually I have heard that Toyota expects to make VSC standard in all its models by 2009.
And I wish they would bring back the XRS. That's one fun ride. Put in the 2.4L with the TRD supercharger that's available in the Scion tC, and it would be a BLAST!
Alas, the early info on the '09s indicates that the XRS is not going to make a return. :-(
And oh yes, the manual on the next model should be a 6-speed.
The new model is only about a year away. Is everyone going to be sad when their car becomes "the old model"? I might be a little...
:-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2. Move the fan control away from the automatic shift.
3. Add an ejector seat for the mother-in-law.
Current Matrix has a perfect engine for its size, don't make it bigger. And bring back XRS, this is one fun car. I don't want to change much besides fake aluminum trim, it is ugly and well, fake. Either put the real thing, or make the dash clean and simple like on Corolla.
And those of you who want an SUV, go get a RAV-4 or Suzuki SX4. There are many SUVs around, Matrix is just a compact hatchback and should stay a compact and fuel-efficient hatchback.
2. return of AWD - maybe with a driver-operated switch to go from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive or the option to let the car automatically select -- I like to have driver control at times
3. fold-down passenger seat with hard backside for hauling long objects.
4. optional raised suspension package for greater ground clearance
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I would like the engine to stay the same. Possibly, I would like a 5 speed automatic transmission
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Slowing down to 50 or 55 stops steering wheel shake! Open to coments.
I also need larger numbers on the odometer and temperature gauges. Hard to read for the older demographic. Though according to Toyota the car was designed to appeal to the young crowd. But I seem to see mostly older Matrix drivers. I am not in Florida either....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
doug
doug
After a year & reading thru the discussion, the following imrpvements could be made:
1. Clutch & brake are too close together for 10-1/2 D feet. Too much conscious attention req'd to operate smoothly. Wife has no problem here.
2. Back lit gauges are too dim in daylight & difficult to read (over 50 eyes may be the problem but they're all I've got). Wife has no problem here.
3. DEFINITELY needs a factory roof rack at least an option. People buy this car to haul stuff. At least rails so you have a mounting point to work from. This has been a major peeve of mine.
4. Throttle a bit sensitive for a manual. Could use perhaps a heavier flywheel for easier driving. Minor snivel.
STUFF WE BOTH LOVE:
Seats & seating position are fine. I'm 5'11" & she's 5'2". Very comfortable & good ride.
Good gas mileage.
Interior flexibility. We've had a variety of sports equipment plus furniture & junk in the back. Good storage.
For the folks who'd like to see carpeting instead of plastic, get a bit creative with carpet scraps, door mats, & similar misc stuff & you can get what you're looking for simple & cheap. Have never taken the factory tie-down loops out of their bags.
Cruises around So Cal @ 75 mph with ease & fairly quiet.
Great parking in small spots.
Low roof height (compared to SUV) makes loaking kayaks on top (Thule rack) easy.
Plastic interior handles sand, mud, & assorted natural crud with ease & doesn't get stinky like carpet.
Grocery bag net is really cool - we use both nets a lot. The pop up back window is great for grocery loading.
Insurance is reasonable.
Service at my local Shell station is as good as it gets. It's just a car, after all.
OVERALL: Yes, we'd buy another one, & are considering doing so when we need to replace the next car. Would also consider the new Honda CRV or whatever Toyota comes out with in the next couple of years.
doug
I agree that a roof rack would be a welcome change. I wouldn't use it often, but it's nice to have when you need it. But don't add a roof rack without switching to another sort of radio antenna! In-glass antenna, or fender-mounted flex wire -- both of which are used on other Toyota models.
Now, for my ultimate MDC (Matrix Dream Car)
KEEP - interior room and versatility features.
- if you want carpet in the cargo area, make it an option. I like the smooth finish.
KEEP - AWD.
- NO, NO, NO, Subaru is not a comparable option thank you! Overpriced, over-hyped, granola wagon, "... hey look at me I'm a tree-hugger!" I heard that Subaru owners may automatically get a lifetime membership to the Sierra Club?
KEEP - hydraulic steering.
- not some electric motor thingy.
KEEP - the 1.8L available.
- we have the 1.8 with AWD and she moves us over the mountain passes just fine. Besides, can't expect to consistently get 30+ mpg and drive a dragster at the same time - I'll take the mpg thank you!
ADD - turbo diesel option with 6 speed auto/manual transmission.
- this would be HUGE +++++ propelling Toyota beyond the stratosphere - besides if VW can do it, why not Toyota?
ADD - AWD to FWD on-the-fly electronic controls.
- nice convenience for the summer months; saves wear and tear; might even boost the already excellent mileage a bit!
ADD - increased ground clearance 1 to 2 inches - at least in the AWD models.
- our 03' Matrix accommodated slightly taller tires which really helps in deep snow. But, a little more height would be nice. I'm sensing the need to develop an after-market lift kit!
I can dream can't I?
:shades: