Toyota Matrix

Tup

I should also mention some of the thinkgs that I might have changed. The rear tonneau cover is not the traditional self winding type....it hooks on and is made to fold sideways....kinda strange. Also, with the tonneau cover in place, the rear light doesn't reach the storage area.

The dealer told me that there is already a special edition in the works. A flat Black XRS loaded and with black leather interior. He doesn think that they will be in demand though since there are only 410 set for all of Atlantic Canada for the first year. While we were picking up our vehicle, another couple came in to test drive a Camry and ended up driving the XR automatic and thought they would buy it. If they go that fast then demand could happen quickly.

dindak

Congrats! Glad you got your car. Unfortunately they were still not in at the local dealer on my way home. Oddly enough they had 2 of the new Corollas which are certainly nicer than the old ones. I don't like the new Camry (especially the base models with plastic wheel covers), but Toyota has 2 winners with the Corolla and Matrix IMO.

Also drove by the Pontiac dealer. Nothing there either.

So how do you find the cargo space. Useable? Good access?

Tup

The space in the Matrix is quite good. Our other vehicle is a Subaru Forester S and the Matrix has much more rear leg room than the Forester. The Matrix doesn't have as much cargo space in the back as the Forester but it's still very good. Having the ability to put down the rear seat helps a lot as well.

One thing I noticed in the XR automatic was that when it was in park, the shifter protruded forward to the point where it interfered with reaching the climate dials. This didn't seem to happen to the manual shifter....probably because it's smaller and off to one side.

leafguy2727

Where abouts did you buy? I'm in Ajax (30km east of Toronto) and am looking to buy in a week or so. I want the XR automatic in the dark blue. I should have my money sorted out in about a week so I don't want to miss the boat. I'd love to grab one on the XR's that come into a dealer before they are all gone.

dindak

I've seen many other cars with the same problem with the shifter. I'm not sure why designers don't see this as a problem. I may try and pop in to the local dealer again today. The cars were suppose to be there yesterday.

Saw an ad for the Vibe last night, so they must be coming soon also. Still no CDN pricing?

bobbyknight

Dealer in Bloomington called me yesterday to tell me that their first shipment came in. I will go today to take a look, but the salesman never told me which model it was.

Any chances it would be an XRS? Has anyone seen one?

leafguy2727

Well it looks like dealers all across Toronto have got them in. I'm going with the wife to test drive on this afternoon. (XR Auto)

Tup

I'm in PEI. Unfortunately it is snowing here today so that affects playing around in the car.

My dealer told me that of all the dealers in Atlantic Canada, only 1 ordered an XRS in the initial first month order. At that time they didn't know pricing and he had thought the XRS might be around $28K. Now dealers are crying for them and can't get them. Talked to hime today...he had had 4 calls about the Matrix.

rsparrow

...out west in Edmonton (Alberta). Hope to go for a test spin at the end of the day...Saw a nice silver one, looks good.

Rick

scott31

Thanks for your assistance. I should have been more clear. The Nav system works the same way as the standard Toyota Nav system, but yes, the unit does NOT tilt down to reveal the CD and Cassette units.

My fault, I was just happy to know that I would be getting Toyota's Nav system and not GM's.

petl

The Price for the XRS is approx. $24,400.00 (can't be more precise... don't have the price sheet with me) plus freight and taxes. There are no options.

vonnyvonce

Strager: My recollection is the CR-v interior appears more roomy, seems like the dash is away from you a bit, in fact radio was a stretch while Matrix is more cockpit style with everything close at hand. Did note that in Matrix with auto in park getting to fan switch is a problem. They both drive nicely, the Matrix I suppose more car like but the CR-v was fine also, a bit different but nice. Highway revs at 60 mph..Cr close to 2000 I recall, the Matrix close to 2400 but both cars are reasonably quiet each with auto. Both comfy seating.
Need another test drive in both I guess.

dindak

Tested an automatic XR at lunch. Also picked up a brochure.

My impressions were mostly good. The car rides well and has lost of useable space. Seats were comfortable and the materials were all good. I thought the dash was a bit too glittery and I thought the base model looked better than the XR and XRS which are a little too styled for my taste.

One thing I didn't realize is how few colors are available on the Matrix (only 5).

In the end, I think I will like the styling of the Pontiac Vibe better. I don't need a car until spring so I can wait for supply. GM and Toyota will have a hit here as there were a lot of people looking at these cars at the dealer today!!

artdecho

I like the "sans ground effects" look of the base Matrix better too.....the car's got busy enough lines as it is without adding to the "confusion". If I buy, it'll probably be an XR but I'll see if I can have the side sills deleted (or take then off myself)......will check out the Markham area dealers on the weekend

leafguy2727

I feel that I've turned into a walking Matrix commercial after that drive.

I took a base out for a drive, one XR was on display and the others had not completed the PSI yet (Pre sale inspection). I don't know what to say but firs and foremost the space is there!!!! you CAN NOT compare the space to a P5, the Matrix wins hands down.

The handling was tight and firm, it felt great!!! The sound from the engine as some desribed as louder then expected, I describe it as SPORTY!!! The seats are amazingly high!! I fealt I was in a van or an SUV. Breaks were great IMO very solid. Acceleration was very nice, I think some are expecting viper type acceleration due to the sporty look but all in all a realistic summary is that acceleration was great. Took her on the highway and had no problems merging with traffic, not even a thought crossed my mind that I'd have a problem as I merged. The interior was very nice, I like the XR better and that is what I'll buy. The base was nice too!! You did well TUP. I can't stress again the fact that the back of the car is very spacious!! Back to interior. I'm 6'2inches and 280 lbs. I had no problem getting comfortable in that car. The back seat is great. It seams that the seat height is higher then a normal sedan so your legs are much more up right and give you the feel of great leg room. I don't know what else to say but I'm getting my finances in order over the weekend and am making a deposit on Monday!!!! I'm going with the dark blue!! FWD. XR. I believe taxes in the final price was about $26,560. I'm getting a loan from the inlaws at a lower interest rate (lucky me eh?) so techincally I'm paying cash. It didn't make a difference as they won't budge off price. In fact I was given a speach that Toyota in Canada is moving to a one price system, ala Saturn. I couldn't disagree as before tax $23,000 is an amazing price!!!

Take care I'll keep you posted!!!

coolguyky7

Will the Matrix reach today's youth as Toyota planned it to?

just_some_guy

Has anyone had a problem seeing out the back window? I sat in one today, couldn't test drive since it hadn't been PDIed. Some of the plastic covering was still on the body. But the back window seemed a little small. Other than that I loved it.

dindak

I thought it was a bit small, bt it's the nature of the beast.

lecram777

Anyone know a good dealer in So cal that has a black XRS manual w sunroof and won't rip me off?
Thanks

revka

In addition to the feedback here, you may also want to check out Edmunds' New Vehicle PowerShopper. Good luck with your purchase, and please keep us posted.

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

Tup

I got ours for 18,700 plus the 995. freight which brought it up to 19695.oo Plus we had put the sale (sold it myself) of my wife's 93 Mazda MX3 through the dealers books so I didn't have to pay tax on $5000. So it was 19695 plus tax on 14,695. So we are very happy. I like the idea of people looking at ours and going to the dealer and seeing more expensive ones. My favorite part of this car is the 5 speed shifter! It is really sporty feeling! The keyless entry has a nice panic button on it too which I've used a couple of times on people crowded around looking in it(beeping horn and flashing lights).

I am also getting the windows tinted next week. I think it will look good with the black vehicle. I'll try to post some pictures.

isellpotiac

Cargo for Vibe is 22 cubic feet, Mazda is 20. Length of Vibe is 171.9", Mazda is 170.5. Width of Vibe is 69.9", Mazda is 67.1. I haven't sar in the Mazda but will tonight to see for myself. The cargo room with seats folde down is 52 cubic feet for the Vibe but I can't find data on the Mazda. The Vibe has more room in the back seat according to my data so I assume with the seats folded down it must have bigger cargo hold that the Mazda.

jvkalra

Got a chance to check out a XR in Lunar Mist. Some likes/dislikes:

Likes:
1. Very stylish, looks better in person than in pictures
2. Commanding driving position
3. Nice compact size, but still roomy for 4 adults + 1 child

Dislikes:
1. HATE those side skirts on the XR. Toyota, if you're listening, combine those skirts and underbody spoilers into one package and offer it those people who really want them. PLEASE don't make those side skirts part of the XR!
2. Monotonous dark grey interior. Why not add a little light color contrast, to accentuate the airy feel?
3. No foldaway mirrors, for a car that is about 70 inches wide.
4. Last, but a MAJOR dislike: OPTIONS. Everything is "available", so long as you take whatever Toyota has decided is good for you that month.

Overall, I think the Matrix is a terrific car. But unless Toyota at least gets rid of those mandatory side skirts, I'm going to postpone my purchase. Perhaps Honda will be out with a sensible alternative soon!

scott31

The side skirts are part of the Sport Plus Package on the XR.

They are standard on the XRS. So you don't have to get them

leafguy2727

Why not get a base with the B package?

Tup

Actually, in the US there is no Base "B"....it's a catch all of variations of options. As for those side skirts which come standard on the XR....they looked relatively easy to take off. You might just ask the dealer. They are not very noticeable in the Black car.

Driving this car makes you like it more and more. It is fairly firm on bumps but the 5 speed is very spirited. I also like the driving height. Lots of people looking at it when I'm driving....like the commercial "What is it?" Or I suppose you could say "What is the Matrix"

The speedometer and guages do take some getting used to. The speedometer starts very low....at 6:00 o'clock on a clock face... so when you are going 60KM's it's at about 9:00 o'clock which is where most speedometers start. The climate control dials all look too similar making you have to study them to figure out which is the fan...which is the heat setting etc. Time will make these things more familiar. The CD-player takes some tweaking to get it to sound good....the presets on the graphic eq. are not to my taste...but thankfully you can set it yourself and it does sound good. My freshly burned 80 min CD-R worked perfectly but I haven't tried a CD-RW yet.

I'm now trying to get some mud flaps that fit it. The dealer says they won't be out for a few weeks.

zigster38

Nice little scoot. Good seats, nice interior, seats fold flat...ride just a touch stiff but could have been due to tire overinflation. $270 side skirts "mandatory" on XR is not a good thing. Also had the $1000 package with the sunroof as "mandatory"...we'll see in 3 months, boys! Dealer had $19,6ish for the price with an addition 3k dealer markup which he was able to negotiate on. Wotta guy. This is a winner, 28/33 on auto mileage EPA rated, but CAN the options packages, Toyota, so I'll buy on.

Better than the RAV4, no question. Plus in Cal there is no reason for AWD. It's a marketing pack.

strager

I too am interested in the XR, but so far have seen only the XRS that had all the ground effects. Looking at the Matrix brochure, it lists "color-keyed side rocker panels" as standard for the XR. I assume side rocker panels are side skirts?

The Sports Plus Package lists "color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers and integrated fog lamps", but doesn't mention side skirts. I'm confused about whether the side skirts simply got left out from the Sports Plus Package description, or whether they are the same as side rocker panels on the XR. Anyone?

leafguy2727

It's official. I'm going to the dealer on Monday to put my deposit down on an indigo blue XR. It should take me a week to 2 weeks to get all my cheques cleared so in the meantime please don't write anymore about how you like your car until I get mine...LOL

mpgman

Saw one (XR) and drove it. IMHO, and no offense, this is not a good looking car. The side glass gets shorter in height as you go from front to back...not visually appealing to me. The Vibe does a better job from the pictures. Too much body colored plastic hanging from the lower edges on the Matrix...this one had the sport package. Looks like the hustler on the street who opens his overcoat and shows off hanging rows of merchandise. No folding outside mirrors another minus. Interior head room and seating position was good and high, but it suffers from the same problem as the new Corolla....shortage of leg room for taller drivers. The separate chrome accented gauges with their red faced numbers look neat in the showroom, but I bet they will not be so easy to read on the road and at night. Cargo configurations are top notch, especially how easy it is to fold all but the driver's seat back in a snap. Tie down hooks on the pastic backed seat backs are great too. No doubt Toyota reliability, resale, fuel economy, etc., will be a big plus here. Getting it the way you want is another story. Suggest waiting for the Vibe next month and then compare. Rushing out to buy now might cost you more and you might also have to settle, rather than wait for better supply and Vibe competition. Just my 2 cents.

artdecho

I'm with you on those side skirts....they have all the aesthetic appeal of a couple of 2x4's nailed to the sides & make the car look too low to the ground and emphasize the tallness of the side too much. I hate the full ground effects package of the XRS but at least it's balanced front to rear....having the XR's side skirts while being "skirtless" front & rear just looks ridiculous. Would rather have the fog lights or carpeted floor mats or a cassette player added to the equipment instead. Toyota, if you're listening....loose the skirts and give us something else....Otherwise, my impressions are mostly favourable.....still need to drive one though.

leafguy2727

What if I like the side skirts? lol Saw a vibe commercial today. I've got to ask why does GM insist on grey cladding on every first year car???
I looks horrible!!! I use to think it was ok looking in fact I'm scared to admit I liked the look at one point. But now???? YUK YUK YUK kind of like the Avalanche.........GROSS!~!!!!

dindak

You like skirts I like gray cladding accents. It's a personal thing. In the end these cars will all be the same underneath. I'll agree with you on the Avalanche, not great looking.

I'm sure we both agree we like skirts on girls.

;-)

leafguy2727

LMAO..........I guess we can agree on some things!! LOL....... but hell yeah the Avalanche sucks!!!!

dindak

Actually, the Avalanche does not "suck". Aside from all that cladding I would say it's about the best utility truck on the road. It isn't winning award after award because "it sucks". It's also selling like hotcakes.

I understand there may be a modified version for 2003 with less or no cladding.

hpulley4

Why does GM keep doing this? First-year Aztek was called ugly -- second-year they toned down the cladding. Some like the cladding of the Vibe but many don't so it is possible we'll see some toning-down next year. Now the Avalanche. Some have mentioned that they don't like all the painted ground effects on the upscale Matrix models so it seems like Toyota is getting in the act now.

petl

Sounds like most of your complaints are with the Matrix's interior. Don't expect the Vibe to be much different inside (the interior was designed by GM). The interior dimentions will be the same, including the smallish rear glass windows. The exterior styling will be somewhat different (but not it's dimentions). Maybe it will more to your liking.

dindak

Bob Lutz and the boys have removed cladding from all future Pontiacs. Take a look at the upcoming models seen in Chicago and they are all clean (finally).

Peterun

Vehicle is great, no doubt. 6 speed manual, floor mats, 17' wheels. Also drove the XR with the 130 hp engine. Very easy decision: The grunt of the 180 hp engine; the difference in precision of the 6 speed vs. the 5 speed - the XRS handles in a superior fashion. I was prepared to not feel much difference because of the slight difference in torque (125lbs vs. 130 lbs). To my touch, there was a distinct difference, in favor of the XRS model. MSRP was $19,400, including delivery. The car has quirky good looks, practicality . . .and is a lot of fun to drive. One man's take! Pete

Peterun

Directly from the manual:
"Drive gently at high speeds. Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600km (1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle.
1. Do not drive over 55 mph;
2. Run the engine at moderate speed between 2000 and 4000 rpm;
3. Try to avoid hard stops during the first 200 miles;
4. Do not drive slowly with the manual transmission in a high gear;
5. Do not drive for a long time at any single speed;
6. Do not tow a trailer during the first 500 miles."

I am trying to take this as a directive as best I can. I strayed in the following ways: Took the Matrix up to 80 mph on the freeway for a few - rock solid, no vibrations, no shimmy. Perfect - and the rpm stays in the 3200 range in 6th gear; I have taken the rpm as high as 5000 - 5200 rpms - but only for a second or so. I'll be gentle with this car for the first 1000 miles. As a P.S. I do not feel a lag, nor a lack of power in any range. Distinctly felt it with the 130 hp engine. I was expecting the engines to feel similar in the low rpm ranges. As I said in an earlier post, I drove both XR and XRS models. Would have been less satisfied with the 130 hp engine and the smaller tires. Pete

revka

How exciting! I believe you are the first one here to take delivery of a Matrix. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong) Thanks for sharing all the details. Just curious, what color is your Matrix? We look forward to hearing more.... Happy motoring!

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

xr_matrix

The tape around my door frame on the drivers side has a bubble in it...I asked the service manager today about fixing it and he said it needs to be replaced. He ordered a new one and will be having the dealership body shop install it. This of course is all covered under warranty. Thought I would let you know this as I know this is a common problem with the Matrix.

revka

Hi Folks- Got any thoughts about the Matrix vs the Protege5? Please come join us in this new new Hatchback's discussion: Toyota Matrix vs. Mazda Protege5.. Thanks for your participation. ;-)

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

Tup

Hello! Check out post number 449 and you will see that I beat out Peterun by a couple of days....although he is the first to have an XRS!

Great car...now if the weather would only clear up so I could drive it!

logic1

I saw both the Matrix and Vibe at the Chicago Auto Show Saturday. Both looked good and drew big crowds. I actually found the Vibe dash to be more subdued than the Matrix.

revka

Didn't realize you'd actually taken delivery. Guess, I've been reading the messages too quickly here. So we'll now declare you as the official first Matrix owner here! Although, Peterun get's credit for being the first to have an XRS. ;-) Hope you're enjoying your Matrix!

Btw, I tried to get a close look at a Matrix yesterday, but the dealership sold it within 2 hours of arrival. There's suppose to be another one there today... so I might make another attempt. I'm not in the market for one (at least not now), but very I'm interested in seeing one close up. Talk later.

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

Peterun

Lunar mist (silver) with Stone interior. Looks great, I think. I looked at the charcoal and the stone . . . . the stone is lighter, not as severe. I love the design of this car. One other thing: On the manual transmission - steady beep sound when in reverse. Is that a new 2003 requirement? In any event, very safe feeling. Zero chance of error. Pete

smartguy8514

can someone please describe what the 16 inch wheels on the matrix look like....?

stickguy

A lot like the 17" ones, at least based on the picture in the brochure.

Speaking of the brochure, it is actually a small newspaper kind of thingee.

leafguy2727

Yippie!!!! It's official!!!!! Bought and XR in the Indigo (Dark Blue). Was there for about 30 min b4 I could get to sit with my salesman and was amazed as it was not stop people coming into the showroom looking at the Matrix. The dealer said I should thank my lucky stars as he managed to grab one from the yard headed or Orangeville as he said they have basically been sold out and that with-in the next couple of days you'll be on a 2 month wait across Canada for delivery. There were two in the lot both with sold signs. I'll get delivery Friday or Monday..........woooohoooo