Hey rpgroppe, did you mean four wheel drive or front wheel drive? We just got the same deal (a little over 16k) for the front wheel drive standard model automatic (they should change the name Matrix Standard because all I think of is manual) -- which is minus the ground effect package. One thing I noticed in the literature, was it does not come with the so-called "three spoke" sport steering wheel. So what will our steering wheel look like? I guess have 4 spokes? ha ha. Also, it's hard to tell from photos what the front-end will look like minus the sports package, but for the less $$ we are spending, we can live without the effects. Wait will be at least two weeks.
Check out carsdirect.com they show a Matrix xr for $100 under MSRP. They seem to be terrific cars in terms of cargo, performance, and the legendary Toyota reliability. I also like the P5, but I think Toyota would be more likely to earn 5 star crash ratings.
I definately wanted the Nav system (it's on my XRS "order").
I had the opportunity to play with the Nav system in an XRS at a local dealer (used it and the radio for over an hour) so if there is anything you'd like to know, just ask.
If you can't find a Matrix locally with the Nav system, ask to see a Camry with the Nav System. With the exception of the touch screen (the Camry has a touch screen, the Matrix does not) they functionally are the same system. But, the Matrix system does NOT tilt down to reveal CD and cassette slots.
The carsdirect stuff makes me a bit nervous. They allow you to choose a vehicle with combinations of options that are often not available from the factory. It makes me wonder if they are able to deliver on their price quotes.
When I was looking at the Ford Focus I had that problem both on carsdirect and on Ford's own site. You could "build your own", but no dealer ever had one (with the combinations I chose) available.
I NEED to put 15" winter tires on my XRS. 16" and 17" winter tires are impractical. I have 15" steel rims and Pirelli's to match but the rims will not fit over the calipers. I know this is possible. it's gotta be. there has to be someone out there with 15's. I just need to know if anyone has done this. what is the offset of the rim? what width?
What kind of steel rims are you currently trying to use? I mean, which Toyota model did they come off? I'm not sure of the specs (offset, bolt circle, etc.) on the different Toyota rims, but I would say that your best bet is to try either '00+ Celica or '03 Corolla rims. If those don't fit, you're probably out of luck as far as 15" goes.
The Base and XR Matrix come with 16" steel rims. You might be able to get hold of a set of those cheap on eBay. I know the Matrix 16" wheel covers are already appearing on eBay. I do recommend changing to some kind of steel wheels in the winter though. Driving on potholed and icy winter streets with 17" alloy wheels is asking for trouble.
I finally got behind the wheel of an XR with front wheel drive and 17" wheels.
First, the good news: The interior was just as amazing as advertised. The seats fold flat and you barely have to touch them to make the adjustment. The dash is stylish yet ergonomic. The stereo seemed good. Visibility was good. The seats were comfortable. The console is great. The head room and rear passenger room were unbelievable. It was almost magical.
The drive, though, was a different story. The XR accelerated decently onto the highway, but later, pulling away from a stoplight, there was just no power at all. My husband couldn't even tell I was flooring it. Admittedly, pulling onto the highway was from a dead stop and I was already at 15 or 20 mph when I tried to accelerate from the stoplight, but still. It was disappointing. There was also much more wind noise than I'd expected. And the handling just didn't inspire confidence. It felt much more like an SUV than a car to me. Perhaps dropping down to 16" wheels would help with that.
I imagine the XRS is more fun to drive than the base model, but I'm really hoping to buy an automatic this time around. My commute has too much stop and go for a manual transmission to be much fun. Also, I'd been toying with an AWD (assuming we ever get snow - or winter - in NJ again) but that would have even less power.
I know some of you are thrilled with its performance so maybe my experience was just a fluke. It's not like 130 should make it this car outrageously underpowered. I drove a Protege5, which has 130 hp, too, and it was very responsive.
Anyway, I am very sad about this. I really wanted to love this car.
Don't worry about the steering wheel. The only difference between the base and XR steering wheel is the leather wrapping(at least in Canada)
As for those talking about lack of power....I think that this is more prevalent on the Automatic. Our 5 speed seems very peppy. I drove a Protege 5 with a 5 speed and see no real difference. The protege 5 has a little more torque (5 lbs) but it also gets 4-5 mpg less in fuel economy. I think the automatic shifts before the most power is available. Perhaps they need a power/economy switch.
First, wheels: Beyond the obvious advantages in style, larger wheels and the lower profile tires that accompany them improve handling and road-holding by increasing the section width of the tire (for more grip) and increasing the stiffness of the sidewall (for sharper turn-in). Trust me, this makes a BIG difference in the way the car handles. And I'm not some 16-year-old kid who just wants to profile, I'm 54 years old and I only like what works.
The disadvantages, as noted, are increased impact harshness (especially during winter, when you encounter clumps of ice, and potholes), increased tire wear and the possibility of damaging a rim if you run over a curb or pothole. On the other hand, if you drive carefully (shouldn't we all?), you shouldn't find this to be a problem.
One more tip: multispoke wheels are generally lighter and stronger than wheels with fewer but wider spokes (I also happen to think they look better), and chromies are generally heavier as well (besides looking gawdawful silly in my opinion). As for tires, I highly recommend the Sumitomos that I have on my turbo Corolla. They're Z-rated, very quiet and smooth, and seem to wear very well. Check Tire Rack's web site for a comparison between them and their two biggest competitors.
To address the problem in the southeast US with undesired dealer add-ons, some of this is the dealers' work to drive the cost up (and also to demonstrate how out of touch dealers can be with the youth market), and some is the work of SET, the private distributor who handles that particular region. SET is infamous for loading new cars with every option they can think of. Years ago, when the Avalon was launched, I was working for Toyota HQ in Torrance and my brother really wanted one of them (he lives in NY). Simply couldn't find one without a sunroof!! Now my brother is 6'3", and the last thing he needed was a $1200 option that decreased headroom. So I told him to buy a Crown Vic.
In terms of performance, the Matrix is handicapped by its weight, aerodynamics and the gutlessness of both the 1ZZ and 2ZZ engine options. Nissan's engines all have more torque than horsepower; Toyota's are just the opposite. If I still worked for Toyota, I would have ordered a Matrix with the 1ZZ and turbocharged it, the way I did my 2000 Corolla. Best of both worlds. I really hope Toyota smells the coffee and starts providing us with engines that supply decent torque at lower rpm, or Nissan and Honda will continue to eat their lunch, power-wise.
Beyond that, I think the car is wonderful -- great utility, sharp styling and traditional Toyota build quality and reliability. While I think the Protege5 is almost (but not quite) as visually stimulating, it is a Mazda, and Mazdas simply do not have the track record for quality and relibility that Toyota does.
I just drive a xrs 6 speed, and think that im going to go with an automatic, because im getting old and lazy and want my wife to have something to drive as well. Has anyone driven the xrs version as an automatic? and did it seem to have the same drive as a stick? Im worried that the L-i (lift intelligence) wont be as accurate with the auto. (not maximizing the revs for power. has anyone driven both of these?
In the For What It Is Worth Department, GM is not offering the automatic with the 180 hp engine, as they say the auto tranny's shift points are down too low to allow the high torque, which comes ONLY at high RPM's, to kick in.
I would most definitely try before I bought that particular combination!
Still looking for a new unit and I keep coming back to the Matrix. However, I find the Vibe more appealing to look at. It is a Toyota right? I mean I would not go too far astray by buying a Pontiac versus a Toyota and I would get the same long term results. Correct? I have not seen either one in person yet, so obviously I have not driven one either. Just read the article about engine performance and wondered if there is enough power in the automatic with the 130HP engine. Does anyone own one of these and does it really have a timing chain? Still my first choice until something else pops up. Quality
The Matrix and Vibe are exactly the same mechanically. The Vibe comes with the same warranty in Canada also. Only difference is that the Vibe comes with road side assistance.
It's really a matter of taste in which you like better. They are both pretty good looking IMO, but I prefer the Vibe over all also.
GM has partnered with Toyota for quite some time. The Chevy Prizm is the same as a Toyota Corrolla and the numbers bear it out. The Matrix and Vibe are based upon the same platform as the new 2003 Corolla. It seems that they've now discontinued the Prizm.
I don't understand why anyone would buy a new car and abuse it with the constant stop and go of commuter traffic,absolutely the worst abuse you can give to a car. To get decent acceleration from a standstill with an auto,a 6 cylinder is a must have,ironically the engine bay on the matrix is huge,more than enough for a 6,maybe Toyota will offer one in the future.Buy the 5 speed and use the money saved to get a back and forth to work beater,late 80's accord,camry,etc. Anyhow,Ijust took delivery 2 days ago on a indigo blue XR 5 speed,easily the best color ,especially in bright sunlight.The first 2 dealers in northwest NJ could not get the color I wanted,much less a 5 speed,yet they wanted my deposit.Never give a deposit on a promise of a car the dealer might not be able to deliver on,you might just find the car the next day somewhere else. Which is what happened to me,Milham Toyota in nearby Easton,PA found my car after about 10 minutes in their computer at another dealer,and swapped the auto XR they had for it.For 17,685 retail my XR has cruise,6 speaker,6 disc stereo,all weather package,sport plus package,carpeted floor and cargo mats,and rear bumper protector.The interior has plenty of room even for my 6'3" frame,handling is light and responsive and the 5spd shifts better than any Toyota I have ever driven.For an economy car acceleration is decent and the tall final gearing 2800rpm at 70mph is great for fuel economy and minimal engine wear.Now for the down side,despite what the brochure says the power windows don't have retained power nor does the manual mention this.The rocker panels rub against your legs exitting the car,unfortunatly they are standard on the XR.The stereo readout is all but impossible to read in bright sunlight and the speakers could use an upgrade.The front spoiler looks great ,but could bottom out on steep driveways,all you can do is go slow,try to approach from an angle,and cross your fingers.All in all I'm very happy with the car. See you out on the road.
I think Toyota hurt themselves when they kept showing the silver XRS prototype with the dark black tint. This made it look like it had no "D" pillar. This initial impression let to the complaints about looks.
I think the Red prototype XRS looked much better without the tinting and would have been a better choice for initial press pictures.
In my humble opinion, the Black with tinting also looks very good....at least it did the last time I looked in the driveway
Why do the Japanese automakers always offer the same basic colors,red,silver,black,and white limiting the other choices to 3,two blues and a light gold,which is not all that different in shade than the silver? Toyota should eliminate white which is the next dullest color to beige and offer a light metallic green or some other color more befitting the matrix. Painting a radically styled car like the matrix blah-white is like dressing Britney Spears in a mumu.
I think Honda is the worst for colors. Every Honda I see seems to be either silver/gray or black. I realize those are probably the two most popular colors but it really makes you go blind. I love seeing cars in different colors.
Toyota makes cars in white because they are interested in SELLING them. There is a large number of people who will only buy a car if it IS white. Same story for black and for fire engine red. These three colours are givens for almost any car line. If people wanted puke green cars, I am sure Toyota would sell them. Chrysler tried to foist off THAT colour on the Neon when it came out (Hi!), but very, very few people bought one. I can't remember when I last saw one. The colour lasted one model year! Even then, the advertised car was always white!
I saw a white matrix and it looked very sporty. IMO much jazzier than silver. Don't knock white until you see it. Too bad every other car on the highway is silver. I agree, more variety in colors would be nice.
It's a matter of personal preference I guess,I know people who will buy nothing but a white car or truck. I had a white car once,66 mustang coupe,[used],and the only time I cared for that color was at night,under bluish tinted parking lot lights.All I'm saying is it would be nice to have more of a variety of colors. The celica line is even worse offering only blue mica and carbon blue,which is very close to black,in addition to the basic 4 of red,silver,black,and white. Something like a special order for a car painted with the paint that takes on a different tint depending upon the angle you're looking at it,such as the BASF extreme paints,would definitely be something for people wanting something different and unique.
Been driving the 130HP. 5 sp. Handles like a mercedes ,and I haven't had a lack of power yet,almost drove thru my fence.Visibility is good and the storage is amazing.I can fit a large cooler and 2 plastic bins between wheel wells . Found secret storage comp.As far as color goes ,yes ,more is better ,I'd like 2 see 2 tone like in the old days. Would look great on these cars.But the grey interior is nicer than I thought and goes with lots of colors
Hello all I have been reading your posts here for a few days (took a bit of reading to catch up). I ordered a Lunar Mist XRS 6-spd yesterday with factory installed moonroof, auto-dimming mirror, carpet & cargo mats, bazooka subwoofer w/200w amp, and bumper protector all for $22,500.
I feel like I got a good deal, although I will have to wait a bit for it. The dealer tried to push me to get the dealer-installed moonroof as opposed to the factory-installed one. He told me that all the factory was going to do was ship the moonroof for installation in the Jacksonville area anyway, instead of having his guys do it. He stated that the exact same installation process was going to take place regardless of who does the install. Does this sound right? I have been under the impression that when the "factory" installs the moonroof they also put additional roof support.. What do you guys think?
Yep, gotta love that neon puke green lol. I bought the Dark Blue XR and the dealer said the first 3 they sold were all that colour. Seams like it's the choice for non-silver people like myself.
On the compartment thing I think I should finally read my manual. I'm so busy I haven't had a chance to read more then the break-in section. I was sitting in the car waiting for my wife and said hey what's this button below the gear shift, low and behold ANOTHER compartment.......this is great....lol.
What is with the theme on the reviews about the lack of power? like I said I have an XR auto and I have no problems with power. Highway driving, man that is smooth!!!!!
p.s. what are u guys thinking of gas milage. I'm find the gas tank to be very small!!!! Here is TO I did my first fill up at $0.629 for $25 or about 40 liters. At the time I did that the yellow light had just come on. That would mean I still had 10L in the tank or well over 100km to go. Why would the light come on and the needle be so low then? Is this just to make sure I'm not stupid enough to run out of gas? I'll let you know how my next fill up goes but wasn't the milage supposed to be about 7.7 L per 100km?? That would mean I get about 500km on every 40 liter fill up. I'm due for a fill up shortly, I'll let you know what I get. I had the trip set so this time I'll look carefully at how much I put in.
Dont believe the dealer. The factory will install the moonroof during the manufacturing process. If your dealer installed it, they wouldnt even use the factory switch for it, instead they would use an after market switch in the headliner.
My dealer hear told me the same thing. He also quoted me a price of a grand for the aftermarket moonroof, while I could get the toyota installed one for $700 bucks.
On the sunroof I've heard that there is a support removed for the factory sunroof. I don't remember where so I don't know how much stock to put in it. From the subwoofer I take it you're in Southeast.
Myself I just put down a deposit on an XRS Auto with: Nav system Bumper guard Carpeted mats Cargo mat Wheel Locks Side Airbags Seat back storage All weather guard
Just bought a new Matrix. I tried the XR with a 5 speed and auto trans. I have to say that the 'underpowered' Matrix performs quite acceptably with the stick. I ordered the cosmic blue colour & the dealer has tried to pressure me into taking another more popular one like silver. I think I'm just going to hold out for the one I want. General fit and finish seemed excellent, and I personally think the Matrix looks better than the Vibe.
I think most reviewers are confirmed gearheads. Nothing wrong with that in and of itself, but they generally believe that rocket powered sports cars are the ideal for all vehicles, and the closer anything gets to that standard, the better the car/truck/unicycle. If you put a Rolls Royce Jet engine on a skateboard, I think the guys at Car and Driver would proabbly complain about the huge delay going from zero to lightspeed.
I read a lot of reviews and considered several makes/models of sedans and wagons before settling on the Matrix. Only time will tell if I made a good choice.
You can get a lot of good information from the "car press", just take the always underpoweered bias into account.
We are living in a world where bigger and faster are better. Maybe it's the age factor (I'll soon be 50) but I personally don't care. By the way the Matrix has approx. the same HP as my 1994 Camry LE. The weight of these vehicles are very similar. I'll be happy as long as it can take my hockey equipment, golf clubs, fishing gear, tow my fishing boat and get me where I want to go in a relatively quiet fashion while delivering decent acceleration. That is why we have ordered a white, XR 4WD to replace our black 1998 RAV. Hopefully it will be as reliable as our previous Toyota's
If the car is fast enough for you that's all that matters.People who choose their cars by the numbers will never be satisfied as there is always another car coming out putting up better horsepower,torque,0-60 times etc.I had a 86 celica gt ,97 horse 118 torque and it was,[seemed?],quite fast even chirping the tires shifting first to second,also pulling down about 29 mpg average.My next car, 92 celica gts,130 hsp 130 torque by contrast seemed much slower, [more weight?],getting only 22-24 mpg.The first Matrix I test drove was an auto and seemed to accelerate decently.But if you have your heart set on an auto I wouldn't test drive a standard as it may make the auto seem slow by comparison.Isn't it ironic that a car designed for twenty something drivers seems to being bought initially by a lot of us forty and up,due to it's great looks,utility,interior room,fuel economy,and price.
Toyota's mass media mantra re: the Matrix's target buyer has been a guy in his mid twenties. But Toyota has apparently been a bit more honest and realistic in what it tells its own dealership franchisees re: expected buyers.
At aemag.com, which is the North American Dealer Association's magazine website, you will find this identifier of the target demographic for the Matrix:
sat in one yest. and i liked the car very much with one exception. i thought the fabric seemed very cheap and had a texture like burlap. overall though, looks, price, function, this is very high on my list for next vehicle. btw, i am also in the "non target" demographic at 37 yrs old. been looking for sports car ride, with 4 doors and wagon/hatch that looks cool and gets good gas mileage. all for under 20k....nice job toyota. sorry, can't buy a vibe after numerous bad GM experiences.
If you believe that, I have some swamp land to sell you at a real good price. In 1964, Ford predicted that the Mustang would mostly be purchased by young buyers in their 20's. We all know how that turned out. There may be many women interested in this vehicle, however they won't be soccer moms (this isn't the CRV).
But it's close. I expect to see the CRV and the Matrix going head to head in a lot of household decisionmaking.
How do you market cars to 37 year old women? By saying this is a great car for 37 year old women? NO, for the most part they don't want to be 37, they want to be 27 or younger.
You market to little girls by telling them they will appear older if they buy your product. You market to 37 year old women by telling them they will appear younger if they buy your product.
Same goes for men. This is not your father's Oldsmobile.
The XRS will go to the younger guys by a wide margin. But Toyota expects, and I suspect, that the rest of the Matrix line will be sold in higher quantities to women.
Many times I've heard my 30-something friends say "I will NOT drive a minivan. But SUV's are such gas guzzlers." Enter the Matrix, which is a very nice tall station wagon.
That's the way things are in my 30-something suburban world. And that's the group of people that was spending the most time on the Matrix at the Chicago Auto Show. It wasn't the young people or the retirees, it was the ones with the 10 month old in the backpack or the Kindergartner in tow.
Maybe the way you see things from your 50ish Canadian perspective is right and Toyota's big bucks market research and my 30ish perspective is wrong. Maybe Wayne Gretzky will stop complaining long enough to realize his team won the gold medal. Time will tell.
I believe that article which seems to suggest that the target buyer for the Matrix is 37 years old. But what is Toyota thinking when they insist that everyone who chooses the XR or XRS MUST get the skirt package and the boy racer look?
Or does Toyota think that since the target customer is a 37 yr old female, they will want a skirt on their Matrix?:-)
Comments
cars in terms of cargo, performance, and the
legendary Toyota reliability. I also like the P5,
but I think Toyota would be more likely to earn 5 star crash ratings.
I had the opportunity to play with the Nav system in an XRS at a local dealer (used it and the radio for over an hour) so if there is anything you'd like to know, just ask.
If you can't find a Matrix locally with the Nav system, ask to see a Camry with the Nav System. With the exception of the touch screen (the Camry has a touch screen, the Matrix does not) they functionally are the same system. But, the Matrix system does NOT tilt down to reveal CD and cassette slots.
When I was looking at the Ford Focus I had that problem both on carsdirect and on Ford's own site. You could "build your own", but no dealer ever had one (with the combinations I chose) available.
offset of the rim? what width?
any help is great thanx.
What kind of steel rims are you currently trying to use? I mean, which Toyota model did they come off? I'm not sure of the specs (offset, bolt circle, etc.) on the different Toyota rims, but I would say that your best bet is to try either '00+ Celica or '03 Corolla rims. If those don't fit, you're probably out of luck as far as 15" goes.
The Base and XR Matrix come with 16" steel rims. You might be able to get hold of a set of those cheap on eBay. I know the Matrix 16" wheel covers are already appearing on eBay. I do recommend changing to some kind of steel wheels in the winter though. Driving on potholed and icy winter streets with 17" alloy wheels is asking for trouble.
-Andrew L
I have a multi-purpose steel rim (part# x99107n). they are 15x6. I don't know the offset - i wish i did.
I totally agree with you on putting steelies on, that's why i am going throgh this headache. i want to save my 17 firehawks sz50's for summer fun : )
Anyway, thanx for you input.
First, the good news: The interior was just as amazing as advertised. The seats fold flat and you barely have to touch them to make the adjustment. The dash is stylish yet ergonomic. The stereo seemed good. Visibility was good. The seats were comfortable. The console is great. The head room and rear passenger room were unbelievable. It was almost magical.
The drive, though, was a different story. The XR accelerated decently onto the highway, but later, pulling away from a stoplight, there was just no power at all. My husband couldn't even tell I was flooring it. Admittedly, pulling onto the highway was from a dead stop and I was already at 15 or 20 mph when I tried to accelerate from the stoplight, but still. It was disappointing. There was also much more wind noise than I'd expected. And the handling just didn't inspire confidence. It felt much more like an SUV than a car to me. Perhaps dropping down to 16" wheels would help with that.
I imagine the XRS is more fun to drive than the base model, but I'm really hoping to buy an automatic this time around. My commute has too much stop and go for a manual transmission to be much fun. Also, I'd been toying with an AWD (assuming we ever get snow - or winter - in NJ again) but that would have even less power.
I know some of you are thrilled with its performance so maybe my experience was just a fluke. It's not like 130 should make it this car outrageously underpowered. I drove a Protege5, which has 130 hp, too, and it was very responsive.
Anyway, I am very sad about this. I really wanted to love this car.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/columns/healey.htm
Don't worry about the steering wheel. The only difference between the base and XR steering wheel is the leather wrapping(at least in Canada)
As for those talking about lack of power....I think that this is more prevalent on the Automatic. Our 5 speed seems very peppy. I drove a Protege 5 with a 5 speed and see no real difference. The protege 5 has a little more torque (5 lbs) but it also gets 4-5 mpg less in fuel economy. I think the automatic shifts before the most power is available. Perhaps they need a power/economy switch.
First, wheels: Beyond the obvious advantages in style, larger wheels and the lower profile tires that accompany them improve handling and road-holding by increasing the section width of the tire (for more grip) and increasing the stiffness of the sidewall (for sharper turn-in). Trust me, this makes a BIG difference in the way the car handles. And I'm not some 16-year-old kid who just wants to profile, I'm 54 years old and I only like what works.
The disadvantages, as noted, are increased impact harshness (especially during winter, when you encounter clumps of ice, and potholes), increased tire wear and the possibility of damaging a rim if you run over a curb or pothole. On the other hand, if you drive carefully (shouldn't we all?), you shouldn't find this to be a problem.
One more tip: multispoke wheels are generally lighter and stronger than wheels with fewer but wider spokes (I also happen to think they look better), and chromies are generally heavier as well (besides looking gawdawful silly in my opinion). As for tires, I highly recommend the Sumitomos that I have on my turbo Corolla. They're Z-rated, very quiet and smooth, and seem to wear very well. Check Tire Rack's web site for a comparison between them and their two biggest competitors.
To address the problem in the southeast US with undesired dealer add-ons, some of this is the dealers' work to drive the cost up (and also to demonstrate how out of touch dealers can be with the youth market), and some is the work of SET, the private distributor who handles that particular region. SET is infamous for loading new cars with every option they can think of. Years ago, when the Avalon was launched, I was working for Toyota HQ in Torrance and my brother really wanted one of them (he lives in NY). Simply couldn't find one without a sunroof!! Now my brother is 6'3", and the last thing he needed was a $1200 option that decreased headroom. So I told him to buy a Crown Vic.
In terms of performance, the Matrix is handicapped by its weight, aerodynamics and the gutlessness of both the 1ZZ and 2ZZ engine options. Nissan's engines all have more torque than horsepower; Toyota's are just the opposite. If I still worked for Toyota, I would have ordered a Matrix with the 1ZZ and turbocharged it, the way I did my 2000 Corolla. Best of both worlds. I really hope Toyota smells the coffee and starts providing us with engines that supply decent torque at lower rpm, or Nissan and Honda will continue to eat their lunch, power-wise.
Beyond that, I think the car is wonderful -- great utility, sharp styling and traditional Toyota build quality and reliability. While I think the Protege5 is almost (but not quite) as visually stimulating, it is a Mazda, and Mazdas simply do not have the track record for quality and relibility that Toyota does.
Has anyone driven the xrs version as an automatic?
and did it seem to have the same drive as a stick? Im worried that the L-i (lift intelligence) wont be as accurate with the auto. (not maximizing the revs for power.
has anyone driven both of these?
I would most definitely try before I bought that particular combination!
Quality
It's really a matter of taste in which you like better. They are both pretty good looking IMO, but I prefer the Vibe over all also.
I think the Red prototype XRS looked much better without the tinting and would have been a better choice for initial press pictures.
In my humble opinion, the Black with tinting also looks very good....at least it did the last time I looked in the driveway
I feel like I got a good deal, although I will have to wait a bit for it. The dealer tried to push me to get the dealer-installed moonroof as opposed to the factory-installed one. He told me that all the factory was going to do was ship the moonroof for installation in the Jacksonville area anyway, instead of having his guys do it. He stated that the exact same installation process was going to take place regardless of who does the install. Does this sound right? I have been under the impression that when the "factory" installs the moonroof they also put additional roof support.. What do you guys think?
Brantly
On the compartment thing I think I should finally read my manual. I'm so busy I haven't had a chance to read more then the break-in section. I was sitting in the car waiting for my wife and said hey what's this button below the gear shift, low and behold ANOTHER compartment.......this is great....lol.
p.s. what are u guys thinking of gas milage. I'm find the gas tank to be very small!!!! Here is TO I did my first fill up at $0.629 for $25 or about 40 liters. At the time I did that the yellow light had just come on. That would mean I still had 10L in the tank or well over 100km to go. Why would the light come on and the needle be so low then? Is this just to make sure I'm not stupid enough to run out of gas? I'll let you know how my next fill up goes but wasn't the milage supposed to be about 7.7 L per 100km?? That would mean I get about 500km on every 40 liter fill up. I'm due for a fill up shortly, I'll let you know what I get. I had the trip set so this time I'll look carefully at how much I put in.
My dealer hear told me the same thing. He also quoted me a price of a grand for the aftermarket moonroof, while I could get the toyota installed one for $700 bucks.
A word to the wise, do not believe your dealer.
Myself I just put down a deposit on an XRS Auto with:
Nav system
Bumper guard
Carpeted mats
Cargo mat
Wheel Locks
Side Airbags
Seat back storage
All weather guard
for $20,851.62
I think most reviewers are confirmed gearheads. Nothing wrong with that in and of itself, but they generally believe that rocket powered sports cars are the ideal for all vehicles, and the closer anything gets to that standard, the better the car/truck/unicycle. If you put a Rolls Royce Jet engine on a skateboard, I think the guys at Car and Driver would proabbly complain about the huge delay going from zero to lightspeed.
I read a lot of reviews and considered several makes/models of sedans and wagons before settling on the Matrix. Only time will tell if I made a good choice.
You can get a lot of good information from the "car press", just take the always underpoweered bias into account.
I must be the perfect target Toyota wanted, 3 years married, youngish, and a baby due any day (well last Wednesday to be exact).
P.S. on the Milage thing. Filled up this morning again, 40L * $0.625 AGAIN, trip had about 450km on it. $25
Base 6-spd. XRS $18,750
Moonroof 750
Dimming mirror 291
Sub and 200w amp 299
Bumper protection 99
Cargo/floor mats 142
I'm right on the dollar of MSRP, I believe.
Brantly
At aemag.com, which is the North American Dealer Association's magazine website, you will find this identifier of the target demographic for the Matrix:
Target market: Age, 37; female, 60 percent; married, 50 percent; college grads; 50 percent; income, $50,000.
http://www.aemag.com/printedition/toc2002/firstup/02feb/ontrack.html
My translation: The majority of buyers are expected to be soccer moms.
twist
Target buyer: Age, 42; male, 50 percent; college grads, 60 percent; married, 60 percent; income, $69,000.
But it's close. I expect to see the CRV and the Matrix going head to head in a lot of household decisionmaking.
How do you market cars to 37 year old women? By saying this is a great car for 37 year old women? NO, for the most part they don't want to be 37, they want to be 27 or younger.
You market to little girls by telling them they will appear older if they buy your product. You market to 37 year old women by telling them they will appear younger if they buy your product.
Same goes for men. This is not your father's Oldsmobile.
The XRS will go to the younger guys by a wide margin. But Toyota expects, and I suspect, that the rest of the Matrix line will be sold in higher quantities to women.
Many times I've heard my 30-something friends say "I will NOT drive a minivan. But SUV's are such gas guzzlers." Enter the Matrix, which is a very nice tall station wagon.
That's the way things are in my 30-something suburban world. And that's the group of people that was spending the most time on the Matrix at the Chicago Auto Show. It wasn't the young people or the retirees, it was the ones with the 10 month old in the backpack or the Kindergartner in tow.
Maybe the way you see things from your 50ish Canadian perspective is right and Toyota's big bucks market research and my 30ish perspective is wrong. Maybe Wayne Gretzky will stop complaining long enough to realize his team won the gold medal. Time will tell.
twist
They nailed you on the AutoDimming Mirror and the Bumper Protection, should be $250 and $56 respectively.
And since they are charging full retail (which is an almost 18% markup BTW) there shouldn't be any dealer processing fee.
We'll have to see who gets theirs first, you or me. Enjoy!!!
Or does Toyota think that since the target customer is a 37 yr old female, they will want a skirt on their Matrix?:-)