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I am partial to Toyota and the Matrix (prefer the look), however I would recommend either vehicle. As far as your conundrum, if you decide on the Matrix, have it serviced at the Pontiac dealer. I'm sure they would appreciate the business.
Good luck.
I'm now glad I didn't read any reviews first - I listened to the reviews on the Protege5 and was sorely dissapointed. Noisy? Certainly not compared to other 5-speed four bangers I've owned. I was over-revving it a bit at first because I get used to shifting by sound, and I can't really even hear the engine until I get to about 4000rpm.
While I disagree about HP getting out of hand (gimme, gimme, gimme!;-)), I think torque is far more overlooked than it should be. Despite the same HP rating and the extra weight on the Matrix, the Matrix is much faster off the line and feels much stronger on the low end than the Protege5.
By the way, today (after about 6 weeks of owning the car), I noticed two pretty nasty stone chips right in the middle of the hood. Tried the touch-up paint, but it's still very noticeable. Not sure if there is anything else I can do...
"Toyota's 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine, which powers the Celica GT-S, Matrix XRS and Pontiac Vibe GT, won the Best 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre award at the Fourth Annual International Engine of the Year Awards ceremony, held at Engine Expo 2002 in Stuttgart, Germany.
The International Engine of the Year Awards 2002 were voted for by a panel of 40 top automotive journalists from 18 countries including the US, France, the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada."
The other engines that were picked for the 1.4 to 1.8 litre category that came after Toyota's VVTL-i were (accdg to rank).
2. BMW 1.8-litre Valvetronic (316ti)
3. Ford diesel 1.8-litre TDCi (Focus)
4. Toyota hybrid 1.5-litre (Prius)
5. Volkswagen 1.8-litre turbo (Audi S3, TT, SEAT Leon (210bhp+))
6. Volkswagen 1.6-litre FSI (Audi A2, VW Golf, Bora)
Just a Sidebar: Subaru engine was on the 1.8 to 2.0 litre category and it ranked way at the bottom. Honda was on top.
Editor's Note : The International Engine of the Year Awards 2002 are presented by industry magazine Engine Technology International, published by UK & International Press, a British company that receives no advertising or financial support from any car manufacturer or distributor.
Like jimxo, we got $700 off sticker. The sales guy was somewhat apologetic that that was the best he could do, but he said that was only their 3rd XRS and he didn't know if they'd get another in this model year.
I'll post again after I've wrestled the keys from my son and had a chance to drive it more.
I've picked up my XRS on monday.
Just to let you know a few details.
I'm reading this list for some time now and want to share some informations as of my point of view.
It's silver instead of red (but who cares, silver is nice too)
Was waiting not even 2 months!!! My dealer is wonderfull. I love the car.
When driving wearing sun glasses with or without UV its easy to read gauges.
No smells so far (just first day the rust protection but its normal)
DLR is turning on and off like everyone said before.
Stereo is good enough.
Only thing I don't like is that cargo space cover. I preffer plastic-carpet shelf instead but its ok.
Enyone want to know something just ask.
Wish everybody fast delivery as mine.
Very happy owner!
ps.
I have takes lots of pics and can make them available online if wanted.
I posted this message on the Vibe board with no response after two days. Could someone please look in their Matrix owners manual for a correct part number that I can use at a non-dealer store. I like to do most maintenance myself.
Thanks.
Just my suggestion...
XRS Matrix 6spd with 3200km
Happy cruisin and crushing Civic SI's
Anyone else notice this?
Re: oil filters. I chose to change the filter early @1000 or so miles. I have been buying my filters for 20 years from a friend who wholesales auto supplies and deals with Hastings, Bowes, and Wix for his filters. He has been trying for almost three weeks now to find the correct cross-reference for the XR engine. I bought a replacement filter from the dealer and it has a different number on it than what their invoice said and it is also different from what was on the original filter. Even though my friend now has all three numbers, he hasn't been able to find a non-Toyota replacement yet. And he is reluctant to give me a Corolla filter as it might have a different bypass cut-off pressure than what is needed for the XR. As soon as he finds the exact replacement filter, I'll post if here.
Like Microrepair, I wouldn't take it cross country and having just moved from 6 years in an Eagle Talon to an Olds Intrigue, I like the soft ride and auto trans of a middle-aged man's car. However, if I was in the market for another small, sporty yet practical vehicle, the Matrix would be at the top of my list.
I like a car that gives more road feel. Hate the soft, cushy, sofa on wheels feel of big American cars.
Tint question.
My dealet told me if I want full tint installed by them its $395+TAX or I can go to some shop and install it for about $200.
Not sure which to choose.
Dealer is expensive but there is life warranty and other shop can even make a damage to the glass or car.
So what option would you guys choose?
And what did you pay (and where) to do that already?
Thanks
b. it shows good relations with its American partner, GM.
c. it is good politics
d. it doesn't reduce the number of cars available for sale in North America by Toyota.
http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/index.htm
Under the Matrix they list a cruise control for $220.00. Not sure if it is the same as if it came with the car. Thought you might want to check it out. Enjoy your car. My wife and I love our Cosmic Blue XR auto.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Ford Focus ZX5
Pontiac Vibe
Mazda Protegé5
Suzuki Aerio SX
Toyota Matrix XRS
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2002/june/200206_comparo_boxes.xml
Very interesting where they rated the Vibe/Matrix?
-Larry
I ordered a bumper guard which should be here any day now. I remember it was black with raised circles, and I don't think it had Matrix or Toyota logos. I will let you know when it comes. What I don't know is whether not the Vibe bumper is the same size/shape as the Matrix, which could be an issue. Are there no discount online GM parts places?
Oh well. GM has appreciated the business, and my Impala LS has been perfect. Would have been an Avalon, but no one seems to care!
If I could've afforded an RSX right now, I probably would have bought one, too. My '90 Integra finallay gave out after nearly 12 happy years and over 190K miles. Damn, I loved that car.
If I pull $300g's a year and if I want to be frugal, I would at least treat myself to a 3 series. And that is only a drop in the bucket compare to what I (hypothectically) made. It's like you make $100k/yr and all you want is to drive a accent.
News: Regular News: Articles Edmund.com
PS - FWIW, basically we are looking at a choice between a Matrix, P5, or Subaru Impreza TS Wagon.
I was down to basically the same three cars. Depending on the deal you can get (I got a killer deal on my Matrix which sealed it), any of the three (with a 5-speed at least, I didn't like the automatic on the P5 and I didn't drive an auto on the other two)would be an excellent choice, depending on your personal preferences.
I have not been experiencing particularly great mileage on the Matrix so far. I'm averaging about 26 MPG with it declining on each tank (27, 26, 25). It has been mostly non-highway driving, but limited stop & go (a lot of back roads on my commute). I have been doing my best to stay between 2K-4K RPM during the break-in, so it's not because I'm winding it up. I have been running the AC most of the time since I got it. Did anyone experience a big mileage jump after the first oil change? If so, after how many miles did you have it done?
This is what I had stated in a previous post... "It is an extremely practical vehicle. The positives include; a solid ride, great gas mileage, quiet cruising (contrary to what some reviewers will have you believe), roominess (seats 4 adults comfortably), functionality and a luxury feeling that is very similar to our Camry's. It has enough power to meet our needs (we are not in a habit of racing to red lights and stop signs). Even though the steering column is situated close to the dash, I found a comfortable driving position (after approx. 1 week). Touch wood... so far we have no regrets."
Your best bet is to take one for a spin (if there are any available). Good luck with your decision. One more thing (if you decide to purchase the Matrix), be prepared for many stares and lots of questions from young and old alike
It's 16th day I have my Matrix and already put 2100km on it, but still trying to not go too fast or too high rpms. Noticed that on highway car is little noisy and sometimes I am confused if I should switch to 6th. I used to have Pontiac and it's so much different if it comes to Martix.
It's very good car but it takes some time to get used to.
After I did 2000km I tried if vvti kicks in and guess what?
Nothing!!!
Went over 7000 RPM on 4th and nothing happened, hmm.... I wonder if it should make any difference or just you can't hear that vvti works. Car got very good speed and acceleration at that point so that is why I am confused.
Is enybody using 6th gear and when?
What RPMs and speed you switch from 5th?
Just curious.
Also if anybody from Toronto area did tint job, please let me know where and how much it was?
Martin