Toyota Matrix

petl

We have had our XR 4WD for just over 2 weeks now. You are right; the Vibe and Matrix are station wagons. It was just what we had been waiting for (we are a little older than the targeted age bracket). We don't need more than what the Matrix/Vibe has to offer (at this time). 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. I know I'm going against the grain on this one, but it has enough power to meet our needs (I think the HP thing is getting out of hand). 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.

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.

tom3k

I'm waaay over the targeted age bracket, but it suits my needs almost perfectly.

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.

matrix123

What is the targeted age bracket for Matrix? I'm 34 and I find it to be a great family car. I think that sometimes people expect too much from a vehicle. If I wanted to get a sports car with lots of HP, I would have bought a Corvette. If I wanted a luxury car, I would have bought a Lexus or a Infinity. I wanted a family car which doesn't look and feel like a station wagon, where I don't have to lay down when I'm driving (first car that allows me to sit up straight while driving, I'm 6'3). I got exactly what I wanted.
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...

1matrix

Epski, thanks for your response. I am relieved to hear you like it. I guess I should have been suspicious when the reviewer said he couldn't turn it off, but I assumed that was coming from a professional test driver...

jimxo

Well it was for my sister actually, but I went with for moral support. Dealer agreed to discount $700.00 from sticker when car arrives. Cosmic blue 6-speed with plenty of options MSRP was $20,807.

joelis

I've called around the Twin Cities dealerships to get an idea of availability, and some dealers have not even seen one yet. Wow. For those who can get their hands on one, I guess they might have to give up on thier exact option choices to just have something that unique - around 5% only are being built as XRS?

touareg88

Just FYI, I posted this at the Pontiac Vibe folder. This news came out from MSN carpoint.

"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.

lmacmil

Took delivery of an XRS today. What a cool little car! My wife just gushes about how cute it is, my 20 year (the primary driver) thinks he's died and gone to heaven (he's been driving a 1990 Plymouth minivan for 3 years), and I now have a better understanding of why Toyota sells so many cars and has such owner loyalty.

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.

wilczy

Hi Everyone!
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.

tkapres1

I went to change the oil in the Vibe over the weekend (after 1 month and 1700 miles)and did not have any luck finding a new filter. I went to two different part stores with no luck. The owners manual just has GM part numbers which do not work at a non-dealer store.
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.

alexiskai

I don't know the part number, but you can just ask for a filter that would fit an '01 or '02 Corolla (or Celica if you own an XRS), since it's the same engine. The part number for the proper K&N oil filter for the XR or base model is HP-1003 and for Purolator PL-14476.

xr_matrix

ahhh be careful on this one... tkapres1...if you have an base or XR then your engine will be the same as the NEW Corolla...I am not positive the filter of the last generation Corolla will work. Also if you have an XRS it is not the same. This is the same as the Celica engine. IMHO, I would get my oil filter from the GM dealer if you have a Vibe, they are very similiar in price to aftermarket maybe a couple of bucks more but don't mess around with filters for the sake of an engine!

Just my suggestion...

XRS Matrix 6spd with 3200km

xr_matrix

I would like to see your pictures! I have not had a chance to get any pictures yet. I have a silver XRS. Really have not done anything to it to customize it other than a full tint job and cool Oakley plate ;-). Very nice car to cruise with...about 20 minutes from my house there is a switchback road with plenty of long sweeping turns, and a few hairpins...I find myself taking the long way around many times and it always puts a smile on my face.

Happy cruisin and crushing Civic SI's

rpgroppe

I love my Matrix, but I find the steering wheel uncomfortably fat. After an hour or two on the highway, my hands start to hurt. I do have smaller hands, but not that small.

Anyone else notice this?

microrepair

Geez, it's beginning to look like Totyota misjudged the age brakcet that would buy the Matrix. I too am WAY over middle age but it is exactly what we need at this time of our life. A small, economical, roomy (I'm 6'3"), peppy, slick looking little station wagon. We've had ours for 2 months (an XR) and like it a lot. It's got about 2000 miles on it now and we took it on a 150 mile highway trip last week. At 75 mph it is noisier than our larger sedan, so I wouldn't want to go much further than an hour or two at high speeds. Around town it can be noisy if you stomp on the pedal. Lots of air intake noise.

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.

lmacmil

We've just leased an XRS. Primary driver will be our 20 year old college student son but my wife thinks it is so "cute" she's half tempted to commandeer it.
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.

dogtrainer

I don't find that the car is exceptionally noisy. It's not a Lexus, but is certainly comparable to other mid-sized cars in the noise department. I would not hesitate to take it on a trip of any length.

I like a car that gives more road feel. Hate the soft, cushy, sofa on wheels feel of big American cars.

wilczy

I'll post some online tonight or I can send by email.

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

semantics

Toyota definitely misjudged their demographics on the Matrix. And, they know it. Certain regions have upped their mix of automatics to stick ratios, and amazingly, they cannot produce enough automatic XRS to go around fast enough. The EPA limits how many 180HP (XRS model) cars can be shipped, and worse, they are restricted (weight?) so that the 17" factory wheels cannot be combined with a sunroof. The NAV car requests are also higher than anticipated, so many are doing order-builds for these. I guess the trick is to find a nice set of aftermarket wheels/tires and up it to 17"s yourself after the delivery.

alexiskai

I had mine tinted for $250 at a local shop where that's all they do. Apparently they're a dealer for a brand of tint film called Llumar, and there's about 5,000 dealers all over the country, so they give you a lifetime warranty which is good at any place that installs that brand. I was very happy with the service and the result. They even managed to fit the film around the little plugs in the hatchback glass that attach to the pneumatic tubes.

1matrix

Just read in the Toyota Pressroom that the Toyota Voltz (a.k.a right-hand-drive Vibe) is slated for production starting this month (at NUMMI in Calif.), for export to Japan. Why do you think Toyota decided to market the "Vibe" in Japan? It seems to me the styling of the Matrix would suit the Japanese market better. Any thoughts?

johnclineii

a. the plant is much closer to the ocean and thus the port...

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.

webguyster

And they probably will not need to ship that many to Japan, as American car labels, do not sell well in Japan, even since they have started putting the steering wheel on the other side! Also helps with trade embargo numbers, for import/export tariffs.

raven18

I finally made the plunge and worked a deal on an xr. It is super white with dark gray interior, sport pkg.,sport plus pkg., abs. Sticker was 19442, I paid 18700. The only thing that was missing was cruise. It puzzles me that this vehicle had everything but nav and didn't have cruise, I don't know what toyota was thinking. I almost didn't do the deal because of it, but after going to another dealer, who also had one without cruise and no moonroof or 6 disc cd changer stereo, and totally getting p/o'd at their tactics, I decided to go back and take the deal they offered. I'll have to add cruise whenever the kit for the matrix comes out in 2 to 3 monthes. Getting window tint next week. On the drive home from the dealership, I was noticing or looking out for the problems that others were talking about on the site. I was able to read the gauges easily, except for the km on the speedo, which I will not use, and also when light hits the gauges a certain way, it does make it a little difficult to read, but not that bad. I test drove, and checked the cd player for skipping, as I have heard some people complain about this problem when braking. It did not happen to me, and I went over some railroad tracks and didn't skip even then. I read in the owners manual that the system may not play cd-r's, but I tried my own cd-r's and they worked fine. Playing with the stereo a bit, it has a lot of cool features, although the sound isn't great(could use more base), it's not bad either. The ride was pretty smooth, ergonomics are decent, door armrests could use more padding and center armrest could be moved up a little bit, the steering wheel is great imo, I know someone posted that it was too thick, but it is actually a lot thinner than on my new beetle. it has thicker pads on it at 3o'clock and 9o'clock on the steering wheel, I feel making it very comfortable. Originally I wanted the cosmic blue or luner mist, but the super white looks really nice imo, i'll probably keep busying keeping it clean, though. I'll post later on fuel economy, as I only have 90 miles on it so far.

socal_racefan

Raven-- Re: your cruise control, have you checked out the following web site?

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.

protegextwo

Boxes, Size Small:

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

lopers

Can anyone who has the rear bumper protector for the Matrix comment on the pattern and if it says Matrix on it? I have a Vibe and want to put one on my bumper and I notice it's significantly cheaper to order online through some Toyota outlet compared to the parts department at the Pontiac Dealer.

tom3k

Now I'm really glad I didn't read any reviews! I went into this assuming the Protege5 would come out on top (the Matrix wasn't even on my short list), and I was sorely dissapointed. I thought the P5 was weak in numerous areas, most notably comfort, power (particularly the low-end) and overall build quality. The Matrix (which did benefit from lack of hype or unreasonably high expectations) was faster off the line, more comfortable (very subjective), and handled at least as well as the P5 even with a higher center of gravity. Throw in the deal I managed to get on it and it was a no-brainer.

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?

raven18

thanks for the info on the cruise, i knew of the site but didn't realize they had cruise for the matrix. Getting more info on it, because i want a factory looking one. The cosmic blue is cool, it was my original choice, but like the super white too. Thanks again.

raven18

lopers, go to site on post 1375-they have a picture of the matrix protector.

dogtrainer

Every XR I've ever seen has cruise. I thought it was standard. Where are you located? Maybe it's za regional thing.

raven18

I live in central california. The cruise is listed as an option, and when they first started selling them, all of the xr's i had seen had cruise, but now it seems as though they are getting more without. The crazy thing is that other than nav mine has just about everything-underbody spoilers, fogs, sunroof, alloys, 6disc stereo, and abs- but no cruise? I was tempted to hold off and wait for one with everything i wanted, but it appears as though the xr's are going faster than the xrs's and the base models, so I decided to jump on the deal that i got and add the cruise later. It is puzzling that they didn't put cruise in this one. I have heard others complaining about toyota packaging, I was defending toyota, but after this, I wonder about it too.

johnclineii

Toyota (and Mazda) packaging has kept me from buying at least four of their vehicles. Each time, the brochure has said a certain combination (say ABS without a sunroof) is available, but no cars were built that way.

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!

donzg

We were cruising by the Toyota Dealership in Lancaster, CA and happened to have spotted a black Matrix FRS and was sold on the looks. I was impressed with everything inside and outside. I thought it was perfect. Once I test drove the vehicle with the AC full blast and noticed it had no low end torque. It had no power until you've revved the vehicle past 4000 RPM. I was so disappointed with a car that almost have me and my wife sold. Plus the fact that the Finance guy of the dealership made us feel like we couldn't afford the car because we we're a young couple. He has no idea we both make over 150k+ a year and own a 350k home. It was downhill from there. Don't get me wrong the car is great. I just can't see myself driving a vehicle that needs a lot of torque just to go fast. I ended up placing an order for the 2002 Acura RSX.

tom3k

Sorry to hear about your experience with the dealer/drive. The Matrix is no race car by any stretch, but it's a lot stronger under 4k RPM than the Protege5 (unless I just got a bad one - make that two bad ones - to test drive).

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.

webguyster

I always seem to have bad to okay experiances with my local dealer. How did he make you feel like you could not afford it, if you don't mind me asking? I find that by the time yoyr at the finance guy, thats when you can take contral, more so than the sales guys games, provided you didnt sell them your trade already. Thats when its time to get REAL& start scoffing at the percentage rates that they control. or let ;em think they are screwin' you and refinance immeadiatly. i dont know how that affects their cut, but I saved $7000 in interest that way, whn I did a 7 year, at 11 percent, but just paying ash within 2 months later.

nwng

If your household income is over $300g/yr and live in a $350k house(which is nothing to sneeze at around where I live), why would you be looking at a matrix?

vocus

Maybe this person wanted an economical small car with room to spare inside. Just because someone makes a large amount of money doesn't mean they wanna spend all of it on their rides.

petl

There were 2 concerns with the message. 1) It's an XRS not FRS (could have been a typo). 2) The Matrix is not an expensive vehicle (by today's standards). If a couple were making that much annually why would they even need a loan (unless they're financed to the hilt)? I can't see many finance agents assuming anything until they get all the "proven" information required for loan approval (young or old). This is where they make their money. Logically you'd think they would welcome these clients because "apparently" they are in the age group that this vehicle was intended for. I guess anything is possible.

vocus

I can tell you as a 23-year old male who has bought at least 3 new cars in the past couple of years, alot of people at dealerships do treat young people like they are irresponsible or something when you go to buy a car. I have a 2002 turbo Jetta now. When I went to get it, I went to the first dealer and he talked to me like a child, like my parents were paying for the car or something. I resent that BIG time. I went to another dealer and got the car. Then I took it back to the first dealer and told him it could have been his deal had he not treated me like a child.

nwng

How you present yourself. A few years back I was shopping for a mb c-class for my dad, I told him I will go to the dealer and negotiate for him. What I did was I priced the invoice from this site, get quotes via autobytel and over the phone and finally walk into a mb dealer, tell the sales lady exactly what I want and the price and was treated fine. Where I live there are plenty of very rich folks age 18-28, so I guess the luxury marque sales people learned never to judge someone by their age.

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.

petl

Like I said, anything is possible. I can see the salesperson treating some potential clients this way. I guess they feel like they may be wasting their time (never assume). However the problem didn't occur until the "Finance guy" entered into the picture. This is the person who would know if you afford the car. It doesn't seem to add up (pardon the pun).

dogtrainer

Does anyone here know if Toyota heas issued a TSB for problems with the black tape surrounding the windows? If so, do you have the number? I noticed today that mine has developed bubbles.

protegextwo

"The 2002 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey is out, and it's no surprise that Toyota once again is ranked as the top automaker, followed closely by Honda."
News: Regular News: Articles Edmund.com

raven18

just finished off my first tank of gas in my xr with auto trans- 30 mpg. Not too bad, been taking it easy , breaking it in, trying to stay under 3000 rmp and 55 mph-the 55 mph has been a little hard to do, but even at 70 mph the rmp hasn't exceeded 3k. Driving has been pretty much a split between city and highway, almost all miles with a/c on. So far I like the characteristics of the vehicle.

dixarone

I was scrolling through messages, got about as far as 500 - 600, and just couldn't read anymore. I haven't gone for a test drive of the Matrix yet, but had heard (in one review in particular) that the instrument panel is "next to impossible" to read during the daytime due to light bouncing off the chrome finish around the dials. Comments from owners? Thanks.

PS - FWIW, basically we are looking at a choice between a Matrix, P5, or Subaru Impreza TS Wagon.

tom3k

I have the same opinion of the dash display. In the sun with sunlasses on the dials are barely visible. One of the few complaints I have about the car. The brightness of the display is only adjustable at night. Now that I'm used to it, I have no problem seeing what I need to (tach,MPH), but I can't see the odo (still waiting for it to get past the painful 1000 mi break in - only 100 mi to go!) or the outside temp without taking the sunglasses off.

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?

jdts

Guages - contrary to previous posts, you can keep your guages bright during the daytime even if the headlights come on. I have no trouble seeing any of the guages, sunglasses or not. And I have never thought once about glare from the chrome. Milage - first tank 30mpg, second 33.2mpg, third 32+mpg. All mixed driving w/50% AC.

petl

We've had our XR 4WD for about 4 weeks now. Breaking period was difficult but got through it (followed the manufacturer's recommendations). I have no problem reading the dash display in the daytime with the sunlight. Gas mileage has been great (averaging approx. 35 MPG Canadian) with mixed highway/city driving. Having the AC on will have a negative effect on the gas mileage.

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

wilczy

Hey All!
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