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Toyota Matrix

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  • osfan456osfan456 Member Posts: 8
    I think that the mirror would look hella tight on a silver Matrix. Two things, though. Where do you get mirror tinting, and how much does it cost? I've always wanted to do something kinda like that. If you have a digtal camera, post some pics. I'm interested in whatever you do.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    Well if I do get a Matrix and do tinting.....i'll take some pics wiht my digital camera....thanks for the interest....i have no idea what it costs or where to get it..just have to shop around I guess. Nice talking to you!
  • artdechoartdecho Member Posts: 337
    anybody find any pix of the non-GT matrix yet?
    i'm interested to see what it looks like without all the ground effects/chrome wheels etc.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I wonder if the upcoming matrix means that we will not get the new Corolla wagon. Sadly I feel this will be the case. I think the Corolla looks much better - less of a slave to styling.


    http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/CorollaFielder/exterior/images/ex01_svg.jpg


    There is even an AWD version.


    http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/CorollaFielder/exterior/images/ex02_svg.jpg

  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Here is another pic of the Corolla wagon.


    http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/CorollaFielder/exterior/images/ex03_svg.jpg

  • raduga750raduga750 Member Posts: 13
    You are absolutely right IMHO. The Corolla wagon looks much better, and looks more functional too. Where are they being sold?

    I wonder if Toyota is reading these messages...
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    This Corolla is sold in Japan and elsewhere. It is new for this year. The sedan will come here next year as a 2003 model. I wish the wagon would too. One big advantage the Corolla has is efficiency. 32/41 mpg vs 28/34 for the Matrix.


    Here are some pics of the inside, really very similar to the Matrix in terms of useablility.


    http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/CorollaFielder/menu/frame/utility.html

  • jimjpsjimjps Member Posts: 146
    The Fielder is 59.84" high to the top of the rack. The Matrix is about 62"high. The lengths are within 1". I would think the Matrix has a little more interior room. The Fielder styling is a little more to my liking, but I'd prefer the higher roof.
  • osfan456osfan456 Member Posts: 8
    In the October Car and Driver, there's a little preview of the Matrix, along with a more comprehensive look at the Matrix's twin, the Pontiac Vibe. The folks over at C/D seem to like the cars (the Saturn VUE is also mentioned). There was a line in the review that said that there would probably be a facotry installed supercharger on the Pontiac. Does anyone think the same will be true for the Vibe? That may just bump the Matrix up my list (which also includes the SVT Focus, Acura RSX, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Si, and the Subaru WRX (hehe yeah right))a little. Also, how much do you think it'd cost?

    Thanks in advance,

    TJ
    OsFan
  • deliveryguydeliveryguy Member Posts: 11
    whoooooah! corolla wagon??? Now I like that! Great pics...thanks Definitly like the cleaner more simpler styling, might even cost less, but alas your probably right in that they won't bring it over here.. to much hype for the matrix/vibe.

    Probably just like the Honda civic wagon that they will probably never bring over from England because of the CR-V....But maybe if we wish hard enough, just maybe.........
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Fielder is practical but kind of bland. It would not sell well in the US, because it looks like a small minivan. From the rear, it looks a bit like a 3/4 scale Highlander, but the front spoils the overall look, IMO.

    The All Trac was rare, extremely rare. Hard to sell a Celica for $30 grand, especially back then.

    The Matrix is going to be a hit, mark my words. It's aggressive and attractive, more of a sport wagon, with utility to back it up.

    I prefer the Matrix over the Vibe. The Matrix is styled at the sheet metal. The Vibe is accessorized, instead, with cladding.

    C&D claims the AWD version will only have 120hp, which would be a shame. They're going to really miss out on that niche.

    Still, most will want the 180hp 6 speed, and most will actually buy the 130hp automatic FWD model. But the sporty models generate show room traffic.

    Now, Toyota says the Matrix and the RSC concept are rally inspired. Why not get back into WRC and make that mean something? Field a Matrix with AWD and then offer a high-performance AWD model to US buyers as well.

    -juice
  • damax07damax07 Member Posts: 32
    Ateixeira, you do have agood point when you said: "Still, most will want the 180hp 6 speed, and most will actually buy the 130hp automatic FWD model. But the sporty models generate show room traffic."
    In my case, I really want the sport version XRS equipped with the 180HP and the 6speed. I also know that the supply might not be there, in most case, when a new niche of cars are being lauched the manufacturers under-estimate the demand and this will reflect in mark-ups at the dealer. I just hope the price will be affordable as they have been mentionned, otherwise I will opt for the 130HP 5speed.
    Just a thought,

    Damax07
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    I wonder why Toyota put a nav system in a car that isn't really in the high end of their line up. It would be nice to have fun...how fun...but they are expensive and useless for when I'd drive. What do the monthly rates run about for using a nav system? I wish Matrix had more colors...and I wish it used the Celica's Spectra Blue Mica. I really like the Lunar Mist Metallic one...its easy to clean...my mom has a Lunar Mist Avalon. If the price is right..ill get a 4X4 XR auto maybe.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    I saw a picture of production (I assume) red Matrix on the Toyota press site. It's tail lights weren't those neat silver style lones. They were red on the top and a pink on teh bottom...riminiscent of a 1998 Accord color combo. I really loved those silver lights. Maybe they are part of a package?
  • damax07damax07 Member Posts: 32
    Can you be tell me where you saw that picture? Would like to take a look at it.

    Thank you
  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    Pic 1


    Pic 2


    Pic 3


    Pic 4

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's odd. A big billboard at this theatre I go to all the time has the clear lens taillights, and it's a Toyota ad.

    The car is silver, so maybe it goes with certain colors? Or maybe it's only on the top of the line model?

    -juice
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    I was thinking it was model dependent. Those are the photos I saw. I really hope they are clear lenses....I don't like those bland tail lights in those pictures. It definitely needs the tinted windows for style.
  • ravvie4meravvie4me Member Posts: 110
    those clear tail-lights will probably be an aftermarket part sooner or later. Probably from Toyota (or TRD) as they developed the lights in the first place.

    -RAVvie4me
  • romhogromhog Member Posts: 8
    HOW MUCH is this thing going to cost!!! with the GTS engine I bet its going to be 20k +
  • artdechoartdecho Member Posts: 337
    .....still show the ground fx, so must be production version of the xrs model (wheel&tire combo look a bit smaller than the show car too).
    thought the clear lens tail lights might stay for the xrs with regular ones for the lower models.
    still would like to see some pix without the ground effects......
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, but why charge extra? You've already shown the public an eye catching design with clear lenses and tinted windows, so why remove those now?

    I say make 'em both standard. Even people who buy the 120/130hp engine will want the look of the sportier models.

    -juice
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Anyone hear if the Matrix will offer a center arm rest and console? Sure hope this doesn't turn out to be an Echo with a rear hatch in that regard.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    that the 360 view of the interior on the Matrix site shows a center armrest.
  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    It would be consistant to see that many concept model features are not actually produced. In that Matrix case, the clear tails and chrome 18" rims. The silver Matrix with these features that you often see is infact the concept working model. Also notice the wheel gap and ride height. Most of the concept will be built though.
  • cruikshlcruikshl Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 avalon and wish they would make a wagon out of it. My car gets 21 and 29 on regular fuel and has fatastic room. They would sell it to death.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Highlander pretty much fills that gap. The Camry wagon never sold well; Highlander does.

    It would be too bad if they drop the clear lens tail lights. They really finish the look of the car. It looks wrong without them, but that may be because I'm used to looking at the concept.

    -juice
  • mic5000mic5000 Member Posts: 18
    I can't wait to test drive the matrix! I keep flip-flopping between the WRX wagon and this car...I hope the matrix is just as fun to drive! The applealing thing is the possiblity of saving money over the wrx. so excited!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If the budget is a big concern, also check out the Protoge5. The WRX is a fantastic car, but it sips premium fuel, and you don't want to be cutting corners with fuels and/or maintenance on a turbo.

    I'm not sure if the 180hp engine in the Matrix will also require premium, but the base engine has 130hp and similar torque.

    If you can afford one comfortably, though, I'm sure 227hp will bring you the biggest smile.

    -juice
  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    Some strange mis-information flying around for Toyota. Read this...


    "The Voltz, which was developed by Toyota, will be manufactured at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant in Fremont, California, a joint venture with General Motors Corp. The vehicle, based on the Corolla car platform, will go on sale in early 2002. General Motors's version of the model will be called the Vibe in the U.S., with the two models offering similar styling. "


    This was taken from an online article.

    http://www.auto.com/industry/iwiri18_20011018.htm

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's a brit site, right? The name could differ by country.

    -juice
  • vonnyvoncevonnyvonce Member Posts: 129
    Just received my Pontiac Vibe brochure in the mail. Nice so far. In AWD may be my next ride although 2002 V is on my list also. Help me what is ther not to loke about the Matrix/Vibe?
  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    It's published from Detroit Free Press. Very reputable for information. Detroit = USA
    I just can't believe they would screw up this much. Or some schmoe from the Toyota marketing department has no clue.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think that is a name they are using for a concept. I still think the production name will be Matrix.

    -juice
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    The article talks about a vehicle being built for the home market of Japan. The Matrix is not going to be built at Fremont, it is being built at a plant in Canada.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    That article makes it look like Toyota is really positioning itself to create a wide lineup, at least in Japan. I like that WiLL VC thing on the Toyota Japan site. The interior is Spartan, but I like the outside looks.
  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    No doubt it will be called Matrix in US. Toyota would not have marketed so much as to all of a sudden change the name. Is it just me though or is the Auto.com article a bit confusing with the name. They use it in the same paragraph when talking about the Vibe. In any case, Matrix is a much better name.
  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    OK....here is an image from the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. The Toyota Voltz looks like the Pontiac Vibe in Japan? Now I'm really confused.

    http://osx.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2001/10/18/WKA2001101832870_pv.jpg
  • joee1joee1 Member Posts: 16
    The Pontiac Vibe will offer a roof rack.

    Will the Matrix also offer one?
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    What I have seen is that the Matrix and Vibe have completely unique exterior sheet metal, and the Vibe integrated roof rack is not available on the Matrix. Not sure if there will be an aftermarket rack for the Matrix. Again, as far as the Voltz goes (Thanks for finding the link to the picture), since the Matrix is being built in Cambridge Ontario, it makes sense that the Vibe and Voltz built in Fremont California would look the same.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Maybe there is an agreement at NUMMI that the Vibe would be exported to Japan. That would explain this:


    http://www.motorshow.or.jp/cgi-bin/showroom5/comp.cgi?00+E+TOY00079


    Why oh why!!!

  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    Ah yes....the Toyota Cavalier. Seems that for years Japanese and American companies have been working together with switchable names for each product. IE - DSM (Diamond Star Motors) a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. And then there are the interior and exterior swaps. IE - the 2.0L Chrysler enigine in the 95-99 Mitsu Eclipse RS and GS models. The list goes on...

    This all leads me to believe that reliability of a product is not all an issue of maker, but maybe where it is built. Hmmmm.....
  • jvkalrajvkalra Member Posts: 98
    Voltz is simply the name preferred By Toyota Japan for marketing the Vibe clone in Japan. All 3 cars, Matrix, Vibe, and Voltz were designed by Toyota with input for styling of the Pontiac Vibe coming from GM. The Voltz will be exported from Fremont to Japan to show that Toyota doesn't just import cars to the US, it also exports them from the US. The idea of giving the Voltz exposure at the Tokyo Motor Show is to generate demand in Japan, so it doesn't end up a flop like the Toyota Cavalier(made by Chevrolet).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Voltz does look more like the Vibe. I much prefer the cleaner look on the Matrix.

    -juice
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Voltz/Vibe do look much, much better. I can't get passed the Ford Focus wagon on steroids looks of the Matrix.

    I am not into clear taillights, so that's another strike against the Matrix.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Focus has been a great seller. It's also brought in younger buyers to Ford without needing any incentives. By any measure, a sales hit, at least.

    Looks like some models will have traditional tail lights, others won't.

    -juice
  • eclipsegseclipsegs Member Posts: 66
    Ahhh, but let's hope that the Vibe does not have as many recalls as the Focus. New information regarding the Vibe/Voltz on Auto.com today.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm sure it won't have the same number of recalls.

    They're using a Corolla-based chassis, and engines from the Celica line. It's all tried-and-true underpinnings.

    My guess is they will be extremely reliable, with maybe 1 or 2 recalls, tops. Compare that to 5 for the Escape and 13 for the BMW X5.

    -juice
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    I agree. I doubt that the Vibe/Matrix will even get one recall at all. This appears to be a top notch quality vehicle a far cry from the recall-o-rama known as the Ford Focus and some of the most popular VW models.

    Looking forward to the Vibe.
  • driver36driver36 Member Posts: 57
    Hi guys, I have been reading posts regarding Matrix and would love to get one, but I do need a car in 5 months. Can anyone help me out here, to tell me when is the Matrix going to be availalbe. thank you for any feed back :o)

    driver36
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