Toyota Matrix

1…3031333536…64

Comments

  • dayeedayee Member Posts: 6
    The owner's manual recommends not installing window tint (specifically metallic tint) on cars equipped with the navigation system. Does anyone have good or bad experiences to share regarding this?
  • 56795679 Member Posts: 88
    Am I reading this correctly? You can't be serious. Or can you?
  • footiefootie Member Posts: 636
    I don't know where the GPS antenna is in the Matrix, but the owner's manual comment would lead me to believe that it's inside the passenger compartment somewhere.

    Metallic window tints would block the satellites that the antenna could 'see' and limit the NAV systems ability to find your location.
  • hardoohardoo Member Posts: 31
    A post on another board prompted me to consider the following question: what color is the most flattering to the Matrix? While I inherently like the Comic Blue Metallic, I think that the Black does the best job of complementing the Matrix' unconventional looks and highlighting the sportiness in its design. Thoughts?

    P.J.Heff
  • civicwcivicw Member Posts: 135
    A problem with black on any car is that on anything but a bright sunny day, and especially in the evening, the styling kind of becomes less visible. Not to mention the huge hassle of keeping it clean and washed. My preference would be the Cosmic Blue, White, and Silver, in that order.
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Cosmic blue is the best, but closely followed by black and indigo ink (the dark blue).
  • imacumacimacumac Member Posts: 18
    hi i was wondering if the matrix xrs can come with an auto transmission. i have been looking at vibe gt's but they sont seem to carry one with that.....

    thx for info if youve got it !! :)
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    Pontiac elected to not offer the auto with the 180hp engine. Matrix is available with it.
  • 56795679 Member Posts: 88
    Did I miss something? Cosmic blue? Since when?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    is the first color I ever saw in this car - kind of a light blue/silver

    My favorite is the one I got: lunar mist metallic (AKA silver)

    Problem with black cars is also that they really show streaks in the paint, or swirl marks where they have been cleaned, after a very short time. And they are so hot in the sun!

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • matrix123matrix123 Member Posts: 14
    I guess it's a matter of personnal preference. I have a black base Matrix and I'm pretty happy with it. Sure, I have to wash it more often than my wife's ocean blue Altima, but I still like the looks of a black car.
    One thing I really don't like are all the extra external trimmings that come with some XR's and all XRS's.
  • 56795679 Member Posts: 88
    Duh! I thought I was on the Vibe board thus explaining my surprise at the Cosmic Blue. Word is that "Envy" may be replaced with a bright Blue.
  • 1matrix1matrix Member Posts: 47
    I've had my windows tinted all the way around, using Solar Gard Charcoal HP 32 film (semi-metallic), and I've had no problems with my NAV system's functionality.

    1matrix
    2003 Matrix XR 4WD
  • microrepairmicrorepair Member Posts: 508
    We've got the Desert Sand which is a light gold color and have received numerous compliments n the looks of it. Doesn't show the dirt and stays reasonably cool in the sun. Yet still looks "shiny"... Take a look..
  • npgmbrnpgmbr Member Posts: 248
    If I'm correct, you cannot find directions to adjust your headlights in your manual because you are not supposed to.

    That particular freedom is regulated by federal law and if people started directing their headlights any way they saw fit, im sure we'd have a mess on our hands.

    Can't belive you even asked that question.
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Since when does "federally regulated" mean not supposed to adjust? I've seen owner manuals that told owners how to adjust their headlights. In fact, my 00 Accent gave directions to do so. It wasn't a stupid question at all. They can get out of alignment and thus require readjustment.
  • npgmbrnpgmbr Member Posts: 248
    Sorry I guess I was a little harsh in my previous posting. My apologies.

    If you want your headlights adjusted, I'd recommend taking your vehicle back to the dealer and have them do it.

    But of course thats entirely up to you.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    but if it does not tell you to how to aim the headlights, the repair manual certainly will, as well as aftermarket repair books like Chiltons. This is not something that ust be left to "federal regulators" or even dealer shop personnel, you can certainly do it yourself, and your local auto shop will have cheap kits you can use to aim them properly. These lights are top-truncated like most current Toyota models, so as not to blind opposing drivers.

    As far as matrix looks, I am exactly the opposite, isn't that funny? I think the base Matrix looks kind of odd without the rocker sill skirts and the front air dam, and would not have bought this car without them. XR was for me!

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • gooch3gooch3 Member Posts: 2
    College Students in Advertising Campaigns class need to interview Matrix owners about how you view your Matrix. We need all the help we can get and would appreciate your insight. All those interested please post.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    We have the 4WD XR. The owner's manual says the gas tank is 11.9 gallons. I have filled up with 11.1 gallons, but the low fuel warning light had not yet come on. Also, the fuel gauge was not quite down to the E mark. When does your light come on? On our '94 Corolla it comes on when there still is 3+ gallons in the tank (13.2 gallon tank).

    Have had the car (lunar mist) for 3 weeks now, and have close to 800 on the odometer. Have driven back roads to keep under 55 mph. First tank was 29.5 mpg; second tank was 27.5 mpg. I have experienced the unreadability of the display while wearing sunglasses -- especially radio, odometer, outside temp. I now wear my prescription gasses with the self-darkening lenses. It's a German lens that claims 50 percent tinting inside a vehicle, and so far that has been enough on very sunny days. Still, I think it's a problem Toyota should address.
  • rpgropperpgroppe Member Posts: 24
    Just brought my base Matrix into the dealer for service today. Noticed that the brakes were making some EXTREMELY weird noises.

    They squeaked and made a bubbling sound when I would brake at low speed. The dealer won't get to work on it until Monday, anyone else have a brake problem?
  • dvd9dvd9 Member Posts: 22
    I have a Cosmic Blue 4wd XR for more than 2 mos now. It has about 4,300 miles.

    My low fuel light indicator usually comes on when fuel needle is in middle of lower 1/4 marker. The car obtains about 27 mpg city/highway combine.

    I am using Mobil 1 oil.

    In my opinion you should set your light sensitivity at top horizontal mark. This will leave the instrumentation light at its brightest. At other marks, the instrumentation tends to be washed out by the sun.

    Have fun with your Matrix. I have a lot of fun with my Matrix. Can wait till winter so I can test the 4wd system.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    a 2WD, which has about 1200 miles on it now. Have had no problem at all with the brakes - I am getting about 33 mpg in mixed driving - my gas light comes on with 2.5 gallons to go, same as the other post - about halfway down the last quarter on the gauge.

    Maybe they made a mistake with yours, and put in the 13.2 gallon tank? If it were me, I might try testing just how far I could drain that tank, bearing in mind to stay close to a gas station!

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    Thanks dvd9 and nippononly. I thought the 4WD system necessitated the smaller tank. Could they even fit a 13.2 gallon tank in the 4WD? I'll have the dealer check the low-fuel light when I take it in for service. Maybe I should also ask them to check the size of the tank. (Is there any way to tell from looking at the car if it is 4WD, other than from the 4WD logo on the back? Maybe they also should check to make sure it IS the 4WD model :)
  • 56795679 Member Posts: 88
    I am presently on E (base Vibe) and no warning light. (filled the tank on Labour Day!)
  • gooch3gooch3 Member Posts: 2
    Would anyone be interested in answering a few questions via e-mail about the Matrix? If so please e-mail me at mlocci1@pride.hofstra.edu. It would help a great deal and will take about 5 min of your time. Thank you.
  • 56795679 Member Posts: 88
    Spotted the "fuel warning light"—a little lit dot that may well have been on but I hadn't noticed it, expecting a lit gas pump icon or something.
    Anyhow, 44L/661.3 Km is comforting.
  • bangbangjedibangbangjedi Member Posts: 1
    You can see the car here...


    http://www.auto-g.jp/news/200209/13/newcar01/index.html


    I like it. Too bad it isn't coming out here. It was actually released in Japan and Europe. It's known as the Caldina in Japan and as the Avensis or Avensis Verso in Europe. Now, if it would only come out in the U.S. it would be all good. But this is not to say that the Matrix is a bad car. I love the Matrix.

  • civicwcivicw Member Posts: 135
    I was helping a friend buy a Matrix today, and he was fortunate that the dealer had almost every color (except the gold) lined up. The salesman said that his favorite colors were Lunar Mist and Cosmic Blue because they clearly showed the contours and styling of the Matrix. All the other colors, including White were not so clear in that regard.

    Today was a typical California sunny day, and it was obvious to both me and my friend that the salesman was right on. My friend ended up buying a base Lunar Mist, even though he had originally planned to get the Indigo Blue.

    Incidentally, he wanted to get the XR for it's height adjustable driver's seat, among other things, but didn't care for the XR body add-ons. So he bought the base. Those marketing dorks at Toyota have sure screwed up by including the body add-ons on every XR.
  • 56795679 Member Posts: 88
    What are those?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    the sport package - extended rocker sills and skirts, as well as the air dams front and rear. These are actually not technically part of the XR trim level, they are optional sport and sport upgrade packages, but try to find one equipped without them! In my experience, that has been impossible.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • 56795679 Member Posts: 88
    Are the air dams cosmetic or functional?
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    That car is sweet looking! It looks like an extended-wheelbase Matrix with European styling. I like it a lot. The roof doesn't look as ungainly tall as it does on the Matrix and Aerio. This is the sort of car that could drive people slowly away from SUVs. I think Toyota should investigate bringing it over here.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    I'm used to the little dot from the '94 Corolla. I called the dealer and will take it in on Thursday. At first I was told that it would say on the window sticker if my Matrix had a low fuel light. It's not on the sticker, but it is clear in the brochures about the Matrix that the low fuel light is standard even on the base model. I assume this is true for the Vibe, too. Then I was told that it has to get VERY low before the light would come on -- not the experience of others in this forum. I also was told that the tank may be 11.9 gallons, but if I put 11.9 gallons in the tank it wouldn't be empty because there is a reserve on top of the capacity. I supposedly could put 12.9 gallons or more into an 11.9 gallon tank. Is that true?

    Anyway, I hadn't planned to bring it in this soon, but I noticed a quarter-sized splotch of residue on the garage floor this morning. From the smell I can tell that it's not water from the AC and that it also isn't coolant. Because it is light in color, the service rep thought it would be engine oil rather than brake fluid or transmission fluid.

    We get a yellowish dust over the dark gray center console when we use the fan at full blast, with or without AC. I've asked them to check this, too. Anyone else experience this?

    Finally, there is a little shiny black cup that I found in the turnaround on the passenger side of the vehicle. It's flexible enough that you can squeeze it together, so I'm wondering if it's a covering that fell off of something. We haven't scraped the bottom, so it would have just fallen off. They're supposed to determine if it came from the car. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

    Thanks for the input!
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    are non-functional, purely cosmetic. I would not have had this car without them - they complete the look for me.

    You cannot put 12.9 gallons in an 11.9-gallon tank - this is plain nonsense told to you by someone who wanted to get you off the phone. Sounds like your low-fuel light is not working.

    Haven't experienced the dust, I am not losing any fluids, and what is the "turnaround"? I don't know of any shiny plastic cup on this car, but maybe it is something I haven't noticed?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    Sorry for not being precise. I was talking about the turnaround in my driveway. The little black cup resembles a boot cover but is not as rounded. It wasn't there one morning when I went out to get the newspaper. I noticed it later the same morning just after my wife backed the car out of the garage and into the turnaround before moving forward to go to work. Yes, I suspect the low fuel light isn't working and that the service department doesn't want to deal with it because it's not easy to fix if the problem is with the sensor itself. I may follow nippononly's suggestion and drive it until the light comes on or it runs out of gas, whichever comes first. Probably will invest in a gas can with built-in funnel....
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    That gas can thing, I mean.

    This could be a very difficult and expensive repair, if the problem is actually in the fuel tank where the sensor for the little light is located.

    And since it will be covered for you by warranty, the dealer that repairs it will have to settle for the reduced labor rates it gets to charge to the manufacturer for repairs made under warranty.

    I am so curious to hear what this little black cup turns out to be! I don't think this car has any little black cups that can either drop out or drop off, but I am no expert on everything attached to the underside of this thing.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    I believe it is one of two plugs that the dealer installs under the car to fill in holes used for tie down during shipping. About 2" in length about 1/2" deep. If you crawl under the car, somewhere you will find a matching size hole that the oposite side has a plus in. I think.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    The cup is cylindrical with one side open (like a tiny drinking glass). It is about 5/8" in diameter, and just slightly over 1/2" deep.
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    The Caldina also has a little brother (or sister if you like) in Europe called and Avensis Verso...

    check it out. Looks pretty familiar huh?


    http://www.autoweb.com.au/A_1464/newcartest.html

  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    I didn't get many answers yesterday, but they said my Matrix definitely is 4WD and has the smaller gas tank.
    Diagnostic shows that the car has a circuit for a low fuel light, but they say there is no way to test it to make sure it actually works. I'm supposed to keep driving till the light comes on, which they claim should be on the empty mark or below instead of a hair above the empty mark. They again talked of the "reserve" in the fuel tank that allows more gallons than capacity.
    They didn't find any fluid leaks and couldn't explain the splotch I found. They speculated that the yellow dust was pollen from having sat on the lot for a few days before we picked it up, and that does seem reasonable to me. And the black cup, whatever it is, didn't come off of the Matrix.
    The last couple of days I've not been using A/C, but I'm still getting drips and a puddle puddle of water -- though a much smaller puddle than when the A/C is on. I've checked the controls. The temperature is in the middle setting -- not hot and not cold. Neither the A/C button nor the recycle button is on. The fan is on the lowest setting. It has to be water because it doesn't smell like anything else, and it evaporates quickly. What's going on?
    Thanks in advance.
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Another neat car! Man, Toyota offers some truly unique and interesting cars in other parts of the world. The Avensis Verso reminds me of my Aerio SX (though it is not as sporty looking) and more importantly, the Mitsubishi Expo. I loved that car's roomy and functional interior and was wondering when someone would come back out with a similar design. With the ability to seat 7 or carry more cargo when only carrying 5 and still be small on the outside, I would definitely buy this car over the larger Sienna. The Sienna is too big and bulky for my use, but the Avensis is just right. With minivans becoming larger and larger, there needs to be a smaller wagon that can slot under them. The Avensis would be perfect! And that interior looks like it came right out of a Lexus! Very luxurious. Toyota, please look into bringing this car or the Caldina over!
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    I drove a Verso when I was in Denmark and I can tell you first hand it is a very nice vehicle...reminds me a lot of the Matrix but does not have the high flash 'Pontiac' interior which tends to cheapen the vehicle...IMHO...and I can say that because I own one. I love the very plain high end looking interior of the new Corolla...kudos to Toyota on that design, it is very European looking and very tastefully done.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    My low fuel light came on over the weekend with the needle ABOVE the empty mark. The needle wasn't as high as reported by dvd9 and nippononly, but there still was a gap between the needle and E. I filled the tank with slightly LESS gasoline than before, when the needle was grazing the empty mark without the light having come on. I am optimistic that the light will continue to work, but I still must question some of the information I was given.
  • vonnyvoncevonnyvonce Member Posts: 129
    herzogtum71: Perhaps you have fan on and vent setting to either defrost or defrost/floor. With the fan on these modes this will engage the ac with the idea that this helps defrost the windshield. If you want ac truly off in these modes leave the fan off. There is no other way. Also if ambient temperature is below a certain number (guessing 35-40) compressor may not come on despite mode/fan selection. It would just be too cold and ac system will not call for cooling.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Toyota low fuel lights come on so that you still have enough gas to go 50 miles or more.

    How much gas did you put in to fill it up when the low fuel light came on?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    It was 11.10 gallons this time -- 3 miles after the light came on. Last time, when the light didn't come on, it was 11.15 gallons. (Filling the tank in precisely the same manner each time is, I know, an imprecise art.) That means I could drive another 25 miles or so after the light comes on. Not factoring in the "reserve" of course.... The service rep said the low fuel light is tied to the needle on the gas gauge, but I have heard elsewhere that it is independent of the gas gauge.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    "Extra reserve" beyond the capacity of the fuel tank is a bunch of bosh - I can't believe anyone would even try to sell you that line! Imagine if you believed him/her and then were off in the middle of nowhere when you did that! Very irresponsible.

    I have not updated my technical expertise in this area in more than a decade, but in older Toyotas, the fuel light sensor was independent of the gauge itself.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • hardoohardoo Member Posts: 31
    I am looking to buy a car in the next year that is stylish, functional, and reliable, so the Matrix is obviously on my list. I have little doubt of its reliability, as I trust Toyota quality and the Corolla platform on which the car is built. And while some are critical, I love the functionality of its plastic rear surfaces, helping homeowners clean up after Home Depot runs for paint and garden supplies. The one area in which the Matrix is questionable according to taste is its styling, and I have been struck recently by how different the vehicle looks depending on its paint color. It seems to me that light colors really accentuate the eccentricities of its styling, emphasizing its tall center and flat sides. Conversely, dark colors, such as the black and indigo ink, do a better job of muting out those design elements while highlighting its sporty stance. Perhaps more than any car on the road, and certainly more than any other vehicle on my list, the Matrix' styling is shaped by the color in which it is painted.

    P.J.Heff
  • hurler4hurler4 Member Posts: 104
    I was just wondering if anyone has test-driven both the auto and 6-speed versions of the XRS. I'm thinking that the automatic might be a little faster because it has 4 speeds and won't need to shift as often. For those who have driven the automatic, how is it off the line? I keep hearing how there is no low-end torque.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.