If you are looking for a 7 seater, you are definitely in the wrong vehicle segment. We have a 4WD Matrix and an XLE Camry (4cyl). Both are solid and offer passenger comfort for 4 adults. The Camry is a bit quieter, quicker, has a slightly roomier back seat and more trunk space (it's about 1 foot longer than the Matrix). The Matrix is much more functional, has better traction in snow and ice conditions and has a whole lot of character.
The ideal vehicle for me would be to combine the 2. Toyota has one in Japan called the Caldina. Until it is offered over here I'm quite happy driving the Matrix (even if you took away the Camry). It suits our needs (we don't need a vehicle that seats nor do we want 7 passengers) . However, it doesn't appear to meet yours. Good luck.
I'd get a Honda Odyssey. I hear the Sienna is a good car but I'm more of a Honda / Mazda guy and the new Sienna looks to me like it got a real good going-over with the ugly stick.
I got excited when I read in Motor Trend that the new Scion Xc was going to be the Caldina.. http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/caldina Unfortunately Toyota has decided that the Xc would become the tC for COUPE leaving us without a wagon larger than the Matrix. I like the WISH because even though it does have 7 seats it is smaller than either the MPV/Ody/Sienna which have 6 cylinder engines. The WISH uses a 2.0 liter 4. I would think the WISH would be super pratical having the 3rd row of seats for the once a year time I would need it. Motor Trend http://www.motortrend.com/features/news/112_news10/ shows the WISH as the second best seller in Japan. The Matrix called the Voltz or something like that doesn't even show. Just looking for something pratical and not as small as the Matrix.
The Caldina is only 40mm less length, 45mm less width yet 155mm lower than the WISH. I would think that the Caldina would sit too low even lower than the Matrix.
Other options..Honda in Japan sells the Stream http://world.honda.com/news/2003/4031127.html which reported will come to our shores as the Latitude in 2005. It also sits 7 BUT is on the Civic chassis. These are not large wagons. Again you will have the back seat IF needed. Honda has also introduced their JDM Odyssey http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2003/auto/odyssey/index.html for the Japan market. It was such a hit that Thomas Elliott executive VP for American Honda stated that it may come here as an Acura. These machines are all powered by 4cyl engines. They are not large vehicles yet larger than the Matrix which was why I asked Matrix owners if they were satisfied with the size or would have preferred something larger..
There also is something similar to the Wish called the Corolla Fielder: http://www.ramadbk.com/stock/13472.html It's not the same car, 5-seater vs. 7-seater, is it? Also, there's a Camry wagon still sold in Australia. Not sold in NA because people want SUVs. I understand where vcarreras is coming from. The Matrix is a good vehicle and comfortable for 5 adults, but the cargo space is pretty small. It's pretty tight when a family of 4 goes on vacation. I'm now looking for something with a bit bigger cargo room than my '94 Corolla wagon. The RAV4 is smaller, and I don't want anything as big as the Highlander or Sienna. So I'm leaning toward the Subaru Outback wagon. Someone suggested in a previous post that Toyota would begin to market something in NA between the Matrix and RAV4, and that the only way it makes sense is if the RAV4 is slated for redesign that would make it a bit longer. With all the vehicles they already market here, it's hard to believe there is room for another one. But this might just be a market they aren't tapping right now.
You are totally correct herzogtum71 in looking for something more pratical than the Martix. Something to get out on the road with enough luggage room. This is why the WISH would seem better. I'm suprised that Toyota would market the smaller Matrix over the Wish thinking that the Wish would not be that much more expensive. Maybe GM had something to do with that with the Vibe.
All sorts of rumors are going around about what both Honda and Toyota will market here in the next few years. It does look like either sport wagons (Mercedes just announcing plus the Mazda6 Sport wagon) and minivans selling better could improve the market. Toyota seems to have every SUV possible and now Honda introducing their new truck at the NAIAS in Detroit. Now maybe they will look at the Wish/Avensis Verso/Stream-Latitude or JDM Odyssey to bring here..
But only needed to seat 4, I'd look at an Element. If I really need to seat 5, I still think that a minivan is the way to go. The biggest car I've owned in the last few years was a 2002 Accord EX and whil it could caryy 5, I wouldn't make it a habit.
IMO, if you're going to be carrying lots of people around with any frequency at all, then 2 people per row is a good rule of thumb. For short trips of 20 miles or so, or for infrequent long trips of 100 miles or so, you can cram more people into the car but the thought of toting 5 people in a "5 passenger" car or SUV seems unpleasant...unless 3 of the passengers are smurfs or something.
I purchased a Silver 04 Toyota Matrix XR and asked for 1/2 of the dealer holdback below invoice and MSRP of $18,250 or so. So I purchased the vehicle for $17,386 with services and taxes included. The car has CD, fog lights, All Weather Guard Package, driving lamps, front and rear Underbody spoiler, carpet floor mats (yippee--we bought some rubber Car & Driver Mats that can take Illinois weather). No sunroof or all-wheel drive. To be specific, the MSRP was $16,980 and the Optionals were $677.00 for a total of $17922.00 with a $250 MSRP discount, whatever that means.
But I wanted a Matrix for the storage room in back with seats down and the practicality of the hard plastic surface for bikes, bird scopes, etc.
The Mazda Protege--the other car I looked at-- seat fold-downs by comparison were ridiculuous. You had to pull seat cushions out and all kinds of rigamarole. Plus the gas mileage was lower. I'm getting around 30 in the Matrix in city driving pretty consistently.
I wish the Matrix was a hybrid: that would be an ideal car.
Sad thing is: I wanted to deal with a nice young kid at the dealership but didn't make an appointment so he had to take another customer over us. We waited and then got dumped to a surlier sort who thumped the papers down and said "What will it take for you to buy this car?" That's why I didn't feel bad about asking for the dealer holdback below invoice. Perhaps I should have gone for it all...
The Element is only 2-3 cubic feet larger behind the rear seat than the Matrix. The Matrix is actually slightly larger than the Element with the rear seats folded down. But both of them are considerably smaller than the old Corolla wagon in terms of cargo capacity. There's not much out there in the low $20K's with cargo room, adequate headroom and leg room, good track record for reliability, fuel efficiency, safety features like ABS and full head restraints in the rear seat, and top scores on crash tests. You would think that SUV's, being as big as they are, would have tons of cargo space. But it's not usually the case.
Matrix has about 53 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats down. The Element has 77 cubic feet which means that the Element has about 45% more cargo room. That's quite a bit if you ask me.
Sorry about that. I was reading the wrong column on the Honda website. The 2WD elements have 25.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and the 4WD's have 25.9. With the rear seat folded down, the 2WD's have 74.6 and the 4WD's 77.1 cubic feet. The reason I didn't pursue the Element when I first started looking a couple of months ago is the figure behind the rear seats. For a family of four, you need space for luggage in addition to passengers. The '94 Corolla wagon has 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat, which was manageable but not always easy. So I couldn't consider anything smaller, especially after trying to fit everything into the back of the Matrix on a couple of occasions.
The Subaru Forester has about 32 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats up. If you can tolerate the puny amount of rear leg room, it may be an option.
A 90-minute trip in a friend's Forester with 3 adults and 2 pre-teens was not exactly comfortable. So the Forester isn't a vehicle I am pursuing, mainly because the rear seat is pretty tight. If I go with Subaru, it would be the Outback wagon.
Rode in a friends Element EX yesterday. There were 4 riding and it had plenty of power. Also a super nice audio system. However boy does it look CHEAP with PLASTIC thoughout. Also no arm rest for front seat passanger. Honda how could you...
Hi, I'd like opinions on which model I should get. Situation: I live in the "flatlands" and will buy here, but spend some time in western Pennsylvania (USA)where there are some good-sized hills and snowy winters. I've test driven an AWD Matrix. It did just fine on the flat terrain, but I've read it runs out of steam on hills. Am wondering if I would be better off with the FW model and a good set of snow tires. The car would be primarily a grocery-getter driven by someone with no interest in setting speed records, no commuting is involved and the location in PA is in town (just mentioning that because if it was out on a farm, AWD would be more important). Thanks!
I don't think that you'll notice too much of a performance difference between the FWD and the 4WD....they're both realy slow. If I didn't mind the lack of power, I'd go with the AWD. The better traction is seen in all kinds of weather, not just the snow.
Check out Tirerack.com to price out a snow tire and wheel package for a Matrix...they aren't cheap. About $500-600, for that much I'd just step up to the AWD...it'll probably have slightly better resate value as well.
We have the 2003 4WD. It downshifted to 2nd gear on the huge hill bypassing Wheeling, WV, on I270. But it didn't run out of steam and was able to maintain the speed limit (70 mph if I remember correctly). Also no problem on 2-lane roads in the Berkshires. But if you want something that will handle all grades in high gear, you won't get it in this vehicle.
I think you're exagerating a bit. My miata has a 1.8L engine and it climbs any hill just fine with the cruise on. Of course it's a 6-speed pushing over 500 fewer lbs but...
I think people were referring to cars with similar cargo capacities to Matrix, like SUVs and wagons for instance. Obviously any sports cars will be able to scale giant hills in top gear! :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Thanks so much for your comments in re the Matrix's performance. I have a lot more confidence now that it will do the job for me. I especially appreciate herzogtum71's comments about driving on two-laners in the Berkshires, because that's the kind of conditions I'll be in a lot of the time. Just want to get from point A to point B and keep up with traffic. And thel's points about difference between the FWD and AWD versions are really helpful as well.
Hi, I am considering getting a Matrix but was concerned about the Toyota engine sludge problem. Is it a problem with these engines? if not, which engines are effected. I have seen at least one post on a consumer affairs web site saying it happened with a Cammry. I have always used regular oil, has anyone heard if synthetic oil could cure the problem? I am assuming synthetic can take more heat.
in a rental corolla right now - brand new LE, had 3 miles on the odo when I drove it out of there. It has the standard Goodyear Integritys, and I am surprised how much this car plows when you try and turn - it is light enough I would expect it to be more limber. The difference in handling between this car and my Matrix is even more dramatic than the difference in handling between the Matrix XR and XRS.
I know the Integrity is a fairly mediocre tire chosen mostly for its cheapness. My Matrix has the ContiTouringContacts on it. Not being a tire expert, I wonder how these Continentals compare with other touring/performance tires out there...are they also chosen for cheapness, or are they midpack performance-wise? Can't wait to get my Trix back... :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
for the same reason any other car company choses a tire....they are the cheapest bidder. The Potenza RE92s on my Matrix XRS are the second weakest feature on my car next to the shifter. They're too wide for the snow and the don't get power to the road very well on dry pavement when you push the car either.
With a high performance summer tire, I think that the Matrix could be a much better performer. Maybe some Yokohama ES100s like i have on my Miata....anyway, the point is there is no all-season tire that will perform well at the "limits". Some all-seasons are better than other but none are anywhere near as good as a summer tire.
If I could afford it, I'd get summer tires for early spring-late fall and some winter tires on 16" steel wheels for the snow. That would make the car a much better performer.
All that said, I wouldn't care at all if I had an XR....not enough power to worry about getting to the pavement there.
I just took delivery on a 4WD Matrix yesterday. I was pretty pleased with the feel on the drive home from the dealer except for one thing - I felt every bump in the road. The test drive was on fairly smooth roads, so I didn't notice any problems. I also drove a 2WD at a different dealer, and we did go over some potholes; it felt just fine. I'm feeling a bit discouraged at how rough the ride was. Is there a problem with my particular vehicle, or is this the "nature of the beast"?
What are you comparing the ride to? We have the AWD, and to get to the town center from where we live requires about a mile on a pretty bumpy road. I "feel" the road, but I wouldn't describe the ride as uncomfortable. The 4WD does have a different rear suspension than the 2WD, which may explain why it feels different than the 2WD you test-drove. 4WD has double-wishbone rear suspension, while the 2WD has a torsion beam rear suspension.
Hi, I bought a '04 XR/awd two weeks ago and have really enjoyed the car. I don't understand why some people seem to bash this car in other forums. I didn't buy the car to be a rocket and in my opinion the power is adequate. As a matter of fact, around town driving feels no different than my no-torque Honda S2000. Some things that I need to have checked out though...
1)The steering wheel is slightly off-center. The car does track straight so this is obviously an assembly error. I've read in other forums that this has been a common problem for the Matrix/Vibe. My S2000 has the same problem but the Matrix is more noticeable.
2)When driving with the radio off, I hear a slight almost "turbo-whine" sound between about 30-40 mph and then it goes away. I don't know if this is common to all or has to do with the awd system or is a problem, so if some other owners could listen for this and let me know, I would appreciate it. I'll have it checked out during my first service and also report the dealer's answer.
3)Rattle to the left of the dash. I understand that the '03s had some rattles with the instrument surrounds, but my sound seems to come from the left, near the vent/hatch release area.
Thanks for any input. Again I will report the diagnosis from the dealer so that maybe we can build a "knowledgebase" of issues. I do still seem to wish that the steering wheel would telescope, but other than that I think these are great cars. Who cares what the non-owners think.
Now that the holidays are over I'm back to looking at replacement vehicles. Even after test driving the new Mazda 3 I still like the Matrix the best of all. Surprised me too. ;-) The last Corolla I drove was back in '99 and I absolutly hated the way it drove but this car actually handles pretty well. Toyota has VASTLY improved.
Anyway this surprised me, apparently ABS and Side Air bags are hard to come by on a Matrix XR FWD auto in my region (I'm in the Chicago area). However a Matrix with the moon roof and upgraded stereo isn't hard at all to find. Hmmmmm Any ideas as to why people wouldn't be ordering their cars with these safety items? I know there's a sizeable population of people that dislike ABS but I didn't think it was that large. It's also not like these features are THAT much more.
So it looks like to get the car I want I'm going to need to order it. Which is fine by me I'm not in a huge rush.
I'm already dead set on ordering one with the ABS but I'm curious, do the side air bags make a difference in this car in a side collision? Do they reach up to protect your head or do they just protect your torso? I do know this vehicle already gets excellent safety ratings but I don't know if the side air bags contributed to that at all or not. Anyone know or know how I can find this out? The Matrix did get great crash test scores all around . . .
If not I'm undecided if I'll go ahead with that option or not. It would be a selling point for the car later and an extra security blanket while I own it if nothing else . . . *shrugs*
I have had rattles from both A-pillar panels, which the dealer was able to cure by stuffing padding underneath. Could your rattle be that high up?
Hav never heard a whine at 40mph, and my steering wheel is straight. Make sure to have the dealer correct that latter. You shouldn't have to accept that.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I agree. I have an '03 Matrix AWD. Steering is straight. No whine. Tell your service people it isn't normal. About the ABS question -- with Toyota (at least in the Boston area) it's dealers who order the cars configured as they want. Customers can simply put dibs on what the dealer has coming in.
I have been looking at Toyota Prius and Honda CR-V, but saw Matrix and took it for a spin. Can't get it out of my mind even though it seemed small for carrying around 2 kids and their gear. Anyone use their Matrix for a family vehicle? Do you feel like you have enough room? How much "stuff" can go in back with back seats up? Many posters here comment of the great carrying space with the seats down, but that won't work for me with kids in the car. Sure was fun to drive, and the price is right.
I've found the Matrix to be a bit too small for me. If I had 2 kids, I wouldn't consider anything smaller than a CR-V if you make any longish trips at all.
in the Matrix is tight, which is why I am looking for a bigger wagon to replace my '94 Corolla. I took the Matrix on a 2000 mile round trip with two teenage daughters, and also had my wife's luggage in the car. (She flew due to work schedule.) It's a tight squeeze to fit luggage for four, winder coats, boots, etc., in the back of the Matrix. (Don't even think about using the tonneau cover.) Summer trips would be more manageable since you would be hauling less gear. In terms of passenger space, though, the Matrix is quite comfortable for 4 good-sized people. We once even had 5 adults in our Matrix for a 90-minute trip, and no one was uncomfortable. My issue is only with the cargo area.
If space is the only drawback you see and you really like the Matrix otherwise, maybe you would want to consider the Pontiac Vibe. Same car as the Matrix but different detailing. The Vibe comes with a roof rack. A luggage carrier combined with the space already in the back of the car might give you enough room.
The Matrix will feel as roomy as the CRV. but is roomier than the RAV. It is actually approx. 6 inches longer than the RAV (we traded ours for an XR 4WD). Compare the 2
Cargo CRV - *32, Matrix 28
Front shoulder - CRV - *57, Matrix 53
Front leg - CRV - *40, Matrix - *40
Front head - CRV - 4.5, Matrix - *6.5
Rear shoulder - CRV - *56.5, Matrix - 52
Rear leg CRV - *30, Matrix - 28
Rear head - CRV - 4, Matrix - *5.5
One thing to remember, the CRV is an SUV while the Matrix is a fancy Corolla wagon. You will not feel cramped in the Matrix and it is the most functionnal vehicle we have ever owned. Fuel economy and insurance costs may be more for the CRV. Consumer Reports ranks the Matrix/Vibe ahead of the CRV and just behind the Forester and the RAV. Either vehicle would be a good choice. Good luck.
If one wishes to believe that the Matrix is just as big as a CR-V that's fine I suppose...but it is delusional. Sit in both, ride in both, drive in both, the CR-V is bigger.
Thanks for adding the max. gargo figures. I didn't say it was as big as. I said it FEELS as roomy as. Fact... four adults can sit comfortably in the Matrix. Both have their strong points and weak points. I prefer to let the consumer decide which vehicle best suits their needs. To Peggylou try them both then choose. Good Luck.
It's most likely the same AWD that is on the RAV4, since both the Matrix and RAV4 are built on same platform. The AWD system on these two models use a viscous coupling unit. Do a google search on it or VCU and you should come up with more info on it.
The 4WD system on the Matrix is different than the one on the RAV (we've owned both). The front wheels drive (propel) the Matrix 4WD. The rear wheels will only engage once the front wheels start to slip (viscous coupling). This system is similar to the CRV's. The RAV's system has the 4 wheels engaged all the time. Incidentally the Matrix and the RAV are not built on the same platform.
Correct me if I'm wrong on this, nippononly .... The 4WD Matrix is full-time 4WD with, if I remember correctly, 90% of power to the front wheels and 10% to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. When there is slipping, more power is directed to the rear as needed. Whatever the system is, it works quite well!
As described in Toyota Canada's web site, the Matrix 4WD system (called V-flex) is a front wheel drive system that will automatically provide 4-wheel drive traction when required (when the front wheels slip). The system is seamless and works extremely well.
Comments
The ideal vehicle for me would be to combine the 2. Toyota has one in Japan called the Caldina. Until it is offered over here I'm quite happy driving the Matrix (even if you took away the Camry). It suits our needs (we don't need a vehicle that seats nor do we want 7 passengers) . However, it doesn't appear to meet yours. Good luck.
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/caldina Unfortunately Toyota has decided that the Xc would become the tC for COUPE leaving us without a wagon larger than the Matrix. I like the WISH because even though it does have 7 seats it is smaller than either the MPV/Ody/Sienna which have 6 cylinder engines. The WISH uses a 2.0 liter 4. I would think the WISH would be super pratical having the 3rd row of seats for the once a year time I would need it. Motor Trend http://www.motortrend.com/features/news/112_news10/ shows the WISH as the second best seller in Japan. The Matrix called the Voltz or something like that doesn't even show. Just looking for something pratical and not as small as the Matrix.
Other options..Honda in Japan sells the Stream http://world.honda.com/news/2003/4031127.html which reported will come to our shores as the Latitude in 2005. It also sits 7 BUT is on the Civic chassis. These are not large wagons. Again you will have the back seat IF needed. Honda has also introduced their JDM Odyssey http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2003/auto/odyssey/index.html for the Japan market. It was such a hit that Thomas Elliott executive VP for American Honda stated that it may come here as an Acura. These machines are all powered by 4cyl engines.
They are not large vehicles yet larger than the Matrix which was why I asked Matrix owners if they were satisfied with the size or would have preferred something larger..
http://www.ramadbk.com/stock/13472.html
It's not the same car, 5-seater vs. 7-seater, is it? Also, there's a Camry wagon still sold in Australia. Not sold in NA because people want SUVs.
I understand where vcarreras is coming from. The Matrix is a good vehicle and comfortable for 5 adults, but the cargo space is pretty small. It's pretty tight when a family of 4 goes on vacation. I'm now looking for something with a bit bigger cargo room than my '94 Corolla wagon. The RAV4 is smaller, and I don't want anything as big as the Highlander or Sienna. So I'm leaning toward the Subaru Outback wagon. Someone suggested in a previous post that Toyota would begin to market something in NA between the Matrix and RAV4, and that the only way it makes sense is if the RAV4 is slated for redesign that would make it a bit longer. With all the vehicles they already market here, it's hard to believe there is room for another one. But this might just be a market they aren't tapping right now.
The Corolla Fiedler actually looks like the Avensis which is built in GB and is now going to Japan. http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/avensis The Fiedler front looks similar to the Avensis.
All sorts of rumors are going around about what both Honda and Toyota will market here in the next few years. It does look like either sport wagons (Mercedes just announcing plus the Mazda6 Sport wagon) and minivans selling better could improve the market. Toyota seems to have every SUV possible and now Honda introducing their new truck at the NAIAS in Detroit. Now maybe they will look at the Wish/Avensis Verso/Stream-Latitude or JDM Odyssey to bring here..
IMO, if you're going to be carrying lots of people around with any frequency at all, then 2 people per row is a good rule of thumb. For short trips of 20 miles or so, or for infrequent long trips of 100 miles or so, you can cram more people into the car but the thought of toting 5 people in a "5 passenger" car or SUV seems unpleasant...unless 3 of the passengers are smurfs or something.
But I wanted a Matrix for the storage room in back with seats down and the practicality of the hard plastic surface for bikes, bird scopes, etc.
The Mazda Protege--the other car I looked at-- seat fold-downs by comparison were ridiculuous. You had to pull seat cushions out and all kinds of rigamarole. Plus the gas mileage was lower. I'm getting around 30 in the Matrix in city driving pretty consistently.
I wish the Matrix was a hybrid: that would be an ideal car.
Sad thing is: I wanted to deal with a nice young kid at the dealership but didn't make an appointment so he had to take another customer over us. We waited and then got dumped to a surlier sort who thumped the papers down and said "What will it take for you to buy this car?" That's why I didn't feel bad about asking for the dealer holdback below invoice. Perhaps I should have gone for it all...
How'd I do?
There's not much out there in the low $20K's with cargo room, adequate headroom and leg room, good track record for reliability, fuel efficiency, safety features like ABS and full head restraints in the rear seat, and top scores on crash tests. You would think that SUV's, being as big as they are, would have tons of cargo space. But it's not usually the case.
The reason I didn't pursue the Element when I first started looking a couple of months ago is the figure behind the rear seats. For a family of four, you need space for luggage in addition to passengers. The '94 Corolla wagon has 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat, which was manageable but not always easy. So I couldn't consider anything smaller, especially after trying to fit everything into the back of the Matrix on a couple of occasions.
Check out Tirerack.com to price out a snow tire and wheel package for a Matrix...they aren't cheap. About $500-600, for that much I'd just step up to the AWD...it'll probably have slightly better resate value as well.
You have to make this car rev high sometimes, but it never has inadequate power.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Happy new year to all!
Sara
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38921
I know the Integrity is a fairly mediocre tire chosen mostly for its cheapness. My Matrix has the ContiTouringContacts on it. Not being a tire expert, I wonder how these Continentals compare with other touring/performance tires out there...are they also chosen for cheapness, or are they midpack performance-wise? Can't wait to get my Trix back... :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
With a high performance summer tire, I think that the Matrix could be a much better performer. Maybe some Yokohama ES100s like i have on my Miata....anyway, the point is there is no all-season tire that will perform well at the "limits". Some all-seasons are better than other but none are anywhere near as good as a summer tire.
If I could afford it, I'd get summer tires for early spring-late fall and some winter tires on 16" steel wheels for the snow. That would make the car a much better performer.
All that said, I wouldn't care at all if I had an XR....not enough power to worry about getting to the pavement there.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Thanks,
Elby
1)The steering wheel is slightly off-center. The car does track straight so this is obviously an assembly error. I've read in other forums that this has been a common problem for the Matrix/Vibe. My S2000 has the same problem but the Matrix is more noticeable.
2)When driving with the radio off, I hear a slight almost "turbo-whine" sound between about 30-40 mph and then it goes away. I don't know if this is common to all or has to do with the awd system or is a problem, so if some other owners could listen for this and let me know, I would appreciate it. I'll have it checked out during my first service and also report the dealer's answer.
3)Rattle to the left of the dash. I understand that the '03s had some rattles with the instrument surrounds, but my sound seems to come from the left, near the vent/hatch release area.
Thanks for any input. Again I will report the diagnosis from the dealer so that maybe we can build a "knowledgebase" of issues. I do still seem to wish that the steering wheel would telescope, but other than that I think these are great cars. Who cares what the non-owners think.
Anyway this surprised me, apparently ABS and Side Air bags are hard to come by on a Matrix XR FWD auto in my region (I'm in the Chicago area). However a Matrix with the moon roof and upgraded stereo isn't hard at all to find. Hmmmmm Any ideas as to why people wouldn't be ordering their cars with these safety items? I know there's a sizeable population of people that dislike ABS but I didn't think it was that large. It's also not like these features are THAT much more.
So it looks like to get the car I want I'm going to need to order it. Which is fine by me I'm not in a huge rush.
I'm already dead set on ordering one with the ABS but I'm curious, do the side air bags make a difference in this car in a side collision? Do they reach up to protect your head or do they just protect your torso? I do know this vehicle already gets excellent safety ratings but I don't know if the side air bags contributed to that at all or not. Anyone know or know how I can find this out? The Matrix did get great crash test scores all around . . .
If not I'm undecided if I'll go ahead with that option or not. It would be a selling point for the car later and an extra security blanket while I own it if nothing else . . . *shrugs*
Hav never heard a whine at 40mph, and my steering wheel is straight. Make sure to have the dealer correct that latter. You shouldn't have to accept that.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
About the ABS question -- with Toyota (at least in the Boston area) it's dealers who order the cars configured as they want. Customers can simply put dibs on what the dealer has coming in.
Cargo CRV - *32, Matrix 28
Front shoulder - CRV - *57, Matrix 53
Front leg - CRV - *40, Matrix - *40
Front head - CRV - 4.5, Matrix - *6.5
Rear shoulder - CRV - *56.5, Matrix - 52
Rear leg CRV - *30, Matrix - 28
Rear head - CRV - 4, Matrix - *5.5
One thing to remember, the CRV is an SUV while the Matrix is a fancy Corolla wagon. You will not feel cramped in the Matrix and it is the most functionnal vehicle we have ever owned. Fuel economy and insurance costs may be more for the CRV. Consumer Reports ranks the Matrix/Vibe ahead of the CRV and just behind the Forester and the RAV. Either vehicle would be a good choice. Good luck.
Matrix is 53 cubic feet.
If one wishes to believe that the Matrix is just as big as a CR-V that's fine I suppose...but it is delusional. Sit in both, ride in both, drive in both, the CR-V is bigger.
The 4WD Matrix is full-time 4WD with, if I remember correctly, 90% of power to the front wheels and 10% to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. When there is slipping, more power is directed to the rear as needed.
Whatever the system is, it works quite well!