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Originally Posted by chasman
Unfortunately, Consumer Reports wrote the following about the Matrix: - Below average acceleration - "0-60 mph, sec. 12.0"
- "Noise suppression is mediocre, and some drivers tired of the booming engine noise."
- "The standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder drones loudly and performs modestly."
- "But the Matrix needs to be revved a lot to deliver its power."
- "The optional AWD system (available only with the automatic) works well but hurts acceleration and fuel economy."
- “Awkward driving position.” "The driving position is so-so because the steering wheel is positioned too far forward."
- "Stability control is optional, but is hard to find."
- "Avoidance maneuver maximum speed, mph 51.5"
- "Low-beam headlights lacked distance."
- "The small rear window, large rear head restraints, and tapered side windows obscure rear visibility."
- "Cargo volume, cu. ft.28"
I would add: - Tall, long-legged drivers (especially those with larger shoe sizes) may find that they cannot stretch out their left leg as the left front wheel well juts too far into the driver's space
- Reduced cargo capacity due to "stylish" roofline defeats the functionality and the reason for having a wagon in the first place.
- Not on IIHS Top Safety Pick Awards List.
For a wagon to be useful it needs to have a reasonable cargo volume. The typical American is taller / larger than the average Japanese person. And we tend to be impatient especially when it comes to acceleration on crowded metropolitan roads. Lastly, a number of CR's comments are safety related.
Toyota needs to make a more competitive well-rounded wagon. At least the Tourer has more passenger & cargo room, a larger engine, and minimal blind spots.
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I gotta agree with some of the points. I am 6 feet 5 and the driving position of the Matrix is really bad IMO. The position of the steering wheel is bad. On the other hand, the smaller, entry level Yaris Hatchback has a better driving position IMO, but they are targeting a different market and getting off topic here. haha. Overall, the Camry is always a good choice for me and I will choose the Matrix over the Corolla just because of the styling.
For the midsize tourer/wagan segment, I think the new VW passat wagen (a bit on the expensive side of coz) would be my first choice and Mazda 6 would be my 2nd.
