Planning on getting the AWD Matrix

[firetridagger]

ya .. i just want some comments maybe help .. on the 09 AWD Matrix before getting it .. Since it is a car for my family
We also have a 1994 V6 LE Camry.. but we want to try something different now .. than a seden..and after that snow storm in Toronto we want something better than a FWD .. so we are planning to get a Matrix

I went to the dealer .. i havent really tested out the ride yet but they did give me a lot of infomation on the car. on how they put a lot of Lexus products into the Matrix. is that True?

Just a few questions though
Does the AWD worked that well in snowy/rain weathers?
Also is the new Matrix quiet? when it is on the highway?


Thx

[Smar969905]

1. Lexus is a subsidiary of toyota, so lexus parts really are toyota parts. it is the same thing as ford/lincoln/mercury or GMC/Chevy/Buick/Cadillac/Saturn/Pontiac

2. The new matrix uses components from other toyota vehicles. the motor comes from either the carolla (1.8 liter) or the camry (2.4 liter which is what you get for AWD).

3. If you want good AWD cars, i suggest Subaru or Audi with Quattro. Either of those will cost you more money than a toyota, but they do have better AWD systems. the toyota AWD systems are still primarily FWD. it is something like a 90/10 power split.

Any working AWD system will work better in the snow and rain than FWD. From the sounds of you though, you dont use it for racing. if you were able to get by on FWD before, and know how to drive in snow with it, then i suggest you go with FWD again. AWD does make a car handle a bit differently in snow and ice, especially when you start sliding a little bit. The 2.4 liter motor will be able to push the AWD matrix better than the 1.8 liter did, but you still won't have the best gas mileage if that is a concern to you.

[rolla-XRS]

Hummm...I don't believe the power split is that low - but can't remember the details from the Toyota Dealer training video. Call me silly but I think it's somwehere between 60/40 and 70/30. And yes it's not a full-time AWD system like the much more expensive vehicles - which is pointless anyways on dry land and just consumes fuel. Toyota's system adjusts to compensate with wheel slippage.

Personally I liked the AWD in test-drive. Felt stable and tough to spin the wheels.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

2009 Matrix uses the Rav4 all wheel drive components, so I would check into those specs and verify the drive ratios.

[Tideland Prius]

I took a base model on the highway two days ago. It's decent. It's as quiet as my Prius (i.e. it's not Camry quiet for sure but road noise is not intrusive).

[Edison_Chen]

I've test drove an AWD with AWD Pkg (Canadian model), and its my second AWD car. The car seems pretty quiet and the gas pedal is very light (Typical Toyota).

I have deposit on the AWD with Sport Pkg on Magnetic Grey Metallic. They're also throwing in Side Moldings, and a Hood deflector. I also want them to throw in the Rear Bumper Protector too.

Can't wait for it... But I'm selling my 04 Civic SiR (Si)

[imEric!]

Originally Posted by Edison_Chen

I've test drove an AWD with AWD Pkg (Canadian model), and its my second AWD car. The car seems pretty quiet and the gas pedal is very light (Typical Toyota).

I have deposit on the AWD with Sport Pkg on Magnetic Grey Metallic. They're also throwing in Side Moldings, and a Hood deflector. I also want them to throw in the Rear Bumper Protector too.

Can't wait for it... But I'm selling my 04 Civic SiR (Si)

Edison, gotta show us some of your hi-res photos later on as I truly enjoyed your first batch of photos

[2020]

for AWD your best bet are the subarus,, they are the masters of compact AWD.. The subaru impreza has better looks than the 09 matrix..

[2020]

Originally Posted by imEric!

Edison, gotta show us some of your hi-res photos later on as I truly enjoyed your first batch of photos

edison has only one post to date,, how did you see his other photos??
are you two dating?

[Edison_Chen]

I signed up long time ago, but I didn't get a Toyota, my parents have 2 Toyota's though, therefore I didn't post. But now I'm back in the Toyota Family.. hehe

[jddesign]

I live in Northern Ontario so AWD was a selling feature for me, I tried both the imprezza hatch and also a used audi a4 qautro. If your worried about snow the matrix is far superior to the Subaru the a4 has better handling on packed snow but has no clearence for powder. I have owned my matrix since late feb and love it I used to have an xterra so its no where near that for going through snow but for a car I am very impressed.

[2020]

Originally Posted by jddesign

If your worried about snow the matrix is far superior to the Subaru

absolute lie...

matrix is very good car but for AWD system Subarus are the Gurus....

[Edison_Chen]

Bad news.. The car they reserved for me had 500 km's on it, and therefore we didn't take it. They said they could order one but it will take at least 2 weeks before it comes.

The dealer just received the 09 SE Camry yesterday. So I decided to get a 09 Camry SE 4 cylinder instead of the Matrix. The Camry is just an SE with no sunroof, no leather, no heated seats and so on (base SE model).

I'll guess I'll see you around the Camry forums, but I will hand around here too.