Considering the 09' Matrix as a Subaru Alternative

[SkiBikeBoat]

I am looking at cars primarily for driving to and from backpacking, mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, and canoeing destinations. Having a car that can safely and comfortably haul a lot of people (4-5) and their gear while getting decent gas mileage is very important to me. A few lingering questions I have about the Matrix are:

1. For the taller folks (6'-6'4"), are the front and rear seats comfortable on longer trips?

2. With factory and after-market racks, what is the biggest load people are able to haul on the roof?

3. Given a load of people and gear, would it be prudent to get the 2.4L engine instead of the 1.8L engine (e.g. would I be stressing the 1.8L engine carrying a lot of weight up the hill)? With loads in general, is mpg greatly compromised?

4. How do the Matrices handle when loaded with gear/people on wet or snowy roads? FWD? AWD?

Basically, I want a car that does (almost) everything, without being a SUV


Thanks!

[jdhog]

Some input where I can:

1: I had a buddy in the back last weekend who is just over 6' tall - said he had plenty of room even with my driver seat in it's normal position.

3: I would probably go with the bigger engine, although I have to say that my 1.8 has never given me any problems even with 3 adults and a baby aboard it still keeps up.

[Corolla_reps]

def you'll get plenty of room from a Matix....compared to a Subaru i know for a fact they have plenty of power but space wise.....Matrix is the way to go. i would also suggest XRS model with a 2.4L engie which is has more torque and power....

[Jeff Lange]

You don't need to get the XRS to get the 2.4L.

The S, XR, AWD, and XRS models all come with the 2.4L, only base models still have a 1.8L.

Jeff

[Zembonez]

Take a look at the xB. Same 2.4, lots more interior room for adults, available aftermarket roof carriers, oddball styling! WOO HOO.

EDIT: No AWD model though if you go that route. Matrix is still a sweet choice.

[SkiBikeBoat]

So, the general consensus so far seems to be that I should get the 2.4L engine, but that 2WD would be fine--perhaps with some good winter tires and a set of chains in the hatch?

[Ktrix]

Originally Posted by SkiBikeBoat

So, the general consensus so far seems to be that I should get the 2.4L engine, but that 2WD would be fine--perhaps with some good winter tires and a set of chains in the hatch?

Your safest bet is the AWD (which comes with 2.4), i got mine in Feb - i put on 4 winter steel wheels with 16" blizzak ws60s - guaranteed sure footed traction in the snow ! A great/economical alternaive to an suv.

[SkiBikeBoat]

I've heard good things about the Blizzak tires, and my boyfriend has them on his Chevy Blazer. We rarely use 4WD on his car, unless we're really in deep snow/lousy conditions. Out of curiosity, what is your average mpg in the city/on the highway? The main reason that I've been leaning away from the AWD is that the mpg for the 2WD seems to get up to 31-32mpg on the highway, while the AWD is more like 25-26. I like the concept of an effective part-time AWD system.

It's a hard call in the Pacific Northwest, because we don't get much snow at all in the Valley (just rain), but to get to skiing spots, you typically pass through an intermediate wet snow/near-freezing area, and then are on packed snow with gravel up on the pass. I had RWD on my last car, so FWD would still be an upgrade.

BTW--I really appreciate everyone's feedback! I'm aiming to keep the car I finally choose for a long, long time.

[Cmonster0001]

I bought my 09 Matrix in Edmonton, but I live outside less than a 30 minute drive. I don't want to go to Edmonton every time to get it serviced. My younger brother has to get his Vokswagon serviced in Edmonton because there is no dealer in Wetaskiwin that can service his vehicle. Before I got my Matrix, I was looking at the Mitsubishi Lancer, Mazda 3 or the Subaru Impreza. Domestic vehicles - I'm staying away from them because I had issues when it comes to reliability and recall notices.

I factored everything including service. I figured that service is going to a problem for me while I live and work in the WONK. Time and money isn't worth it if I tried to get it serviced in Edmonton. All three are up in Edmonton and the Mazda in Leduc. I took the Matrix AWD because I can haul stuff in the back better, living middle of no-where and get service here in Wetaskiwin.

If you guys want to know why I bought my Matrix in Edmonton, the dealer here in Wetaskiwin are a bunch of $&$#!!! They left a bad taste in my mouth when I tried to negotiate for a better deal and I heard from some people around town they weren't too happy about the way there were handled.
The previous owners who were running the show before new management took over, took care of their customers pretty well. After new management, it just went down hill.

[meterme]

if you're going with a matrix, go 4wd. you can never be too careful. I was in a maxima that spun out once. better safe thans orry, especially if you've got a baby on board.

[TRXR4KDS]

Also depends if you want a 5 speed or auto. Unfortunately, the AWD only is an auto.