Hi, I usually post on the Corolla forum because I have a 2010 Corolla. Every 2 years or so, I buy a new Toyota. I like trading my car for a new one every now and then.
I had many Corollas in the past. 1990, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, all new.
With all the rebates and incentives from Toyota Canada, I was thinking of buying a Matrix this time, either a 2011 or a 2012.
I noticed that the Matrix is about 2000$ more expensive than a Corolla. It's not as fuel efficient on the highway. It's shorter and heavier. I read reviews about the Matrix saying it's noisier on the highway, probably because there is no trunk to it.
Since I never owned a Matrix, I'd appreciate if some of you could give me advice or your own opinion about the Matix VS the Corolla.
I have a 2003 Corolla. I recently rented a 2011 Matrix. It is indeed a noisy car. The fuel economy didn't seem that different though.
2012 will be a short model year for a Corolla/Matrix. Personally, I would wait another 7-8 months and get a 2013 model. It should be an all-new model (not just a refresh).
+1 ^ or better yet save a lot and try to find a low mileage Pontiac Vibe. It is the exact same car as the Matrix only having different styling. Only downside may be that with the Pontiac and Vibe gone, you may not be able to get a lot if you want to sell, then again, the Vibe is such a good car, that driving it, "until the wheels fall off" would not be bad at all.
Tom 2000's advice was good. The current design Corolla and Matrix have fallen way behind the competition in technical innovation. Fit, finish and quality of materials are currently poor in comparison to other manufacturers.
I currently have a 2010 Matrix AWD and would likely not buy another. I have also recently driven a Corolla, and the only advantage the Matrix may have is in cargo space (as it is basically a Corolla Wagon). Being shorter and heavier than a Corolla, this may also provide slightly better handling. I found the handling of a recent base Corolla very mushy and vague.
The current Matrix also has poorly designed, unsupportive seats that are prone to making all manner of noises. The Matrix interior components are all hard plastic which contributes to the noisy cabin. The hard materials, especially in the dash, all creak, groan and squeek in cold weather.
That said, my Matrix, from a purely mechanical point of view, has been the most trouble free Toyota I have owned (Previously I have owned the following: 1980 Celica, 1982 Cressida, and 1990 Camry). My current AWD Matrix may be tremendous in the snow, but it just doesn't have the "feel" of a quality product.
My next vehicle may very well be a Hyundai or a VW.
Hope this helps!
The Following User Says Thank You to Gumby1800 For This Useful Post:
Tom 2000's advice was good. The current design Corolla and Matrix have fallen way behind the competition in technical innovation. Fit, finish and quality of materials are currently poor in comparison to other manufacturers.
I currently have a 2010 Matrix AWD and would likely not buy another. I have also recently driven a Corolla, and the only advantage the Matrix may have is in cargo space (as it is basically a Corolla Wagon). Being shorter and heavier than a Corolla, this may also provide slightly better handling. I found the handling of a recent base Corolla very mushy and vague.
The current Matrix also has poorly designed, unsupportive seats that are prone to making all manner of noises. The Matrix interior components are all hard plastic which contributes to the noisy cabin. The hard materials, especially in the dash, all creak, groan and squeek in cold weather.
That said, my Matrix, from a purely mechanical point of view, has been the most trouble free Toyota I have owned (Previously I have owned the following: 1980 Celica, 1982 Cressida, and 1990 Camry). My current AWD Matrix may be tremendous in the snow, but it just doesn't have the "feel" of a quality product.
My next vehicle may very well be a Hyundai or a VW.
Hope this helps!
How does this help the OP, if he/she is looking at a Matrix? You seem to imply, not buying or even considering to buy the Matrix at all
Thanks for the replies people. My experience with the Corolla is similar. Lots of plastics, a few cracks here and there in cold weather. Too many cheap plastics, but on the other hand the mechanics are decent.
I still prefer Japanese products to Korean. I guess I'm a little biassed
I'm not so sure that the next generation Matrix or Corolla will have less cheap plastics and won't crack as much in cold weather. It seems to be their trend to make cheaper products, in order to compete.
How does this help the OP, if he/she is looking at a Matrix? You seem to imply, not buying or even considering to buy the Matrix at all
Zythr,
For someone considering the purchase of a NEW car, my goal was to provide useful and unbiased information about the Matrix. For many there is more to the ownership experience than simple mechanical reliability. Dorkinheimer's own follow-up response regarding the quality of interior materials more than confirms that such comments were relevant and to the point
I would hold off for now. as others have stated this is a crude low level toyota and indeed due for a replacement model. most dealers will give rough book wholesale for trade in due to lack of interest on this model, not many people actually want a matrix. however if you have driven one and can live with the characteristics (that can not be changed) it would be easy to get a very good deal on one with proper negotiations. this never has been a popular model and may are simply "sent to wholesale" to clean up dealer inventory.
For someone considering the purchase of a NEW car, my goal was to provide useful and unbiased information about the Matrix. For many there is more to the ownership experience than simple mechanical reliability. Dorkinheimer's own follow-up response regarding the quality of interior materials more than confirms that such comments were relevant and to the point
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