Matrix noisier than most cars?

[2006matrix]

Hey, what do you all think? Having driven the 2006 XR for a couple of months, I can now say that it's not a quiet car at all. The engine noise is pretty loud during acceleration, and so are road and wind noise while cruising. I sort of noticed it during the test drive, but decided to go with the purchase considering its the overall functionality for the money.

Just curious what everyone else thinks.

[ToyotaMan1281]

yup it is a lil noisy. Thats why I got a corolla LE. Same damn thing without the hatchback.

[Frank@toronto]

ok now for the truth, the matrix is not a lexus.

It's always difficult to make a station wagon quiet due to the large volume inside (for the price). Hence if you compare it to any other sedan, the sedan will always have an advantage.

Your not alone with this observation...

[skugelstadt]

Yes it is noisy, but compared to my 1963 volkswagen it drives like a cadillac. Stuart

[dipthongdude]

I purchased an 06 AWD Matrix several months ago. It was LOUD! Dealer said problem was the tires... the OE tires were Continentals. I just replaced them with Good Year Assurance Comfortread tires. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! It is now a pleasure to drive. The Matrix will never be a luxury car... there is still some road noise, a bit of wind noise, and yes the engine when revving up is a bit loud... but with quiet tires it is very much within my comfort zone.

[Georgenfla]

Okay, this is not a Honda Civic or Mazda 3 slam, so don't misunderstand me. If you've ever driven either a late model example of either the Honda or Mazda, you will know what real road noise is. Again, this is not a slam, because I like Mazdas and Hondas, just speaking of road noise.

[dipthongdude]

Right, no slam, all cars are built with compromises. A completely quiet car could be built, but no one would want to drive it due to the weight of insulation, size, poor mpg, etc... This is no slam on a Mini cooper S, but... my wife's Mini Cooper S, with the run flat tires is really quite loud... the tires that is, wind noise, and engine are okay...

Anyway, if you find a car too loud I think one of the first places to look is tires. A lot of noise is generated there, and especially with a light economy car the quieter tire is going to make a big difference.

[Christian87N]

put some dynamatting on there and it should improve

[echo7]

yes lotsa lotsa road noise,, i have a good year tire and road noise still present.. sometime yuo can feel the road..

[sirmaenum]

that's why i always play dance or hit pop music and turn the volume up to 30~35. it get rid of the noise........

[TRXR4KDS]

Buy a Lexus if you really want a quiet ride. The Matrix is no different than any other compacts in its class. Unless of course you mod it causing it to be self inflicted.

[kevintomb]

yes its somewhat noisy, and yes noisier than several other similar cars....no need to buy a lexus, just soundproof it somewhat. Most of the road noise comes from the cargo area, actually the spare tire well, the hatch and around the rear tires, dynamat will help, but it also needs some type of fiber sound insulation in those areas. the doors need dynamat type material also...the engine is just kind of loud for a toyota and not a lot can be done about that. It is easy to make ANY car quieter, just takes some time and a bit of money. The open cargo area type vehicle makes booming sounds and lets a lot more road noise through just because of the design, but its possible to make it fairly quiet still.

[echo7]

aside from engine noise, cargo noise,, I also notice break noise