2005 Toyota Matrix XR 4WD- Our Impressions.

[ArmyofOne]

Well TN, My wife and i have had our 2005 Matrix now for a little under 3 months, (3,000 miles). First, the pro's we have noticed. Everything seems to be made from top quality materials compared to other cars in this class. The car holds its value extremely well. I just refinanced after 2 months to save money and didnt have to pay out of pocket, and we are still right side up in the loan. The cloth seats are extremely confortable, more than ample headroom and legroom throughout the cabin. The ride is quiet and the Toyota Factory Am/Fm/6 cd changer and 6 speaker sound system are on par with a decent factory system. The only noise in the cabin with the engine running at 65 mph is a low hum of the engine (ever so faint) and the hum of the crappy Factory Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires...(gotta get some falkens for this one, get it quiet). The controls are all easy to use and easily accessible. A BIG pro is the 115V standard house outelt in addition to the 12v power outlet and the ability to toggle between the 2. this way i can use either charger in the car, and plug my laptop in on long trips. Also, there is PLENTY of storage space. Toyota took advantage of every space available, there seems to be little to no space that cant be used for something, yet it doesnt appear to be "too busy". Cargo room is ABUNDANT. There is tons of it, flat out. Fold down the back seats and you have a cargo area the size of a chevy S-10 pickup with a shortbed. Can be used for cargo, or for other things . Definately no shortage of cargo space at all.

This car was definately designed with passenger/driver comfort in mind. The controls are EASY to follow, without being so dull that you get bored looking at them. The OptiTron gauges are a big plus to me, my ZX2 only has standard gauges (from ford, green on black with white needles) so i am tickled pink that i have an option that until recently was only availble on the premium sedans (lexus namely).

The AWD system works flawlessly, you cant even detect that its working. The transmission shifts smoothly, even with the pedal floored.

Cons:

There arent many, but the ones we have are kind of big. First, there is Fuel economy. I have a problem with this because, even with the AWD, i still expected to get more than 20-23 mpg in the city with an I4. I realize though that the FWD probably gets closer to 30, so i let that one slide.

Another qualm i have is with this cars total and complete LACK OF POWER. This car cant even get out of its own way if you floor it from a light.i timed nearly 10 seconds to 60...again, with the 5 speed and FWD, im sure the car would be faster...but even so i expected to be able to get moving at a decent clip. but then again i am used to running around in an escort with ~200 HP. LOL, so maybe its just me.


Bottom line is, this car is a fantastic car for families or anyone really who wants a relaible, fuel effeicient and safe car. the insurance is cheap on it too lol.

[2006matrix]

You are absolutely right about the poor fuel economy and lack of power. My 06 XR 4WD gets below 25 MPG in mixed driving, and it takes a while to get up to speed from a standstill. I also think it is noisier than most other cars.

I agree with you that it has great overall utilitarian value.

[EchoHoLiK]

Originally Posted by ArmyofOne

There arent many, but the ones we have are kind of big. First, there is Fuel economy. I have a problem with this because, even with the AWD, i still expected to get more than 20-23 mpg in the city with an I4. I realize though that the FWD probably gets closer to 30, so i let that one slide.

Another qualm i have is with this cars total and complete LACK OF POWER. This car cant even get out of its own way if you floor it from a light.i timed nearly 10 seconds to 60...again, with the 5 speed and FWD, im sure the car would be faster...but even so i expected to be able to get moving at a decent clip. but then again i am used to running around in an escort with ~200 HP. LOL, so maybe its just me.

Yes the fuel economy suffers due to AWD, that's quite obvious but will probably come in handy during winter or rainy situations.

I haven't drive the AWD version, but I've driven my brother's FWD 5-speed manual, and IT GOES!!! Acceleration does suffer a little due to weight, but I can be sure it's substantially faster than the AWD version. In such case, 10 seconds to 60 sounds about right.

If you want better fuel economy I think you might want to get used to driving like grandma Other than that you WILL find the Matrix to be very utilitarian, me and my dad used the Matrix to buy a shitload of furniture from Ikea, and all those long boxes fit inside perfectly (when you put most of the seats down including the front passenger and the right side rear passenger so my dad has a place to seat ). With all that weight the Matrix doesn't go as fast but has no problem whatsoever, besides it's not recommended to drive like a jackass when you're hauling heavy shit anyway.

Hope you enjoy the Matrix in the long run. Later.

[ToyotaMan1281]

when taking off rev to 3k then shift, onc3 u get going up to 4K for better acceleration, let off the gas more (less braking) shouild help gas milage

[ECHOKnight2000]

Besides the AWD that will hurt milage, also remember you have a new or newer car so after awhile when your car is broken in, then the milage should improve of course its not garenteed. Glad you like it, the Matrix was one car I was looking at when I was in the market for a new car but couldn't afford it.

[ArmyofOne]

break in was not a factor, we purchased it with 9500 miles on the clock.