Questions

[Jayleav]

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I wanted to get some feedback from all the Matrix owners considering you are the ones who decided to buy it and not some stupid car magazine. Therefore, your opinion means more because you drive it day in and day out and in my world that means you know more about the Matrix than they do.

So I wanted to guage some opinions and feedback to a few things about the car and your overall buying experience.

Here are some questions I hope you owners don't mind taking the time to answer.

1: Why Matrix? What made you decide on the Matrix compared to other vehicles?
2: What vehicles was the Matrix competing against when you were car buying?
3: How is the handling on the Matrix? Do you feel that there's sufficient response when you move the steering wheel?
4: How do the materials feel inside? Cheap? Excellent quality? Or somewhere in the middle?
5: Does it seem slow in day to day driving or does power output seem quite sufficient?
6: How is the fuel economy stacking up in the Matrix? What are your averages?
7: How is the comfort of the car? Do the seats and ride comform to a pleasant driving experience? How is the backseat comfort?
8: What's the biggest gripe you have about Matrix?
9: What's the first thing (if anything) you'd change about the Matrix? Would you add something to the vehicle to make it better?
10: What's your favorite thing about owning a Matrix? What makes you enjoy the car immensely on a day to day basis?
11: Lastly, if you were going to sell the Matrix to someone, how would you go about it? What would be the biggest selling point you would make to someone about the vehicle?

If you don't mind answering those questions I would appreciate it immensely. I like a lot of things about the Matrix and even own one. I'll chime in after a while. Just thought I get a large discussion started. So if you wouldn't mind answering these questions, it would be very cool of you guys. Thanks in advance.

[acrylucs]

1. utility and value. does everything and anything, and for great value and mileage. did i mention flatbed trunk, hatch rear window, 110v plug?
2. Mazda3
3. It is more responsive than a Saab 9-3 and just about all american cars (i own an XRS). the steering is extremely responsive and no jelly. you turn, it turns, as if it was rack and pinion and not hydrolic. handles like a charm for a car so tall\
4. for the most part high quality. I work in polyurethanes to begin with, and toyta has bought some quality shit (called TPU). its plastic, but at least they arn't trying to make it look snazzy like fake aluminium. tasteful. the trunk bed can scratch easily though.
5. power is fine. the gears are set for a quick take off. plus, your getting mileage. if oyu hit up the XRS, oh its more than fine.
6. my summer city/hwy is 29/33 winter 25/30
7. AMAZING seats. only car i can do long trips in and i have access to a highlander, saab, and even a porsche. great upright position does wonders for your back. rear seats are very roomy given the size. its because the car is tall
8. biggest gripe is...hmm...i need to think....roof racks. i wish it had roof racks. I have a thule rack, but its so bulky. granted the Vibe has useless ones.
9. I'd give it the new VW 1.4 engine thats both super and turbo charged. even better mileage and power.
10. its a really fun to drive. i've driven lots of toyotas and this one real attitude. And i love that whenever there's an awkward task to do by car, i can always do it.
11. I think the matrix sells itself really well. talk about unique features in its utility and value. nuff said.

[Jayleav]

Awesome! thanks for the reply.

[stuts]

do you own a Matrix or are you looking to buy a Matrix because if you are looking to buy wait till the new model comes out in the next year and a bit

[Jayleav]

Originally Posted by stuts

do you own a Matrix or are you looking to buy a Matrix because if you are looking to buy wait till the new model comes out in the next year and a bit

f you don't mind answering those questions I would appreciate it immensely. I like a lot of things about the Matrix and even own one. I'll chime in after a while. Just thought I get a large discussion started. So if you wouldn't mind answering these questions, it would be very cool of you guys. Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

[Jayleav]

any info on the Matrix or perhaps pics. ??

[mistamatrix]

1. The Matrix was the perfect choice at my time of purchase in 2002 (I have an 03 XRS). I previously owned a 95 Civic Si Coupe and was expecting my first baby. We needed more doors and more room. The Matrix was everything short of buying a minivan. "I" also wanted more power (vs the Civic) and still drive a fun daily driver.

2. Pontiac Vibe, Mazda MP5 and Subaru Impreza RS.

3. Considering the height of the Matrix, it handles well. The 17x7 OEM rims also helps.

4. It's a Toyota not a Lexus so expect mid-grade materials but definitely not cheap stuff. I'm happy w/ the fit and finish.

5. Daily driving is sufficient. Obviously, in the XRS, 6200rpm to redline is ecstacy.

6. I'm probably below avg when it comes to gas mileage (25mpg). But then again, that's cuz I've got a heavy foot.

7. Needs better side bolsters. Rear seats are perfect (for me).

8. No moonroof for 03!

9. Ride height. Way too much wheel gap. Slam that sucka.

10. VVTL-i

11. See 10.

[aaaslayer]

Thats A Lot Of Questions So I'll Just Answer I'll Those In One Short Answer. I Regret My Matrix 03 Xrs Purchase. Its A Slow Piece Of Crap Mini Van Soccer Mom Car That My Friends Clown On All The Time. Its No Tuner Car, And Every Honda Out There Pretty Much Takes It Out!! Theres Not That Much Aftermarket Availability (after 4 Yrs!!!) . If Power Is Wut U Want, Get A Honda. Im Getting A Hatch Soon And Dropping In A K20. That Will Be Smoking All Ur "sooped" Up Matrices. And It Will Cost A Lot Less Than The Matrix. I Seriously Regret My Purchase And I Hope U Respect My Opinion.

[Dredd2099]

03 xrs

1. utility, vvtl-i
2. protege 5, sentra se-r
3. body roll and u know why
4. happy w/ interior, gm actually made it nice
5. teh torqueless wonder is good for day to day driving
6. average 500+ kliks to the tank, as summer comes it will get lower since the right foot gains weight
7. i forget the stock seats' feel, got aftermarket. back seats? a lil firm for me but i dont really care, i rarely sit there if ever.
8. no moonroof for 03, middling tq
9. height
10. celica gts internals at a 3rd of the price of a celica plus more space and 2 additional doors
11. see # 10

[Jayleav]

Well here's my answers. :

1.It's a Toyota. I drove the Vibe the same time I drove the Matrix, and the Matrix just seemed better.

2.Vibe, Jetta, GTI

3.I came form SUV's and 4x4 trucks, so to me it handles well.

4.Some what in the middle. I here a lot of people talk about the improved quality in a Toyota, over a domestic. The only improvement I have seen is mechanically. Every thing else just seems average to me.

5.Power is good in my opinion, it desperately needs more low end.

6.35--37 mpg. mixes driving. I'd say that's very good.

7.Never in the back seat. Driver's seat feels okay, I'd love to have a telescoping wheel !!

8.No telescoping wheel.

9.Telescoping wheel I'd have gotten a manual tranny.

10.Economical, roomy it does most anything I want a car to do.

11.Toyota's sell themselves, their proven reliability speaks volumes.

[ksbrace]

1: Why Matrix? What made you decide on the Matrix compared to other vehicles?

Best combination of big inside usable space in a high MPG vehicle (2WD manual). The other similar size vehicles had much lower fuel economy numbers, and the other high MPG vehicles had terrible usable space.

2: What vehicles was the Matrix competing against when you were car buying?

In 2003, Ford Focus, Mazda 3. There are more options today.

3: How is the handling on the Matrix? Do you feel that there's sufficient response when you move the steering wheel?

Very responsive. This is not a luxury tank that rolls over bumps. Good road feel, but you have to WANT that if you are buying this car.

4: How do the materials feel inside? Cheap? Excellent quality? Or somewhere in the middle?

Materials are not cheap. Middle I guess.

5: Does it seem slow in day to day driving or does power output seem quite sufficient?

The 1ZZ engine (in base and XR) has plenty of oomph, especially in the manual. Years ago I drove a Chevette, and on merge ramps 90% of the time I had to back off on the gas to avoid rear-ending the car ahead of me. Then I drove an 85 HP Saturn, and I had to back off 95% of the time. In the Matrix I can almost NEVER use full power on a merge unless there is nobody ahead of me. People do complain about the 4WD power - more losses from the auto transmission, and the engine has less power in that configuration - but the manual 2WD really scoots!

6: How is the fuel economy stacking up in the Matrix? What are your averages?

I drive an 11 mile commute, 35-45 MPH, 6 stops, no traffic, and get 35 MPG (U.S. gallons) in the winter (New England), 40-41 summer. I got 43 MPG 3 times on a 300 mile round trip at 50-60 MPH, 90 degrees F, A/C the whole time. I think it gets about 30 MPG at 75 MPH.

7: How is the comfort of the car? Do the seats and ride comform to a pleasant driving experience? How is the backseat comfort?

Back seat is fine. I like the driving position (Consumer Reports doesn't) and front seat comfort quite a lot. My wife, however, prefers the comfort of her Avalon seats, which are softer.

8: What's the biggest gripe you have about Matrix?

No gripes really.

9: What's the first thing (if anything) you'd change about the Matrix? Would you add something to the vehicle to make it better?

A bit more sound insulation from engine and road noise.

10: What's your favorite thing about owning a Matrix? What makes you enjoy the car immensely on a day to day basis?

I like that I can carry 5 adults comfortably when the gang at work goes out to lunch. I like that when I buy something big, I can bring it home. I like that I get good fuel economy. I like that it is slightly higher than a lot of other cars (good visibility over the hoods of other larger cars on the road).

11: Lastly, if you were going to sell the Matrix to someone, how would you go about it? What would be the biggest selling point you would make to someone about the vehicle?

Reliable. In 22,000 miles I've done only routine maintenance.

[MatrixXRS]

1: Why Matrix? What made you decide on the Matrix compared to other vehicles?
I've always like the hatch.

2: What vehicles was the Matrix competing against when you were car buying?
I wanted the civic sir 5 doors hatch but it wasn't available in Canada.

3: How is the handling on the Matrix? Do you feel that there's sufficient response when you move the steering wheel?
It's fine and after the drop it's even better.

4: How do the materials feel inside? Cheap? Excellent quality? Or somewhere in the middle?
I'd say somewhere in the middle.

5: Does it seem slow in day to day driving or does power output seem quite sufficient?
All I can say is it's a sleeper and surprised a lot of people at the drag strip (especially that one rustang I was running with ).

6: How is the fuel economy stacking up in the Matrix? What are your averages?
It's really consider after hitting lift serval times and my average would anywhere from 500-650 km per tank.

7: How is the comfort of the car? Do the seats and ride comform to a pleasant driving experience? How is the backseat comfort?
The front seats are okay and as for the backseat (just use your imagination).

8: What's the biggest gripe you have about Matrix?
None!

9: What's the first thing (if anything) you'd change about the Matrix? Would you add something to the vehicle to make it better?
More torque dang it!

10: What's your favorite thing about owning a Matrix? What makes you enjoy the car immensely on a day to day basis?
Enjoy hitting lift.

11: Lastly, if you were going to sell the Matrix to someone, how would you go about it? What would be the biggest selling point you would make to someone about the vehicle?
Sorry the trix is not for sale.[/QUOTE]