Does Everyone here HATE their Matrix's?

[Whelan]

I put up a post not too long ago as a prospective Matrix buyer, more specifically the AWD model. All I have received in return was people who kept telling me to get a Subaru and not bother with AWD and what not. So now I am getting the opinion that people who drive a Matrix;

A) hate their cars

B) have no appreciation for the vehicle

C) think that it has to be fast to be cool


Well when I am driving 80% + of my time in bumper to bumper to and from work each day I would think that speed is not a big issue for me, also in need of cargo room and something that looks younger, fresher, and slightly aggressive. I am 25 and not buying a Subatrash. Too many kids have their overated WRX's and STI's around here that mommy and daddy bought for them and too many old people drive the TRUE wagon looking Subarus. To me the Matrix doesn't look as much like a wagon as the old Mazda Protege 5 or similar car. I love the styling, the features, the usability, so right now I feel like I am the only one on this site who is into a Matrix, and I dont even own one!!!

Well when I posted first I asked for opinions, more specifically from owners of AWD models to see how they liked their cars, not for people to try and make me buy something else and change my mind. To me that shows no pride and kinda saddens me to see on this site. Oh well, I am still getting a Matrix and when I do, I will post on here how much I love it!!

[TRXR4KDS]

I think the answer is that the AWD trix is not very popular or abundant. I know it's a bit of a pig as far as speed goes. I can't really tell you whether it's the best AWD bang for your buck or not. As for the 2wd trixes, most people love then! Some XRS owners are getting a little dissatisfied with certain deficiencies with it like the clutch, belt tensioner, shocks, etc.

[Whelan]

I have heard of the small issues popping up with the XRS model, and I would love the 180, but am not going to get into another standard car. I can veryify that the AWD is not very abundant because my search is really hard to find one. But I have had FWD 4 cylinders for awhile now, on my 4th and I have driven through all kinds of weather and the light weight of the 4cyl FWD does not help in the snow, my Civic does ok with snow tires but I am just really into the 4WD thing.

I am 25 now and speed is no longer something I am looking for. I drove the AWD version recently and didn't feel like it was too sluggish, I could see people who are changing from a V-6 or turbo/supercharged setup or a smaller lighter 4cyl. such as my Civic but to me after driving 4cyl. all my life, I like it and dont mind pushing high RPMs to get the power, used to it at this point. I guess its a matter of personal opinion but I feel "what do you expect from a small 4cyl. car/wagon type that has an AWD system and is not tall and big like a CRV, Rav 4.

[acrylucs]

One of the reasons i went for a matrix 2wd and not the 4wd was for a little more pop. i am 20 and i life hitting "lift" so i guess speed is my thing. I just dont think the 4wd matrix is all that great a combo when compared to the Fwd (the marginal gain in grip is not worth the loss of power and mileage, thats just my opinion). when you mentioned u needed 4wd, most people suggest all out 4wd, which is why the subaru pops up.

nobody here really doesn't like their matrix. I think i've only seen one post of someone regretting their purchase. this is one of the best bang for buck cars on the market. I can't tell you how useful it is on a daily basis. I bought the car for different reasons. i wanted something kind of sporty and fun (so i went for the XRS), i demanded a manual, but i absolutly needed uncompromising utility (i roadtrip and go on regular biking trips). Not a hint of disspointment from me!

[coquelicot]

Don't get me wrong, I love my Matrix. But, like the others, I only have the 2wd, not AWD, so I couldn't vouch for the performance of an AWD. Since I live in Tennessee (not much snow here), and since DH has a 4WD SUV, wasn't really any need for me to get AWD. Besides, my previous vehicle, a Jeep, had 4WD, and I hated how it dragged down the gas mileage, especially as rarely as I actually *needed* the 4WD. But with you living in CT, I could see where it would be a handy feature.

I'm not much older than you are, and here's why I got a Matrix--I wanted something kinda sporty, but not so much so that once we start a family in a couple of years, I'd have to trade it in. Gotta love the cargo room of a small SUV, with better gas mileage than most sedans!

[Whelan]

coquelicot,

Your thinking is exactly like mine. I am about to be engaged in about a year and married within two, doing the whole get a house thing as well. I loved every second in my Civic, it was sporty, fun, looked good, and a manual. Now I have other needs, more space for now and future, still sporty looking, and young. I really am opting for the AWD because even though I live near the shorline in CT, we still do get a few good hits every year and there are a lot of hills in this area and my Civic does not do so well on them. It is worth it for me to sacrifice a little speed and mileage for the extra grip. My girlfriend has a 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade with the light bar that I installed for her Xmas gift, I can be handy like that, so to me I am getting a little worse mileage switching from the Civic to the AWD Matrix, but I am still doing better than she is. Plus when we go on long trips, its more efficient to take this car when I get it.

I realize people don't hate their cars on here, I hope they wouldn;t, but I guess that was a rant in a way because my last post was filled with the word Subaru from other people which is a really unappealing car to me.

[D Rock]

Whelan,

I saw your original posting, but I didn't reply simply because you were asking about the AWD. I have the XRS and absolutely love the thing -- though I am not fond to the premium fuel it requires. I drove it through one Detroit winter so far and had no problems getting through that. I should throw one qualifier into that statement though -- I have alot of experience driving in snow and it does not bother me in the least. I spent several years in northern Michigan where they routinely get 250 - 300 inches of snow in a year. I drove through that in a 1984 Olds Cutlass Sierra.

The impression that I have gotten from others is that the base and XR is a bit of a dog, and the AWD just makes that worse. That is why I went with the XRS. I have plenty of cargo space, and it has decent get up and go. Admittely, I don't consider it a sports car, but it is a fun little thing to drive. And I have had no problems with it, though I have only had it about 8 months.

Hope that helps.

D. Rock

[Whelan]

Thanks D Rock, I have driven FWD lightweight 4cyl. cars through many winters and I guess I'm just tired of dealing with hills, turns, and everything else. I have pretty good experience driving in the snow, taking your time is key no matter what your drive. I taught my gf last winter in her Liberty about 4WD and how her car is a rear wheel most of the time and got her used to driving it. Showed her what spinning out in her car is like and then let her know that with her car, she needs to use the gas slightly around a corner instead of coasting in order for the front wheels to actually pull the car around the corner. Things like that.

I guess my main concern is despite the fact that it is slower than the non AWD and XRS models, can it still go with people and or cargo in it as well. Typically its only me and my gf, but I want to make sure that even though it has AWD that in the winter or foul weather with a car full or people/gear it can make it up a hill without too much effort.

[Avalonman]

Subaru's are not Trash!!!!
Hey, what am I doing in the Matrix forum?

[charjenk]

Being a new owner, I love my little car. Especially the mileage. I was driving a full size suburban before so it is quite different. The only thing i don't like is how small it is compared to everything else on the road. It's kind of intimidating to be driving next to a big truck in this car, but gas is climbing to unbelievable prices. I don't believe the prices are going to go down anytime soon. So this little car doubles my gas dollars, and insurance is a couple of hundred less every 6 months. I have room for 5. It's a little cramped but the pro's outway the cons. I also think that in the future a lot of smaller cars will be on the road.

I didn't respond earlier because I have a 2wd model. It's the xr with auto transmission. We don't get snow in Louisiana so it seemed like just more parts to break for me.

Later
Charles

[Whelan]

Well I went to the dealer tonight and drove an 06 XR AWD with 16" alloys. Finally got to get it on the highway, uphill onramp was at 70 easily by the time I merged. Fine little car and can coast 70-80 no problem. Great brakes and good pickup as far as I'm concerned. This will definitely be my choice. Now I just need to find an 04 or an 05, not sure which to go with, need to find out the differences. Thanks all for your input, I look forward to posting pics of my car when I get it soon hopefully.

[trxr]

I just bought a trix 6 wks ago. Its slow as f*ck and my SRT-4 friend bags on me for how slow it is ( he runs 12s), and it has no torque. But aside from that, I like it a lot.
<<<Hence my SN

I really hate the power output of this car...
(comming from a previous maxima driver)

[2slow2go]

Originally Posted by trxr

I just bought a trix 6 wks ago. Its slow as f*ck and my SRT-4 friend bags on me for how slow it is ( he runs 12s), and it has no torque. But aside from that, I like it a lot.
<<<Hence my SN

I really hate the power output of this car...
(comming from a previous maxima driver)

Did you not try the car out before you bought it? The Matrix is not even comparable to the Neon, Oops I mean SRT-4.

The SRT-4 is one fast little car, no doubt!!! But why don't you make a bet with your buddy, that you race his Neon in 5 to 6 years, when his car is burning oil or not even running anymore...

Anyways, I can't agree more that the Matrix is lacking some power, overall not too bad, but can definately use a little more.

Gas mileage is insanely good... I've done 800 kms on a full take (all highway).

[Matrix1]

I have an 06 AWD Matrix XR, have been getting 31 MPGs highway and that is Great.
Have just over 2000 miles on it and other than feeling small on the highway I dont have a problem with it.Sure its not going to win any races but thats not what I was looking for anyway.
I commute 70 miles a day, so this fit the bill.....

Love the seats, very comfy....Love the sunroof and the general looks of the car.
I had the windows tinted, 35% up front and 15% in the passenger and rear of car.
Looks really nice with the Phantom Gray, It was too bright without the tint.

Other than that I love it, fun to drive and Im not going broke at the pump.
Certainly easier to keep clean and wax than my HD CrewCab Chevy was !

I was thinking about going used but I wanted the Side and passenger AirBags.
Dont think they were offered in the AWD until 06, well atleast all of the used ones I saw didnt have it.

John

[Whelan]

Hey MAtrix, thanks for that, exactly what I wanted to hear, I think budgetwise I might have to stick with a pre-owned I want Phantom Gray or Black and to me the car feels a bit bigger and taller than my 2-door Civic, which it is, but it still drives tight. I just need to sell my car so I can move on with getting it. Thanks again.