No AWD '07's but in '08? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

gfreek · 01-01-2007, 07:24 AM

Does anyone know why the AWD/4WD is not available for the '07 models? Also heard that they will be available again in '08. Anyone have any info on this??? Happy New Year to all......

Whelan · 01-03-2007, 07:25 AM

as far as I know, the demand was not very high for the AWD models and people did complain that it felt underpowered. As a previous owner of a Saturn and a Civic EX Coupe, I have no complaints about power, it is adequate and gets the job done. It can get out of its own way and passes with ease on the highway. So I guess those people are used to driving V6's or something.

Funny thing is now that they do not offer AWD anymore, it is very hard to find one at dealers. They are suddenly high demand items so dealers tend to get a little more for AWD models than even XRS's. They also discontinued the XRS model as well for 07. No clue what is to come in 08 but expect it to return. It took me a month to find the 05 XR AWD that i wanted.

trdbryan · 01-04-2007, 06:18 PM

no news if the 08 matrix is going to have 4WD or not but my guess is no, because the demand was soo low for the previous one i doubt that they will make another one.

I do know that the 08 matrix will have a full hatch, the glass will not open on the new one.

gfreek · 01-04-2007, 06:24 PM

I have an 05 AWD and it's great in snow, 30mpg, sure it's under powered but don't care. Thought about trading for an 07, but think I'll wait for 08's and see if AWD's are available.

Whelan · 01-04-2007, 10:37 PM

Hey Greek, just wondering since you live in Buffalo what you think of the AWD and how it has helped. Let me know.

gfreek · 01-09-2007, 05:57 AM

The AWD is great. I've got about 5 inches of snow today, new Michelin X Ice snows and the traction is awesome. When we had a snow storm late in 06 it went thru deep snow with ease, nothing was plowed, and with sucky, worn, OEM Continental tires. Too bad they quit making them.

mickeyd · 02-03-2007, 08:06 PM

I've heard that there might not be a Matirix for '08.

crazykidbig58 · 02-21-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfreek

The AWD is great. I've got about 5 inches of snow today, new Michelin X Ice snows and the traction is awesome. When we had a snow storm late in 06 it went thru deep snow with ease, nothing was plowed, and with sucky, worn, OEM Continental tires. Too bad they quit making them.

Glad to read this. I have been looking for a new AWD car for months now but couldn't find any Matrix's for sale. So I gave up on looking for them and focused on GM/Ford. Well, turns out I go to a local Dodge dealer the other day to look at a truck they had and in the corner of my eye I spotted an 04 XR AWD. Took her out for a spin and I was sold.

I love the car and I am super excited to get it on Saturday.

As for the 'lack of power' I am coming from a 97 Jetta VR6 Turbo that put down close to 280 whp. This thing is not even half that but I think it is just fine. Reminds me of my fiance's 05 Corolla, I wonder why.

Tango · 02-22-2007, 04:13 PM

I just started researching a new car and noticed that myself. I sent them an e-mail about it. Looking for an AWD Matrix. Tom

HL2k · 02-22-2007, 09:56 PM

hmm no matrix for 08......

does that mean GM is discontinuing the Vibe?

TRXR4KDS · 02-23-2007, 09:16 PM

The gen2 Matrix, due out in 2008 will be called the Blade, after the Japanese market Blade and the European market Auris, both which are versions of a Corolla base wagon/hatch. So really there will be a Matrix, just badged as the Blade. The Vibe should also follow the Blade with its own unique body style.

gfreek · 04-09-2007, 06:35 AM

Just received and email from Toyota and it stated that as of now there will not be an AWD model in 08. However the closer to the launch date there will be certain options available. Service manager at the local dealer said the AWD will be back for 08.