Anyone Own An AWD Matrix?

[ChristineVA]

I am thinking of purchasing a used Matrix with AWD. I desperately want a vehicle with AWD but I do not want an SUV. I want a smallish, economical car but one that can be used to drive up a mountain to go skiing.

So, I've found 3 used ones in my area. What I noticed on some of the reviews is that the AWD model is somewhat sluggish due to the extra weight and equipment of the AWD system. Also, I am wondering exactly how well this car might do in snow due to its lower clearance. Is it really worth it for me to get a small car like this with AWD?

[notmytrix]

If you prefer versatility over performance, then get the 4WD. Handles okay in the snow, handles better with winter tires on. But, any car can handle well with a good set of winter tires. It's all about the tires.

My sig says it all about the 4WD.

[Smar969905]

i dont know about the AWD matrix as i have never driven one, but you can add performance things to them, such as a trd supercharger.

do also look at subaru (legacy, impreza, forester), mitsubishi lancer evolution (although more expensive and much faster), volkswagen jetta or passat with 4motion/quattro just to name a few. subaru has been doing AWD for many years now and have it down quite well, to go along with some performance. audi has done quite well with their AWD systems, and they are the same company as volkswagen. mitsubishi did good with their evo for the AWD, but to get a newer one (06 & up), you will be looking mid 30's to low 40's for a price tag (and yes i do mean thousands of those).

[talkingtojo53]

I live in Ontario, Canada and I have a 2006 Base 4WD(AWD). This is my 2nd Matrix but first all wheel drive. This winter I have put on Goodyear Nordic winter tires. Last year I only used the factory installed tires and I was driving in the country and town - no problems. I notice that my gas mileage is a bit lower with the AWD but not significant. It is a bit less 'zppy' than the front wheel drive Matrix. But overall this is my most favourite car ever! And I would highly recommend an AWD. They also hold their value, have lots of storage and are reasonable to maintain.

[ChristineVA]

Thanks for all the replies.

We are not really interested in performance. It will be a commuter car with a trip to and from Washington DC each day (60 miles per day) with my husbands bike on the back or in the back if that's not too awkward.

My husband goes skiing several times a year. We have a 2005 Toyota Highlander (2WD) and, according to him, does terrible going up the big hills (to be fair we were using the manufacturers tires at that time and we have gotten much better tires since).

He wants a vehicle that can get him too and from work and also get him around in snowy weather. Here in DC we don't get a lot of snow at all, but when we do, it's a real pain.

There are very few used AWDs in our area for sale (not a big seller here). I am going to look at a Certified Used Matrix today. It is a 2005 and has 26,000 miles on it. They are asking approximately $16,900 for it (of course, I'm talking them down on it).

My husband woud very much like a Subaru; however, we are looking for something a bit more inexpensive.

[SGS]

i have the '03 AWD base Matrix, I use it to get to a from the ski resorts in Ontario... it handles just fine... and it's very versatile we prefer taking the matrix up over the Accord or the Jetta because it can hold our boards and skiis and still sit three people comfortably... Just recently got a Subaru WRX, and it jsut saw it's first snow storm.... but I decided to take the matrix out for some reason.... but I am sure it will do jsut fine if not better then the Matrix... but I am sure for the same reason we will be using the Matrix to go on ski trips or road trips in the winter because of it's versatality... the WRX is a bit Small if you know what I mean....

[Matrix1]

Hi Christine

I have an 06 AWD and use it mainly for commuting, I love it !

Its small and good on gas, I dont hit too many hills in my area but it seems to do well on the highway.
I usually travel at 70 or 80 depending on how the traffic is but no issues regardless.

I have winter tires and summer, both sets are Michelins. I have a set of HydroEdges for summer and X Ices for the winter.Both sets have been a serious improvement over the factory continentals.The X Ices in the snow are fantastic, we have some serious snow up here in the northeast....trust me

I would imagine for skiing it would be great if it were 2 or 3 people but think it would be small to cram in 4 people plus gear.

I would go test drive them and get them out on the highway.....I think you'll be pleased !!


John

[ArmyofOne]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I am thinking of purchasing a used Matrix with AWD. I desperately want a vehicle with AWD but I do not want an SUV. I want a smallish, economical car but one that can be used to drive up a mountain to go skiing.

So, I've found 3 used ones in my area. What I noticed on some of the reviews is that the AWD model is somewhat sluggish due to the extra weight and equipment of the AWD system. Also, I am wondering exactly how well this car might do in snow due to its lower clearance. Is it really worth it for me to get a small car like this with AWD?

I live in upstate NY...3-5 Feet of snow is not uncommon. and i get around fine with an AWD matrix with all season tires (factory Goodyear eagle RS-A) in fact...the ONLY flaw i have found with this car...is its gas mileage...which sadly i cannot seem to get over 20mpg in the city...that might just be my car though...


Its an EXCELLENT car...EXTREMELY responsive to ever command, including acceleration. However, its not fast by any means. but its a 1.8L Auto with AWD...that means MAYBE 100 HP is reaching the ground...that isnt alot. it takes alot of power to move an AWD system...esp through an auto trans.

other than that, they are pretty much maintenance free, just gas and go...change your oil!

[dipthongdude]

I have 2006 base AWD Matrix.... love it! It is exceptionally practical, decent mileage, the AWD is nice in snow, I don't know why anyone would need an SUV, the Matrix does it all with great economy!

[ArmyofOne]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Thanks for all the replies.

We are not really interested in performance. It will be a commuter car with a trip to and from Washington DC each day (60 miles per day) with my husbands bike on the back or in the back if that's not too awkward.

My husband goes skiing several times a year. We have a 2005 Toyota Highlander (2WD) and, according to him, does terrible going up the big hills (to be fair we were using the manufacturers tires at that time and we have gotten much better tires since).

He wants a vehicle that can get him too and from work and also get him around in snowy weather. Here in DC we don't get a lot of snow at all, but when we do, it's a real pain.

There are very few used AWDs in our area for sale (not a big seller here). I am going to look at a Certified Used Matrix today. It is a 2005 and has 26,000 miles on it. They are asking approximately $16,900 for it (of course, I'm talking them down on it).

My husband woud very much like a Subaru; however, we are looking for something a bit more inexpensive.

if you are wanting a highway commuter, then the AWD gets god mileage, i average about 30 mpg on the interstate, more or less depending on how i drive. If you want a car with good city mileage, forget it...i get about 20mpg in the city, if im lucky.

[dipthongdude]

Originally Posted by ArmyofOne

if you are wanting a highway commuter, then the AWD gets god mileage, i average about 30 mpg on the interstate, more or less depending on how i drive. If you want a car with good city mileage, forget it...i get about 20mpg in the city, if im lucky.

Wow 20 mpg in city? Is that really hard core city driving? I mean stopping every minute/ couple of blocks? I get 30 mpg on high with my AWD Matrix, and about 25 when driving in "soft" city driving... I guess maybe average a stop every half mile or so.

[KTRIX4WD06]

Yup 20mpg sounds about right for city driving...especially if you live in NYC like I do