considering the matrix

[jspath]

So I am thinking of getting the Matrix XR AWD as my next car. My '92 Ford Explorer is starting to feel its age.

I was hoping you guys could provide some feedback for me

My reasoning for picking the matrix is:
- AWD option. It snows in New England and I like to ski.
- It's not an SUV. Gas consumption is an issue for me.
- It has more space than a sedan or coupe.
- It looks kinda cool

My hesitations are:
- Space... will it feel too small after driving an explorer?
- 130 HP engine... will the Matrix dissapoint from a power perspective?
- I'm also consider the Subaru wagons... they have lots of power and more space, but cost more and are, well... wagons.

Anyways, I'd appreciate any info you guys might have for a prospective Matrix owner! Maybe I'll hanging around this forum alot more in a month or so!

[xrs22]

Just becuase it's 130HP doesn't mean u have to keep it that way. There's a lot of mods u can slap on there even a supercharger/turbo. If u got a supercharged AWD and the matrix looks the way it does all cool and shit than i would go for this one. It's good for your weather conditions not too much of that here in cali., well central cali. is where i'm from. That's why i got the XRS at 180HP plus some w/ my mods. I'll tell u what and i'm sure you'll hear it from the other matrix owners, it is by the far the coolest looking wagon if u can call it that but it doesn't look like one. So i would vote yes for it, have u taken it for a test drive yet.

[jspath]

haven't done a test drive yet. hopefully this weekend.

what kind of mods can I easily do that would increase power? and how much would they cost me? I'm not looking to spend a fortune, I just don't want to be puttering around the streets

[rated_w]

I would personally take a pontiac vibe over the matrix any day.. they are both exact same, but IMO the vibe has a more sportier look to it

[xrs22]

The only 2 things i like about the vibe are the fender flares(wish the damn matrix had them too) and there's one sick ass body kit for the vibe. I had thought about the vibe when i was researching the matrix. My first choice was gonna be the Hyudai Tiburon but ending up having a baby so had to go w/ the space vs. speed but hay the matrix has some of both.

[KC Rolla XRS]

Originally Posted by xrs22

The only 2 things i like about the vibe are the fender flares(wish the damn matrix had them too) and there's one sick ass body kit for the vibe. I had thought about the vibe when i was researching the matrix. My first choice was gonna be the Hyudai Tiburon but ending up having a baby so had to go w/ the space vs. speed but hay the matrix has some of both.

The XRS is faster than the v6 Tiburon anyway.

[xrs22]

^ yes indeedy.

[slipknot490]

The reasons I took the matrix over the vibe are....
1. The matrix has a better warranty (go figure! same car! I guess GM doesn't want to warranty a car they didn't build)...3 year/50,000 mile drivetrain on the matrix as to the vibe's 3/36,000. I am alreay at 34,500 after 1 year!
2. major paint problems on the vibe. Although they are the "same car", they are built in two different plants, 1 in canada and the other california and apparently there were some paint issues in california's plant. This may have been resolved by now.
3. the price. I don't know about now but when I bought mine, It was more than 2000 less for the Toyota. We paid 18,700 for our XRS and the mid level Vibe was 20,900 and the Vibe GT was over 22,000
4. resale value....you can't go wrong with toyota's track record and they have great resale value. go price a used grand am(if you can find a desent one) and compare it to a used camry with equal options.
Yes I do think the Vibe is more aggresive looking and the roof racks are cool ( I too love the body cladding on the vibe), But I am sooo glad we went with the Matrix

[mistamatrix]

It's actually "4WD" (not AWD) and it's not full-time. It's essentially a FWD car and power goes to the rear wheels upon slippage. It's also only available in automatic.

[slipknot490]

hey jspath...i'm in melrose...we should hook up and you can test drive my car. It will give you an idea as far as space and you can feel the acceleration on the XRS. get back to me.