All wheel drive (AWD) of Matrix

[umichioe]

New to this forum and consider buying the Matrix.

1) Is the full time AWD really means full time? Or only activated when sensing slip?
2) Will an automatic awd XR be dog slow?

Thanks.

[greywolf]

Power only goes to the rear wheels when a front wheel slips. It works just fine as long as you don't go off roading. The 4wd is the slowest of the XRs/base models which are not in a quick class to start with but I've never gotten into trouble because of a lack of power. It's no sports car but it has the best fuel economy in the 4WD/AWD group.

[Dr Tweak]

Also there is no 5-speed option. And yes, "dog slow" would be pretty accurate.

[mistamatrix]

Dog slow is hitting it right on the head!

[Lundan]

Oh, it's not that bad. It has enough power to get around town and uphill. It could use a 2.2L, I won't deny that. Of course, I'm comparing the power of my '05 AWD compared to my mom's '03 Corolla, which seem to be about equal.