Should I buy a Matrix?

[teleios]

Yes, the title screams "noob." Anyway, I've searched your forums for this information, but it's pretty scattered. I'm wondering if you guys can answer me the following (Let me know what trim you have when you respond):

1. What kind of TRUE gas mileage are you guys getting?
2. Are there model years or trims that are problematic?
3. Is the XRS worth the money, or should I stick to a FWD XR? (I don't want to sacrifice the power on an AWD model).
4. Which (if any) trim comes standard with PW, PL, CC, A/C etc?
5. How are the manual trannies? Squishy?
6. Does the XR take reg. unleaded?
7. Anything else I should know?

Thanks, guys.

SKD

[Bazirker]

1. We're getting bad ass mileage. My manual '05 XR gets around 30 mpg city, 36 highway, with a Thule roof rack.
2. I don't believe that there's any problems that stand out from year to year. I have an 05 and I know there's an issue with slightly wobbly windows and under certain conditions the starter takes an extra couple seconds, but both these issues are resolvable by simply having the Toyota dealer fix them. I haven't experienced either of these issues on my 05 to any extent where I would begin to consider them a problem.
3. I think the XR is the way to go, unless you want a fast car. The XR is NOT fast or powerful. I can't speak for the XRS, although I know it has a really peaky powerband (which I consider to be a negative.) Frankly, if you want a fast car, Toyota ain't the way to go, try a WRX or something (and kiss your mileage and reliablity goodbye.)
4. I believe the XR and XRS has that stuff standard. The base model doesn't, although I imagine it's difficult to find a Matrix without those options, given how recently these cars have been produced.
5. I like the tranny. The shifting feels really definitive, I love the sound the shifter makes when popping in and out of gear. I enjoy shifting more in this car than any other manual I've ever driven. The clutch feels like it's a little on the tight side, but mine is still loosening up since it's so new.
6. The XR takes 87 octane, the cheap stuff. I believe you have to put 89 or 91 in the XRS.
7. The only complaint I can make with the Matrix XR is that the acceleration is pretty weak...but come on, it's a ~$18k car. So it'd be great if the car magically had more ponies while maintainin the gas mileage and quiet ride, but that's just not how it works. I'll take the mpg over the hp. I really like how it feels like I'm sitting higher in the trix than other cars. Frankly, I love the car. Test drive one, and if you like it, buy it, you'll be making a solid choice.

[greywolf]

1. A little wider range than the EPA estimate with the median a couple of points lower.
2. The 2005 models got a better radio. Windows can be rattly when driving with them open and can get stuck. If that is a problem there is a service bulletin on it and it ought to be fixed in the 2006 model year. I don't open my windows much so don't care.
3. The XRS only has an advantage at very high RPMs. The XR actually has more power at typical RPMs.
4. A/C is standard. Others are trim levels higher than standard.
5. Some think so. A short shifter kit is a popular mod.
6. Yes.
7. I wouldn't be surprised.

[coquelicot]

I've never gotten less than 30 mpg even while stuck in crappy rush-hour traffic, even though the sticker says 28 in the city. My best mileage was 36 mpg out on the open highway.

My main objective was to have a fuel-efficient car, not necessarily a fast or powerful one, but I still wanted something kinda sporty. So I got the XR FWD.

We've done regular unleaded, except on the last fill-up, where the station only had premium due to gas shortages. DH will occasionally put a higher-grade gas in the car to avoid some of the pinging. Someone told me once, though, that doing that on a regular basis can be just as bad as putting too low of an octane in a vehicle that requires something higher.

[greywolf]

The Matrix won't ping for long. If the ECU detects pinging, it will retard the timing until the ping goes away. That will cause a reduction in power output. The control unit keeps trying to set the timimg back to normal levels. If pinging is detected in the process, it backs off again. Once good gas is used again, the ECU will ease the timing back to normal.

[sixTOO]

Sorry to threadjack...Do any other members have opinions to add? I'm also in the market for a Matrix and my main concerns are whether I should trade up to an XR or XRS.

I'm trading in my 02 WRX for a Matrix in order to save on gas. So I'm basically prepared to jump over to a much slower car. Frankly, I just want something that is decent for hauling a bunch of stuff and is relatively comfortable. I've done the research and both have way better gas mileage than what I'm getting now.

If I get the XR, I'll be getting the sports package so I can get the bigger wheels, disc brakes and ABS. So the real question is, will the XR be capable enough to haul things around and make the occasional trip to the snow? TIA!

[mikes_matrix]

For More Info an Just Matrix Related Stuff ..........look at www.matrixowners.com

1. What kind of TRUE gas mileage are you guys getting? Good If you dont hit lift all the time ...drive with a Feather foot and get 600km to a tank drive hard and get 450km to a tank the tank holds 45 liters.......you will have to look up the conversions.......it to late for ME

2. Are there model years or trims that are problematic? NO

3. Is the XRS worth the money, or should I stick to a FWD XR? (I don't want to sacrifice the power on an AWD model). Go to a local Meet and ask someone to Take you For a Ride in an XRS.........or drive one on a used car lot some where........When you do make sure you Wait untill it warmed up and rev it past 7000 at least Before you shift....and it will be Hard to consider the Base or XR/

4. Which (if any) trim comes standard with PW, PL, CC, A/C etc? The XR model ( XR "a" or the XR"b")

5. How are the manual trannies? Squishy? They are Good the Clutch leaves lots of People something To Desire????

6. Does the XR take reg. unleaded? Yes the XRS i s the one that Req the 91 octane

Take Care .........You will enjoy the Trix.....

MIKE

[ksbrace]

04 XR manual 2WD
1. I have a weird (good) commute: 11 miles at 35-45 MPH with no traffic and about 6 stop signs or traffic lights. I get 40 MPG summer, 35 MPG winter. Twice this summer I got 43 MPG on a 300 mile round trip at 50-60 with A/C on low at 90 F (state highways from eastern MA to central VT). Expect low-mid 30's as you get to 65-70 MPH.
3. The XR has plenty of power for me for practical purposes. When I owned a 1980 Chevette (manual) I was usually (9/10) limited by the car AHEAD of me on the merge ramp, not by my own engine. When I owned a 1993 Saturn SW1 (85 HP manual) I was almost ALWAYS limited by the car ahead of me - I couldn't open it up or I would hit the guy ahead of me. In my 2004 Matrix XR (manual) I have ALWAYS been limited by the car ahead of me on the merge ramp. Put simply, other drivers are not WILLING to accelerate as fast as I am able to in this car. It is not a race car, and some people love the thrill of going even faster or more quickly when there is nobody in front of them, but this car has plenty of power to outperform what the vast majority of drivers with larger engines are WILLING to do.
5. The manual tranny is notchy. My Saturn was smooth (no notches) so it took a few weeks for me to really get used to. My friend with a WRX said he likes the notchy feel because you know for sure whether you are or are not in the next gear, and the Saturn did have this problem in 3rd gear (would pop out if you didn't get it all the way in), while the Matrix has never had any problem with this. For the first month or so I had to pay close attention going 2nd to 3rd to go up, over, up - I couldn't just slide it that direction. It was the only thing I didn't really like about the car. But I'm sure that after 6 months it had broken in and was quite a lot smoother. I don't think I just got used to it, because even my wife, who rarely drives it, stopped having trouble with it. Now I am very happy with how it feels.
The clutch feels fine to me. I never had any complaints about it.

[trdbryan]

Hey Check out the TRD great Package at a great price comes with A/C, Spoiler, Side Skirts, fog lights, panasonic mp3 player, 17 rims (215/50/17) and a 3" chrome tail pipe. MSRP 20,800 Canadain. I have a 2005 and i love it. They are awsome car's, built to last.

TRD B

[stavy]

although the TRD is good, all it is is window dressing, the car is the same. So I went with the XR and got factory installed powerwindows (always a good resale feature, and no holes in the door where the window crank was) and the 16" rims (keep in mind the TRD is just base with window dressing, so a base comes with steel wheels and hubcaps) and I got a leather wrapped wheel and shifter, cruise control and keyless entry. very cool

just what you prefer I guess in a car I guess. and I think I have map lights too

[altis_86]

im also in the market for matrix.
base in your experience, did you guys have any complain with the passeneger space??
what i want to ask is if the passenger space big enough?? ive got two kids, who complain about more roomier and "are we there yet?" comments.
second question is, does the women like this car?? im giving this car to my wife

[ksbrace]

My son (8 years old) loves the back seat of my Matrix because he has a much better view than he does in my wife's Avalon, due to the higher position of the rear seat compared to most cars. The driving position is also quite high, so I have a better view than in other cars (but of course not as high as an SUV or minivan), so I guess this would appeal to women. As for room, on occasion when I drive the gang at work to lunch we will put 3 in the back, and they don't seem too scrunched up back there. And whereas in my 93 Saturn the front seat passenger and I would have to scoot forward to make leg-room for adults in the rear, there is plenty of leg room for adults in my Matrix with the front seats in the normal positions.

[TampaSteve]

We have a 2003 Indigo Ink XR AWD with all the trimmings...bought it in March 2002 (one of the very first in the USA)...it's not the quickest car we've ever driven, but the AWD is awesome in the rain or snow (not that we get much snow anymore since we moved to Florida). The seats are very comfortable, and there is tons of cargo space inside. We love our Matrix!

[mr2driver]

Originally Posted by sixTOO

Sorry to threadjack...Do any other members have opinions to add? I'm also in the market for a Matrix and my main concerns are whether I should trade up to an XR or XRS.

I'm trading in my 02 WRX for a Matrix in order to save on gas. So I'm basically prepared to jump over to a much slower car. Frankly, I just want something that is decent for hauling a bunch of stuff and is relatively comfortable. I've done the research and both have way better gas mileage than what I'm getting now.

If I get the XR, I'll be getting the sports package so I can get the bigger wheels, disc brakes and ABS. So the real question is, will the XR be capable enough to haul things around and make the occasional trip to the snow? TIA!

they do make an awd matrix just to let you know, though i think you can only get it with an automatic

on the bright side it comes with vvtl-i instead or just vvt-i

[arne282]

Originally Posted by mr2driver

they do make an awd matrix just to let you know, though i think you can only get it with an automatic

on the bright side it comes with vvtl-i instead or just vvt-i

AWD comes with vvtl-i? huh? Am i missing somthing?