3315 messages,
Last post on Jan 08, 2013 at 10:04 PM
You are in the
Toyota Matrix Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Toyota Matrix, Wagon
#2605 of 3315 agree
by oac
Jun 09, 2004 (9:44 pm)
with you Nippon on the X3. I am hopeful that Toyota will play the hp war with the next release of the Matrix. They almost have to, but if the Trix is still married to the Corolla, it may be tough unless the 'Rolla gets a big boost in power as well. Whatever they do, I'll be watching. I already promised my 12-yr-old she'll get the Matrix on her 16th birthday, so she's excited and I must replace this in a couple of years or so. Another Trix won't be that bad, this time an XRS/manual, or whatever they have by 2007, but I am not holding my breath. Maybe I'd go elsewhere to an Acura or something else. Can't think that far yet....
Jun 10, 2004 (10:29 am)
A hundred miles after the last fill-up my gas needle is still above the “F” mark – this means about 3 gallons are hidden above “F”. People typically think there are about 2 gallons left after the needle goes below “E” as a safety reserve. The total capacity of the tank is 13.2 gal, so if 3 are above F and 2 are below E, then there are only about 8 gal between F and E. I know why they do this, but still wish they made the gauge reading more linear to show the true quantity of gas in the tank.
Jun 10, 2004 (2:48 pm)
one thing Matrix needs to do with the next gen is break away from Corolla and become its own model. I mean, after all Matrix has more wind resistance and a few hundred pounds on the Corolla - it SHOULD have its own powertrain for base models.
Even Corolla will have to jump up a bit in the next iteration - all of its major competitors except Civic are above 140 hp now.
Jun 11, 2004 (11:02 pm)
I'm planning to purchase a Jetta Wagon TDI with 5M, and I test drive it for two times, I like the German quality and safty.
But today I cheked out that 05Matrix made some improvement and avaliable soon, I would like to test one and see how's going. Cause as a full-loaded XR, it still will be couple thousands cheaper.
All I need is a city wagon, and have good MPG, safe and perform great in like 5 years. I do worry a little about the maintance of diesel engin. So, what's your guys opinion? Appreciated.
#2609 of 3315 jetta vs. trix
by steine13
Jun 12, 2004 (4:44 am)
Well, Vincent,
Most of guys here on the 'trix group will feel, and I'm sure of this, that you should go with the VW. In part because your initials match...
Seriously, though, these are two different animals. Drive both, see what you like. The only way I'd get the TDI is if I were doing well over 20k per year, or I REALLY wanted a Diesel. The Matrix is more plasticky and louder, you sit higher, it'll be much more reliable, and I don't know which ones is more fun to drive.
I like both, but the only thing they have in common is the hatch and the 5speed....
-Mathias
Jun 12, 2004 (6:44 am)
The Jetta has the prettier interior, but its reliability will pale in comparison to the matrix.
Jun 12, 2004 (7:25 am)
a Jetta wagon will have more room inside than the Matrix, which is pretty roomy in its own right. I haven't been in one, but those Jetta wagons look big.
The Matrix will be a LOT more fun. If that matters. Also cheaper to operate (virtually zero-maintenance) and most likely won't need a repair you are on the hook for in five years.
I'll echo steine also: Matrix will be a bit louder, more plasticky, and you sit higher. It also has the advantage that wherever you stop for gas, the station actually sells the kind you need. Unlike diesel.
Jun 12, 2004 (8:40 am)
...is nowhere near as roomy as the 'trix in the back seat. Seat is low, room is fairly tight. The cargo area is much bigger than the Matrix, though.
-Mathias
Jun 12, 2004 (9:27 am)
Earlier this spring (before I bought a 4-cylinder Highlander) I briefly considered the Jetta when I was looking to replace my old '94 Corolla wagon. The Jetta's cargo area is slightly larger than the old Corolla wagon behind the rear seat, but slightly smaller with the rear seat folded down. The Matrix is indeed much smaller behind the rear seat -- maybe as much as 5 cubic feet.
I didn't pursue the Jetta after I found out that you can't buy them in Massachusetts. You can't even register a new one here if you buy it out of state. If you have one already and move here, then you have to apply for a waiver. All this should change in a couple of years when the cleaner diesel fuel is required in the USA.
The Matrix has much better passenger room in both front and back, and it gets better gas mileage. (Even my Highlander gets better gas mileage than the Jetta, and it runs on regular gas.) And in terms of reliability, I wouldn't consider a gasoline powered Jetta after reading the Edmunds forum on those vehicles. The Matrix does better than the Jetta in crash tests, too.
Jun 12, 2004 (10:53 am)
the HL and Matrix get better gas mileage than the diesel Jetta TDI? I believe that is the other vehicle being considered. I think the TDI's fuel economy is in hybrid territory.
Yes, the back seat of the Matrix is super-spacious when compared to its peers.