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Changes You'd Like To See in the Matrix

42 messages,  Last post on Dec 21, 2007 at 8:41 AM

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#33 of 42 Map lights by oubaasjohn Jun 23, 2007 (8:02 pm)
I dislike the map light switches on my two matrixes, its nice to have a light that can be pointed but the switches are too close to where one grips the mirror when adjusting it and they are push button so easily turned on accidentally. If that happens in daylight it often goes unnoticed and the light stays on till the next time you drive at night when it is obvious. I also need larger numbers on the odometer and temperature gauges. Hard to read for the older demographic. Though according to Toyota the car was designed to appeal to the young crowd. But I seem to see mostly older Matrix drivers. I am not in Florida either.... Replies to this message: nippononly (Jun 24, 2007 11:16 am)
#34 of 42 Re: Map lights [oubaasjohn] by nippononly Jun 24, 2007 (11:16 am)
Replying to: oubaasjohn (Jun 23, 2007 8:02 pm) When you get the moonroof, you get one big maplight on the roof instead of the mirror-mounted ones, with spotlights that go both ways. I would like to see all '09 Matrix, with and without moonroof, get the roof-mounted light, and see it become a twin set of lights, one for passenger and one for driver, just like everybody else does (and like Toyota does in most of its models).
#35 of 42 Re: Roof rack [csmatrix] by doug61 Jul 13, 2007 (5:51 pm)
Replying to: csmatrix (Jan 30, 2007 12:06 pm) Where did you get them? What brand or manufacturer? I live in Southern California & bought my 06 new here. The dealer had no interest in supplying a roof rack (kinda weird right there) & then other dealers said there was no rack for a Matrix. The factory VIBE set up is over $400 as you buy it as parts plus assembly. I conducted what I thought was a pretty diligent search for a permanently mounted, clean looking rack. Everything came back to Yakima or Thule $500 plus. I've only seen one Matrix with what looked like a "factory rack".   doug Replies to this message: herzogtum71 (Jul 18, 2007 5:55 am)
#36 of 42 Re: the next generation model [otis12] by doug61 Jul 13, 2007 (6:37 pm)
Replying to: otis12 (Jun 17, 2007 7:32 am) Re: #3 - "fold down passenger seat with hard backside..." One of the reasons I bought my 06 base model as that the passenger seat back folded flat (forward) so I can get my 9'-6" surfboard inside the car. Current design covers that item.   doug
#37 of 42 Re: Changes I'd Like To See in the Matrix [pf_flyer] by doug61 Jul 13, 2007 (7:07 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Oct 12, 2006 1:06 pm) We bought our 06 just a year ago after looking at a lot of other cars (Fit; Scion; Mazda 3, 5 & 6). My ideal car is a four door hatchback that gets good mileage & hauls lots of stuff (bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, etc.). We live in Southern Calif so AWD, ground clearance, the usual SUV type specs don't apply. It's the base model with 5 speed manual; pw/pl/ac only. As stripped as we could get it.   After a year & reading thru the discussion, the following imrpvements could be made:   1. Clutch & brake are too close together for 10-1/2 D feet. Too much conscious attention req'd to operate smoothly. Wife has no problem here.   2. Back lit gauges are too dim in daylight & difficult to read (over 50 eyes may be the problem but they're all I've got). Wife has no problem here.   3. DEFINITELY needs a factory roof rack at least an option. People buy this car to haul stuff. At least rails so you have a mounting point to work from. This has been a major peeve of mine.   4. Throttle a bit sensitive for a manual. Could use perhaps a heavier flywheel for easier driving. Minor snivel.   STUFF WE BOTH LOVE:   Seats & seating position are fine. I'm 5'11" & she's 5'2". Very comfortable & good ride. Good gas mileage. Interior flexibility. We've had a variety of sports equipment plus furniture & junk in the back. Good storage. For the folks who'd like to see carpeting instead of plastic, get a bit creative with carpet scraps, door mats, & similar misc stuff & you can get what you're looking for simple & cheap. Have never taken the factory tie-down loops out of their bags. Cruises around So Cal 75 mph with ease & fairly quiet. Great parking in small spots. Low roof height (compared to SUV) makes loaking kayaks on top (Thule rack) easy. Plastic interior handles sand, mud, & assorted natural crud with ease & doesn't get stinky like carpet. Grocery bag net is really cool - we use both nets a lot. The pop up back window is great for grocery loading. Insurance is reasonable. Service at my local Shell station is as good as it gets. It's just a car, after all.   OVERALL: Yes, we'd buy another one, & are considering doing so when we need to replace the next car. Would also consider the new Honda CRV or whatever Toyota comes out with in the next couple of years.   doug
#38 of 42 Make it Attractive by irismg Jul 14, 2007 (11:57 am)
First, I would make it not so ugly, make it look more like a wagon if they're going to call it one, eliminate gray and black from the interior color choice, keep all trims under $16,000, although I would like to see some wood grain trim and leather seats, which if they did that I would allow $18,000 tops. I'd keep the size, it's perfect for bringing home that large electronic appliance, or a new four-legged friend, and please do NOT eliminate the federally-mandated daytime running lights, which have saved me more than I can count.
#39 of 42 Re: Roof rack [doug61] by herzogtum71 Jul 18, 2007 (5:55 am)
Replying to: doug61 (Jul 13, 2007 5:51 pm) The lack of roof rack was discussed in this forum back when our 2003 AWD was new. Before investing in a Vibe roof rack, check the shape of the top of your hatch. With the 2003 model year the Vibe hatch had a slightly different shape so that it would clear the ends of the rails.   I agree that a roof rack would be a welcome change. I wouldn't use it often, but it's nice to have when you need it. But don't add a roof rack without switching to another sort of radio antenna! In-glass antenna, or fender-mounted flex wire -- both of which are used on other Toyota models.
#40 of 42 My MDC (Matrix Dream Car) by observer999 Dec 07, 2007 (1:18 pm)
Although many of you have listed excellent suggestions - and some not so good - I'm reposting my MDC from another forum here.    Now, for my ultimate MDC (Matrix Dream Car)   KEEP - interior room and versatility features. - if you want carpet in the cargo area, make it an option. I like the smooth finish.   KEEP - AWD. - NO, NO, NO, Subaru is not a comparable option thank you! Overpriced, over-hyped, granola wagon, "... hey look at me I'm a tree-hugger!" I heard that Subaru owners may automatically get a lifetime membership to the Sierra Club?   KEEP - hydraulic steering. - not some electric motor thingy.   KEEP - the 1.8L available. - we have the 1.8 with AWD and she moves us over the mountain passes just fine. Besides, can't expect to consistently get 30+ mpg and drive a dragster at the same time - I'll take the mpg thank you!   ADD - turbo diesel option with 6 speed auto/manual transmission. - this would be HUGE +++++ propelling Toyota beyond the stratosphere - besides if VW can do it, why not Toyota?   ADD - AWD to FWD on-the-fly electronic controls. - nice convenience for the summer months; saves wear and tear; might even boost the already excellent mileage a bit!   ADD - increased ground clearance 1 to 2 inches - at least in the AWD models. - our 03' Matrix accommodated slightly taller tires which really helps in deep snow. But, a little more height would be nice. I'm sensing the need to develop an after-market lift kit!    I can dream can't I?
#41 of 42 Re: Changes I'd Like To See in the Matrix [pf_flyer] by stilldl Dec 20, 2007 (7:38 am)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Oct 12, 2006 1:06 pm) I would love to see a roof rack. I had to pay $279.00 for a roof rack that fit. Replies to this message: otis12 (Dec 21, 2007 8:41 am)
#42 of 42 Re: Changes I'd Like To See in the Matrix [stilldl] by otis12 Dec 21, 2007 (8:41 am)
Replying to: stilldl (Dec 20, 2007 7:38 am) Seems like Toyota was listening (or reading here?? ) based on the announced specs for the upcoming '09 Matrix. The 2.4L engine will be available with a 5-speed auto and AWD model is back, albeit with a 4-speed auto only. The officials pix of the '09 Matrix look good!

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