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Wagons Toyota Matrix Changes You'd Like To See in the Matrix
42 messages, Last post on Dec 21, 2007 at 8:41 AM
You are in the Toyota Matrix Forum. Your Host is kcram
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Replying to: badgerrr (Nov 02, 2006 3:35 pm) 
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I guess that's my biggest gripe. Side visibility seems to be an issue particularly when the driver is tall. Rear visibility is not great for any size driver. Regarding the list in posting 8, I'm in favor of keeping the running lights. And I hate the gauges in the middle and didn't consider cars for that reason. Otherwise I can agree with everything. BTW, a guy at my church has (or had) a bright yellow Matrix. Don't know what year it was, but it was nice-looking. |
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That would help me a great deal. It would also be great if they would fold and had the option to be heated. Oh yes...better paint that can take some raod debris without chipping. You know, that's not a bad ideal for ALL cars. |
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I have a 03 xrs, but I'm pretty sure most things are the same. - more comfortable seating, headrests hurt my neck - arm rest/console weird placement - shifter...place it closer! - notchy stickshift on xrs, but that's no longer avail in 07 - offer optional carpet for rear and stock roof racks - Things NOT to change - great styling, don't care what you vibe lovers think!!  - great engine/gas mileage - overall, I think it's the best small wagon out there if you don't need AWD, then go subaru (soo fun to drive, but ohhh the maintenence) |
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Difinatly a bigger engine. (The 2.4L from the Rav-4 would be perfect especially in the AWD models.) Stiffer suspension. (the XRS suspension was perfect. It rides very smoothly and it feels much more stable than the soft base and XR models.) Standard traction and stability control. Standard 4 wheel disc ABS brakes Better tires (or bigger) Standard 6 speed manual transmission and optional 5 speed auto tranny. Less touchy gas pedal. An inch or two taller Standard telescoping steering wheel. Standard side and curtain air bags. |
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Replying to: badgerrr (Nov 02, 2006 3:35 pm) The clutch and brake pedals need to be farther apart. CM: I can't speak to this one, as I have an automatic. We need rain gutters on top so we can roll down the window without getting soaked in wet conditions. CM: Okay, nice idea, but hardly essential. The gauges need to be moved to the middle as with the Echo/Yaris. CM: Why? What's wrong with them where they are? The base model of the Matrix needs to be availible. I had couldn't locate a single one when I went to buy - and I even employed an auto broker! CM: Can't speak to this one either, as I bought an XR. Cargo area needs to be carpeted. Gear slids around everywhere if it's not lashed down. CM: It is -- at least mine is. I don't recall if it was standard or an option, but either way, it's available. Speaking of lashed down, we need some kind of tie-downs on the exterior of this rig for folks that car top, without a rack. CM: Agreed. In fact, a roof rack option would be nice. Eliminate all them senseless/annoying alarms. CM: Like what? Key in ignition? Lights on? Personally, I like these reminders. I think a way to turn them on or off would be nice, though, that way everyone could set them to their personal preference. Eliminate those Daytime Running Lights. CM: Again, why? First of all, aren't they required by law in many places? But second, how is this even noticeable when you're driving? Redesign those uncomfortable seats. CM: What? I think the Matrix's seats are quite comfortable. Offer the thing in Yellow. CM: They do (or did) -- I own a yellow Matrix! As much as I love the yellow (I never would have imagined I'd own a yellow car), what I really wanted was an awesome electric blue. Wish Toyota would have offered that. (I think they have a shade close to that now, though.)
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My matrix has roof racks. You can get them as an assesory.
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I will put in a vote for more spacing between clutch and brake. It is just barely acceptable as it is. I think the suspension strikes a good balance between sport and smooth ride. If anything, I would want it a touch more sporty, with perhaps slightly larger sway bars, but I quite like it just as it is. Folks wishing for a 2.4L engine may get their wish. Seems that "folks in the know" have info that this is indeed the plan for the '09 Matrix. I assume fuel economy will suffer quite a bit, and that would reduce my interest in the car. I like the seats, but wish the height adjustment for the driver would be the normal method, lifting the rear of the seat bottom, rather than the existing design that ratchets the whole seat up and forward. I think that if Honda can put 6 standard airbags and ABS in every model including the little $14K Fit, then the Matrix should have those standard too. I wouldn't mind seeing standard VSC as well, but as long as it is a readily available option (which it isn't now in Toyota models that offer optional VSC) that would be fine. Actually I have heard that Toyota expects to make VSC standard in all its models by 2009. And I wish they would bring back the XRS. That's one fun ride. Put in the 2.4L with the TRD supercharger that's available in the Scion tC, and it would be a BLAST! Alas, the early info on the '09s indicates that the XRS is not going to make a return.  And oh yes, the manual on the next model should be a 6-speed. The new model is only about a year away. Is everyone going to be sad when their car becomes "the old model"? I might be a little...
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I wonder if the new matrix will come with AWD as an option. I hope so
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Replying to: csmatrix (Feb 02, 2007 4:47 am) |
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