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Toyota Matrix Test Drive: What Did You Think?

7 messages,  Last post on Aug 11, 2009 at 11:14 AM

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#1 of 7 Toyota Matrix Test Drive: What Did You Think? by pf_flyer HOST Oct 12, 2006 (1:08 pm)
This is the place to share your test drive impressions of the Matrix.
#2 of 7 2005 side airbag system by silverado3 Jul 14, 2004 (4:53 pm)
my wife and I are looking at the matrix to buy and want to find out the safety factors in having our baby in the back seat with the 2005 side airbag system. the dealer (or toyota ?) has no recomendation as to whether or not a baby should be in the back with the side airbag system on. the new side airbag system extends from the front to the back seat and emerges from the roof (not the seat). we wanted to add it to the car as a safety feature but are uncertain about its safety to the baby in the back. Another issue of safety for us is adding ABS. Today on our test drive I slammed on the brakes many times and the brakes never locked up, in fact they acted much like anti-locking brakes. would abs add more safety, especially with an inexperienced driver? And how is their reliability? I know in my silverado they have failed to work a number of times.
#3 of 7 Possible Awkward Driving Position by johnc19 Dec 14, 2004 (6:49 am)
I am considering purchasing a new 2005 Matrix XR 5-speed, and have test driven the car a couple of times and really like it. I've read a few professional reviews on the Matrix which generally have good things to say. However, one area that appears in these reviews as a potential weakness is an awkward/uncomfortable driving position. Although I haven't noticed anything wrong with the driving position during test drives, neither of my test drives were for an extended period or distance.   I would be interested in hearing from some Matrix owners who've had their cars for a while about what they think of the driving position.
#4 of 7 2004 XR FWD Auto second test drive by deg856 Feb 18, 2004 (9:28 pm)
Took a long second test drive - the dealer let me take it home for a couple of hours on my own. I wrote last time that the take off felt sluggish during the initial test drive, but my second impression was much better. The engine is a little loud on take off, but the power is more than adequate with me, my wife, and our 3-year old in the car. Freeway cruising is great - steady, well controlled ride and pretty quiet (seems as quiet as our Sienna, if not more quiet). 3000 rpm in top gear (4th) gives you 76 mph - much more relaxed than the Mazda 3 Hatchback automatic (which only goes 66 mph at 3000 rpm in top gear) that I also test drove. I'm totally sold on the Matrix and now it's just a matter of finding one with the right color and options.
#5 of 7 Awkward Driving Position by skyblu88 Apr 27, 2007 (12:19 pm)
I test drove the Matrix and thought that the driving position was very awkward. I felt like i was in a pick-up truck, and that i had poor visibility around the vehicle. I also do not like the positioning of the gear shift. My neighbor just bought the matrix and loves the car, but also has the same complaint. Also, CR mentions this in their current car issue.   Other than this one complaint, i think the matrix is a great vehicle, and would still consider buying one.   I currently have a 94 civic and love to drive this car. I feel that it hugs the rode and is a part of me when i am in it. If Honda made a sporty 4-door wagon to compete with the VW Rabbit, Mazda 3, or Matrix, i would buy one in a heartbeat. The Honda Fit is just too small. I don't care how great the ratings and gas mileage are, i would not want to take a hit from a Suburban in the Fit, or any other subcompact.   I am leaning more toward the mazada 3 for my next purchase, because of the interior styling and driving position/seating.
#6 of 7 Very Disappointed With Test Drive, 2009 Matrix by wexmary Apr 21, 2009 (4:35 pm)
My wife and I are Toyota people, I have owned Toyotas for last 25+ years. Right now we have 2004 Corolla and 2002 Camry. Looking to replace 2002 Camry and looked at Matrix. Love the way it looks and being it is a Corolla 5-door hatch, were expecting a great test-drive.   Boy, was I disappointed. It was so bad I wonder if it was just a lemon of a test car or if it was indicative of the car. First off, the noise, both engine and road was awful past 30 mph. Ride was awful, even minor bumps rocked the car. Brakes were awful as well.   We got back into our 2004 Corolla with 44,000 miles on it and our car rode MUCH better.   I think this car had the smaller engine, but I was very disappointed. Is it worth looking at a Vibe? Hope about a Scion Xb or even another Corolla.
#7 of 7 Rough Ride Solutions by rfin16 Aug 11, 2009 (11:14 am)
Can the type of tire make a significant difference to how bumpy the ride is? The 2004 Matrix we bought is much rougher than the 1998 Tercel it replaced. But it hs wide low riding tires from Bridgestone which are fuel efficient and sporty but possibly soft and contributing to the bumpiness. What do you think? Thank you for comments and advice.

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