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Wagons Toyota Matrix Toyota Matrix Handling & Suspension Questions
13 messages, Last post on Aug 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM
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| I'm new to the Toyota experience and hope to get some comments on a concern. Before discussing the only negative reaction I have (after 2500 mi.) I'll say that the mileage is good, 31-33 MPG with auto trans. and I like the functionality of the vehicle. My concern is handling at highway speeds, 65-70 MPH. The vehicle "floats" slightly from side to side requiring constant steering correction. It's almost like the toe adjustment is too neutral. I didn't expect this drivability problem because Toyota has very high quality marks and the XR I purchased has the optional P215/50R17 90H M&S Bridgestone Potenza tires on nice alloy rims. I assumed it would track great and have excellent feel at highway speeds with these low profile tires. Anyone else having a similar problem with their Matrix XR? | |
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Replying to: jcnader (Apr 03, 2006 7:35 am) My major complaint, however, is that I barely get 20 mpg in town, 24-26 mixed and hi 20's to 30 only on 3 frwy trips. I chart every fill-up. Toyota says that's OK and I'm stuck with it. "Factory techs" come to the dealership, hook it up to the computer, sip on their Starbuck's and wait for the computer printout that states "no problem here". I loved my '88 Accord hatchback and will hurry back to Honda ASAP. Quality & good Customer Service were promised but never delivered by Toyota. I think I got a lemon!
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Replying to: midnite2 (Apr 28, 2006 6:18 pm)
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Replying to: herzogtum71 (Apr 29, 2006 7:30 am) Take your XR to the tire shop and ask them why the tires continue to lose pressure. I'm a firm believer in changing out the OEM tires ASAP. My XR 4WD has Michelin HydroEdge tires. I don't recommend this tire due to the noise. However, my Highlander has Goodyear Triple Tread tires. Easily, the best tire I've ever owned. I may have Triple Treads on the Matrix before winter. Either way - Check tire pressure at least once a month (more often in spring/fall as outside temps rise and fall). Tire pressure will fluctuate with outside air temps. It's 1-psi for each 10-degree change. |
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| I am new to Toyotas and to the Matrix. I recently purchased a 2005 Matrix with 27,000 miles. The handling on side roads seems rough. The car jars and seems to take in every bump. It's a pretty rough ride overall. The tires are new Goodyear Triple Treds. Is the bumpy handling a characteristic of the Matrix? Or the tires? Other suggestions? Thanks. | |
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What car are you coming out of? Sometimes observations on the quality of the ride are directly related to the last car you owned if you have recently traded. This car is no Buick, nor is it a large or heavy vehicle relatively speaking. Heavy vehicles often end up having a more settled ride (and worse handling and fuel economy) because of their weight. The Matrix is designed to be "sporty", a compromise between ride quality and cornering ability, which it strikes pretty well for my tastes, but everyone's tastes will vary. It's funny, I was just reading the posts above that occured ages ago. The guy saying his mpg was real low has driven only 8000 miles in 2-1/4 years. That's so little driving it's no wonder his mpg stinks. And tires do go down a bit in the normal course of things. Generally, you might lose 1 pound a month or a bit more just from driving around. That's part of the reason why it's a good idea to check them at least once a month. I think the manual recommends it at every fill-up, a rigorous schedule I am guilty of not following to the letter.  As for not tracking straight on the highway, I have not had a problem, but also it is sometimes the case that a certain brand of tire will follow the grooves in the pavement more than others. That applies on concrete, not asphalt, of course.
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Replying to: nippononly (Feb 26, 2007 12:58 pm)
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Replying to: spinner31 (Feb 26, 2007 4:54 pm) |
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I have an '05 XRS and it rides a little stiff, because of the low profile 17" yokohamas. but I like my cars stiff. the rear end feels a little light and starts to slide on hard turns. |
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