Sign In Join 



All-New 2009 Toyota Matrix

179 messages,  Last post on Sep 04, 2009 at 11:48 AM

You are in the Toyota Matrix Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Toyota Matrix, Automotive News, Hatchback, Wagon


Messages Page 15 of 18
1
...
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#141 of 179
Re: Matrix sidetrack [ecotrklvr] by nippononly
Oct 05, 2008 (7:53 pm)
Reply

Replying to: ecotrklvr (Oct 03, 2008 7:59 pm)

I'm curious, anyone out there have the AWD? And if so, did you test drive it back to back with either of the Subaru wagons, the Outback or Impreza? I would love to know your impressions of differences between the two if so.
#142 of 179
AWD by ecotrklvr
Oct 05, 2008 (9:01 pm)
Reply

Replying to: nippononly (Oct 05, 2008 7:53 pm)

I know this doesn't answer your question about FWD vs AWD on the Matrix. But I have driven the FWD Matrix (both engines) and the AWD Outback. I enjoyed the Matrix for its compactness and good driving position. The Subie burns more gas, and has a bigger interior. But if you want AWD to drive fire roads or in snow, the more than 2.5 inch greater ground clearance on the Subie makes it the winner for that duty.
#143 of 179
Re: Matrix sidetrack [ecotrklvr] by captain2
Oct 06, 2008 (8:37 am)
Reply

Replying to: ecotrklvr (Oct 03, 2008 7:59 pm)

because you've never had any trouble, so no one else does, or every will, anywhere. It's logic, I suppose. Of a kind.
 

never said that - but you did - see your post #138. Guess because you have had some problems with a particular brand or two - guess then it follows that everyone does. It's logic, I suppose. I only talk about how the gas we use is manufactured and distributed and the commonality of source(s) - that is where my 'logic is'.
 
As far as my 09 Matrix 1.8 Base model, it continues to hum along quite nicely at 30 mpg overall - my wife is the one that happens to drive it, she is quite happy with it as well. It is ultimately one heckuva practical vehicle! For my part, I feel Toyota has made a mistake in how it has chosen to equip the higher trim lines with the larger engine only - I think the car does fine with the smaller engine and think that 5 mpg or so is a big sacrifice even though gas prices have eased somewhat. I didn't like the unavailability of some options that I would have been willing to pay for otherwise simply because I wanted the extra FE.
#144 of 179
Re: Matrix sidetrack [captain2] by nippononly
Oct 06, 2008 (11:54 am)
Reply

Replying to: captain2 (Oct 06, 2008 8:37 am)

For my part, I feel Toyota has made a mistake in how it has chosen to equip the higher trim lines with the larger engine only - I think the car does fine with the smaller engine and think that 5 mpg or so is a big sacrifice
 
I agree with you there - my 2007, of course, has the 1.8 and with a stick shift I manage 35 mpg as a running average. It is docile around town and plenty fast enough if I wind the engine out when I need the power.
 
I think Toyota made this choice with the engines for the '09s because they are trying to push the Matrix as the smallest of the crossovers in the Toyota line, now that RAV4 has gotten so big. As such, it needs to have more power available for bigger loads and light-duty towing. Of course, they are also guilty of old-school thinking: the buyers with more money deserve a bigger more powerful engine, fuel consumption be damned. "Fuel consumption be damned" may leave our lexicon permanently very soon now....
#145 of 179
Re: Matrix sidetrack [nippononly] by captain2
Oct 06, 2008 (12:16 pm)
Reply

Replying to: nippononly (Oct 06, 2008 11:54 am)

I think Toyota made this choice with the engines for the '09s because they are trying to push the Matrix as the smallest of the crossovers
maybe - but at the same time it seems Toyota wants to include the Matrixs sold in their Corolla numbers, and not necessarily as a separate vehicle. Is not the Matrix also a Corolla Wagon? 35 mpg overall a damn good number - I think my wife must have a bit of a lead foot!
#146 of 179
Re: Matrix sidetrack [nippononly] by mantech
Oct 06, 2008 (12:25 pm)
Reply

Replying to: nippononly (Oct 06, 2008 11:54 am)

No complain about the power performance of this new 1.8L, I own a touring package 5sp (Canada only) Torque now are more noticeable between 2800rpm to
3500rpm, compare to 1ZZFE (1.8L). I used to own older Matrix & I couldn't feel the torque in that range. I think because of the dual VVT exhaust and intake. I love this
2ZRFE engine. It's a good design for perfromance and fuel economy. Right now I'm averaging 32mpg mixed driving, odo is 9500km
#147 of 179
Re: Matrix sidetrack [mantech] by captain2
Oct 06, 2008 (1:31 pm)
Reply

Replying to: mantech (Oct 06, 2008 12:25 pm)

since you Canadians get to build most of the Vibes/Matrixes/Corollas it would seem that you are getting some model choices not available down here in the States - heck even the 'luxury' Corolla XLE is sold with the new 1.8. The new CVVTi that Toyota is using is a genuinely good thing IMO, developed first in the 2GR V6 in 2005, it has allowed that engine to lead its class in terms of power and FE for a number of years now. Nippononly might be right on with a reason for the bigger engine but the Matrix as a CUV might be a hard sell? And yep, by altering intake (and exhaust) valve timings at least some of the 'peaky' nature of these smaller engines can be minimized.
#148 of 179
re: Matrix sidetrack by moontom
Oct 21, 2008 (6:37 pm)
Reply
went to dealer today, hoping that I could get the 1.8L engine w/ Stability, sunroof, et al. NO DICE.
 
this is reeediculous!
 
I don't need AWD. don't want the 2.4. can't believe that Toyota has the car configured this way, given the fossil fuel situation. I've owned 6 toyos over the years, loved the philosophy and everything but I can't fathom this thinking. why force people who want safety options into the bigger power plant?
 
argh....
#149 of 179
re: Matrix sidetrack [moontom] by matrixgirl09
Oct 23, 2008 (7:11 pm)
Reply

Replying to: moontom (Oct 21, 2008 6:37 pm)

The dealers don't want to put in custom orders. Don't know why.
 
I didn't want the sunroof because I figured that it would eventually leak.
 
I figured the car would be alright without stability. The odds of this car rolling over are very slim, compareds to the SUV I was driving.
 
But try another dealership. They are pretty desperate to sell any cars right now so you may get the upper hand.
#150 of 179
re: Matrix sidetrack [matrixgirl09] by nippononly
Oct 23, 2008 (9:21 pm)
Reply

Replying to: matrixgirl09 (Oct 23, 2008 7:11 pm)

Dealers are especially averse to putting in an order on a Matrix right now, as they are all sitting on WAY too many that are already in inventory.
 
And old Toyotas with moonroofs usually don't leak - they do a pretty good job of those moonroofs, they are pretty durable.

Messages Page 15 of 18
1
...
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement