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Wagons Toyota Matrix All-New 2009 Toyota Matrix
179 messages, Last post on Sep 04, 2009 at 11:48 AM
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Replying to: nippononly (Feb 01, 2008 1:27 pm) Wanna know something even crazier? I just sat in two new 2009 Corollas - they are both listed for 27/35 mpg with the 1.8 Auto. I just checked, the Corolla final drive ratio for the 1.8 Auto is 4.130, and the Matrix is 4.312. And the Matrix is taller, so it'll have more drag at highway speeds. Toyota is positioning the new Matrix as a "Sport Coupe" look with a hatchback. They even try to disguise the rear doors be removing the 2007's side glass behind the rear doors. So, the diff ratio is numerically higher, so the Matrix will be quicker off the line, but get lower mileage. Your mileage may vary, though. I guess you just can't beat the physics of it, no matter what. |
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Replying to: ecotrklvr (Feb 01, 2008 8:32 am) The Nissan Rogue is much, much larger and gets 22 MPG city vs 21 for the 2.4 liter Matrix.. |
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final drive ratio of the top gear will determine highway gas mileage, not the number of gears. another factor no one mentioned is the axle ratio. you'll have to know that also to make a fair comparison. this is only speculation, but from reading various forums here and other sites, the 4 speed auto is more durable than the 5 speed. i have read that the toyota 5 speed transmission has had some problems. this must explain why they are using the 4 speed for the awd matrix... it will stand up to more stress. |
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Replying to: jefe47 (Jan 17, 2008 10:42 am) |
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Just stopped by the local dealer in Irvine. They had a dark gray S Auto, and I got a quick drive in it. It had the optional 215/45-17's. Impressions: - Roomy enough for this guy, 6"4" 260. Enough adjustment in the tilt/tele for me to lift off the gas and hit the brake without banging the back of the wheel with my knee. Seats above average comfort. Seat height relatively high - much higher than, say, and Altima. Getting out, my knees were above 90'. Big plus for me. Noticeably narrower than an xB, but OK. - Nice combination of ride and handling; just a tad rough for my taste, but considering the wheel/tire combo, I thought it was very good. Steering was very good. Brakes were very firm and linear. - A little too much road noise, again OK considering the 45 series tires. - Power was more than adequate. Merged onto the freeway without needing more than 3/4 throttle. (this is the 2.4L) - Impressively quiet ride. Very smooth engine. Less bouncy in this configuration than in the Scion xB. - Good rear-set room for two, or three small people. With Driver's seat ALL the way back, I sat behind it fine. - Very good cargo room. Seemed even larger than the fish-eye pictures showed. A nice, flat floor, with some additional storage underneath. Plenty wide, and even deeper than it is wide. Seats fold down true flat. - Nice dash layout. Sharp overall styling. Nose less pointy in person than in pictures. Overall, very sleek. Shapely enough for Gen Y, but classy enough for the over-50's too. - Well-placed mounts for roof rack for my bikes. Roof-height perfect for putting two bike up there. - Only negative - five speed auto shifting only so-so. Not nearly as crisp as my 4-speed auto in my 2.4L Highlander. Three distinct episodes of hunting between 2-3 upshift. (Maybe this brand-new trans needs to learn?) I had heard negative comments of 2005-2007 3.3L Highlander 5-speed auto, and went 2.4L 4-speed as a result and have been glad I did. Toyota Service reports that the 4-speed is very rugged. I originally wanted to try a XRS, but the one they'd had was gone. With choppy-riding 215/45-18's on the XRS, I'm more interested in seeing how comfortable the ride the Standard's tires would give. I left requesting a call when they got a 1.8L Auto in. I'll let y'all know what that's like as well. All in all, a very positive drive in a very modern ride. |
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Having brooded on the 09, I just bought the 08. I don't like the lower roof and the swept, solid rear pillars on the 09. Less vertical room and worse vision. Especially for our dogs--who wouldn't have been able to see to the right or left! Only thing I regret is not having an MP3 ready sound system.
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Replying to: rawdon (Feb 08, 2008 7:18 am) I got a $180 Sony CD player with an AUX / MP# input installed in my 2007 Highlander, and it's better than the factory MP3 in the 2008 Highlander. I'm sure you must have save lots more than that with the '08 vs. the '09. So splurge and go to Best Buy / Circuit City. I hope you and your dogs enjoy the new ride. |
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Replying to: ecotrklvr (Feb 07, 2008 10:43 pm)
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Replying to: waltchan (Feb 10, 2008 9:30 am) I'd much rather buy a car from my local dealer - the one I bought from last year. I'll wait a week or two for them to arrive. Prices will likely be dropping in a bit, anyway. Patience. I do know that someone bought an XRS from Irvine Toyota last week. Has anyone here bought one yet? |
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The Toyota Website says the AWD Version has a Minimum Running Ground Clearance of 5.3"; Is there a way to increase the Ground Clearance with damaging the drivetrain? Could the ground clearance be increased to maybe 7" without damaging the vehicle?
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