2004 Toyota Matrix XRS 1.8 VVTL-i

Summary:

Fun

Faults:

Nothing. I have had my oil replaced with synthetic every 5000 km. Shifter was crunchy, replaced with TRD short throw and brass bushings; now much better.

General Comments:

This car is great. A very potent 1.8 liter that redlines at an incredible 8100 rpm springs to life over 6000 rpm. Under 6000 rpm, it's a quiet, fuel economical Toyota everyone expects. Shifter placement is great; right beside the steering wheel. Gages are very sporty. Cargo room is incredibly large. The 110v adaptor is a useful touch. I get an average of 28+ mpg (even with a lead foot).

The 6 speed is a nice transmission, however the gear spacing drops the car out of power band between 1st and 2nd.

For a wagon, its extremely nimble! It handles the corners with ease.

It's everything I wanted in a car. It comes alive when I want it to, its got space when I need it. The only thing that I don't like is it requires premium gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2005

20th Mar 2005, 20:12

I agree, but was told that gas grade does not matter. How ever it also has some power loss and response to clutch when you have the a/c all the way up.

28th Feb 2006, 12:01

I love my Matrix. It has everything I need and more in space, power, maneuverability and options. I agree with some of the comments with respect to the power band and shifting, but these are minor compared to everything else I get out of it.

The only recent concern is that I am having to replace the clutch of the 2004 Matrix XRS after 92,000 km. I am interested to know if there is anyone else out there with this issue.

18th Aug 2006, 11:48

Unfortunately, They put a lousy clutch in the XRS and won't own up to it. I not only lodged complaints with the dealer service manager, I also went as high up with Toyota America as I could. They were no help. My clutches last 100,000+ miles on all my cars. The Matrix went at 30,000 miles. This is unacceptable! The car is so great, I guess I'm going to tolerate it. The new one isn't much better. I'll go after market on the next one as I'm not expecting it to last much past 60,000 miles. All I can say is complain to Toyota, maybe if enough complaints go out, they will issue a recall or something.

2004 Toyota Matrix RS

Summary:

Never Again

Faults:

The car was delivered to the dealer from Toyota without the fog lights and the wrong front and rear fenders and spoilers. Since taking the car to the dealer twice to have the above items replaced/installed the paint has come completely off the front bumper. The dealer is unable to match the paint one bumper as the rest of the car.

General Comments:

A car is only as good as the manufacturer will back it up. After notifying Toyota of the problems with getting this car fixed, I was told that I could fax them a request for arbitration. Needless to say this has been a terrible new car experience and will never by a Toyota again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th July, 2004

2004 Toyota Matrix Standard 1.8

Faults:

No issues, except the OEM Goodyear Eagle RAS tires provide ok dry traction, horrible wet traction, and noisy on irregular pavement. Will wait to 10K, then will replace them with a good set of all season tires for safety and comfort.

General Comments:

Wanted something reliable with good gas mileage, good cargo volume, comfortable, fun to drive, and safe. Looked/test drove vehicles matched to above needs and drove home a Matrix.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2004

2004 Toyota Matrix

Summary:

A worthless piece of gunk!

Faults:

Rattling in the doors.

Compartments will not stay shut.

General Comments:

The Matrix was a total disappointment compared to the other Toyota's I have owned.

You have to rely totally on your mirrors to switch lanes or go in reverse, unless you want to seriously hurt someone. Blind spots... The whole car is a blind spot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th February, 2004

19th Feb 2004, 05:58

You didn't notice this when you test drove the car? Or did you even test drive it?

18th Jul 2004, 22:53

I might suggest a minivan with large trailering mirrors. If the interior fit for compartments need tuning, you might see the dealer. I would think these factors alone merit rating the car a "piece of gunk". A Ferrari 465 offers plenty of blind spots, little interior storage and cup holders - it mus be a "piece of gunk" as well.

27th Aug 2004, 09:31

I agree that there are too many blind spots. For a sub- compact wagon, I would expect great visibility. I went with a Volkswagen Golf and find the design far more superior and only a little more pricey. Also,I dont think Toyota have figured out how to design a car for people over 6'.

2nd Jan 2005, 14:31

I agree that Matrix is built for short people. To me it's one of the most comfortable cars (save for 1997-2001 Camry) that I've ever driven. If you are taller then 6' get a Honda, they are built for taller people (maybe current Civic is an exception). I'm 5'8" and with properly adjusted mirrors I've never had a problem with blind spots. I agree that interior trim is not put together very well, but maybe you should check out Chevys, Fords and Nissans before puting down Matrix. The Matrix can do everything a $25,000 SUV can for nearly half the price. It's not perfect, but for most of us it handles everyday commute + chores better than anything else available on the market.

20th May 2007, 01:35

I test drove the Matrix and found the visibility just fine for a wagon. Try driving a cube van or a 5 ton if you really want to experience blind spots. Careful adjustment of mirrors in any vehicle can reduce most blind spots; you should not be able to see any part of your own vehicle when your L / R mirrors are properly adjusted.

15th Dec 2010, 11:18

I just purchased a 2004 Matrix XR AWD, I think this car or CUV drives very nicely, underpowered for the size, but I plan to up the HP to 140-150 with some minor mods. Very user friendly and as for blind spots unless you are under 4ft tall should not be an issue.