Faults:

Changed the air filter, the original was still with the car.

That's it!!

General Comments:

Great versatility with seats folded down.

Dry handling is great with low profile 16" tires -- next winter I will switch to skinnier winter tires to control the excessive spin in the snow.

Controls are a bit awkward (window controls, emergency brake lever), but the interior is very snug and comfortable.

Fuel economy was a little disappointing -- average is 25 MPG in a 75% city / 25% highway mix. It's showing signs of improvement with the warmer spring temperatures.

Faults:

There have been no mechanical problems with the car whatsoever. There was only one issue of the bottom side molding lifting, but that was caused when I scraped a curb too closely. My local dealership made the minor repair at no cost to me during my 5000-mile service visit.

General Comments:

This is my second Toyota vehicle. I had previously owned a 1999 Corolla CE, and was EXTREMELY happy with it. But after I got married, I started to seriously need a vehicle that had more room for transporting items, furniture, and groceries. I wasn't necessarily looking for a full SUV, so I decided to check out the Matrix. I purchased the Matrix XR in April 2007, and I've never looked back!

First and foremost, it runs and drives like a dream! It shifts smoothly, and handles like a car, despite its larger size. The gas mileage is very good, also. The only expenses I've had are the costs of regular service visits.

My favorite feature in this car is the fold-down rear seats. This is not a super large vehicle, but there is ample room for transporting anything you can think of (within reason). The floor of the "trunk" portion of the car, and the backs of the rear seats are finished in hard plastic molding, which I love. If something spills or falls, a quick wipe-down with a wet cloth takes care of it; no more smelly or stained car carpet!

The upholstery on the seats is fabulous and very comfortable. The XR comes with seat upholstery that is far superior to that of the base model (I compared both), and gives a beautiful sporty look to the interior.

The fit and finish of the insides of the doors and dashboard are very nice looking and durable. I especially love the way the dashboard glows red at night; it looks stunning against the black dashboard and metallic accents. The heating/cooling and radio controls are very intuitive and within easy reach.

Faults:

Well most recently the check engine light came on. dealer said to ignore it and they would take care of it when it went in for an oil change. Then the engine stalled at wall-mart parking lot. OK maybe a fluke. started back up and put it into drive and kabam neck jarring shift. we try to get out of the parking lot with the gas pedal floored. only got to 5 mph then second gear Kabam another horrible shift and maxed out to 10 mph. going to a hill it felt like the rev limiter was kicking in cause the car was bucking wildly. when we took it to the dealer, you guessed it they could not find anything wrong and they reset the light.

General Comments:

I am disappointed in the quality of the interior and the exterior. when I close the driver side door it feels like a hollow piece of sheet metal. the interior made my 96 grand caravan look like a Lexus. the fit and finish is sub par. the engine when it works it is OK. enough power to move briskly, but still has the heart of an economy car the seat are not comfortable, but the fabric seems durable. the stereo sound OK. the way the seat fold down is nice and easy. I guess that what I'm trying to say is that I believe this car has no passion what so ever. my grand caravan had a boat load of passion. I could tell what was going on I was in touch with it. this is just simply an OK car. but that's its biggest downfall its so plain.