2007 Toyota Matrix from North America

Summary:

Unsafe at any speed

General Comments:

Rented this disappointment from Hertz for a week and tried to trade it for another car at the end of the first day. Ever see or drive a Yugo? My son and I laughed for days that it was like driving a clown car! Starts were very jerky and it always seemed to want to go - until you wanted to pass, that is. No cruise control (who makes a car in 2007 without cruise control?) and the "tin" noise when closing the door that let you know you were on your own if nailed by another car. Because it was windy where we were, it was all over the roadway and very prone to over correction.

SO glad I rented, not bought. This car is not for inexperienced drivers or freeways.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th May, 2007

24th May 2007, 23:25

At least you got that car... my sister got stuck with a PT Cruiser and it was a poorly develped car. It was loud, large panel gaps, rear seat seemed to be angling passengers forward (uncomfortable). The engine had more NVH than our 1985 Prelude did before it got hauled away and my 1994 Accord with nearly 300,000 miles.

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2007 Toyota Matrix XR 1.8 from North America

Summary:

The Matrix is reliable and efficient, and hopefully a different tire will help with vibrations

Faults:

The steering wheel vibrates (shimmies) between 65-70mph. The tires are Eagles GSA from the dealer when I bought the car.

General Comments:

The Matrix XR for 2007 is a great utility vehicle. One thing I am concerned with is the steering wheel vibrations. I have had the dealership balance the tires as well as an independent tire place balance them. They claim the wheels, tires, and rims are fine. I still however at different intervals from 65-70mph feel vibrations (shaking) in the steering wheel. I know it is not the road making the steering wheel vibrate, so I am thinking possibly replacing the tires with a different brand such as Michelin would solve the shaking. I would hope that there would be no strut/shock issues since it was brand new with only 10 miles when I bought it. Any other Matrix owners have this issue? Any recommendations? Maybe a little vibration is a trait of the Matrix?

Craig in Austin TX.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2007

4th Mar 2007, 13:08

I hope your vibration turns out to be the tires. I test drove a Matrix and a Vibe (same thing, but with better dealer service) and BOTH had a vibration in the steering. That was one reason I opted to buy another car.

9th Mar 2007, 20:50

I recently bought a new 2007 Matrix XR 2WD and have not noticed the vibrations you're referring to. My last car was a 98 Mirage and that car vibrated like a jack hammer when driving over 65 mph. I just got used to not driving too fast. Compared to the Mirage, the Matrix is smooth and quiet. I specifically look for that feature when I test drove the car because of my experience with the Mirage.

6th Apr 2008, 08:25

There should be NO steering wheel vibration, of any intensity, at any speed. Generally, it's because of unbalanced wheel, rarely from "deformed" tires. Try switching front/rear tires, otherwise suspect wheel bearing, drive-shaft or transmission issue.

16th Jun 2008, 14:06

I agree with the above comment, I drive my girlfriend's Corolla quite a bit and the wheels have taken a lot of abuse. The front tires need replacing and the passenger side front wheel is damaged from a huge pothole, and I still get only minimal vibrations from the steering wheel. When I think about it, top end stability is surprising in the Corolla; 90mph feels more like 75.

26th May 2010, 14:24

I just have a question for the original poster: What made you switch from a Prius to a Matrix? Not another Prius?

2007 Toyota Matrix XR from North America

Summary:

Few issues so far. Fun to drive

Faults:

The Goodyear tires that come with the car slide and spin often. While accelerating from a stop the wheels will spin if the road is slightly wet. I never had this issue with my Michelin's on my Corolla.

When I got the car there were marks on the trunk hatch that had to be buffed out.

The bumper protector had been done wrong and had to be removed and redone.

The cup holder is awkward as it's at the floor level yet the arm rest is high and in the way of your arm to reach your cup.

The window control location is poorly designed as you need to tuck your elbow into your ribs to get your hand to meet up with the controls.

The driver's side door sounds 'tinny' when closed as if it were hollow rather than a solid door like the others.

General Comments:

This car may be too powerful for its weight and combined with poor tires the often-spinning front tires prevail.

It looks good inside and the back-folding seats were a selling point. I got a trailer hitch, but an weary of being able to pull anything as adding weight to the back of the car will mean the front tires would spin even more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2007

1st Apr 2007, 21:02

I love my matrix!!

It's roomy and a blast to drive.

27th Jul 2007, 18:31

Bought my Matrix 2 days ago. My other car is a Mercedes 320E.Wanted a smaller runabout as a 2nd car. Now my husband and I are fighting over who will drive the Matrix. The car is roomy and the visibility is terrific. We aren't planning long trips; for our needs the Matrix hits the spot! I especially like the simplicity of the controls, cruise control, dial tuning on the radio, air conditioner. I am 5ft.2" and my husband is 6ft 2", yet the car has head room for him and the seat adjusts high high enough for me.

Rwtpl@aol.com.

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2007 Toyota Matrix XR 1.8 Litre from North America

Summary:

Uninspiring, but utilitarian

Faults:

Upon delivery the front left drive shaft was out of spec which caused the wheel bearings to fail after 28kms of driving - replaced under warranty.

Driver seat fabric fraying at seam.

General Comments:

Economical and reliable. Standard for a Toyota.

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

Review Date: 20th December, 2006