Faults:

The engine started choking at 20000km. Did temporary repairs by using musking tape to tape around the spark plugs.

Battery had to change by a year.

General Comments:

Fuel consumption is high, about 8km/l after 1 year.

Car picks up slow due to the low power of the engine for such a car.

Handles quite well, but always seems to want to topple while bolting pass a turn at 60km/h.

Faults:

15" spare tyre cannot fit in the spare tyre compartment. Have to make do with the stock rims and tyre as a spare.

General Comments:

Car handles great. Probably because of the weight. Doors shut with a nice thud like continental cars. If you are looking for a budget car with nice build, then this is it.

Many others have complained about the fuel consumption, but I guess it depends on how light/heavy footed you are. I am still running in the engine so can't really say how bad it is yet.

I love the seats as the view is great! Just like other MPV's or SUV's. But you don't need to pay an arm and a leg for it.

Steering isn't too light unlike some other Japanese cars that I have driven.

Goes well around bends without understeering.

Cabin soundproofing is average as the engine can give a little growl if you floor it.

Stock cd player is average. Not very musical unless you turn it on loud.

Interior trimmings are good considering the amount you are paying (leather seats, steering wheel, woodlike finishings on console and doors).

Many others have disliked the centre placed dials, but I guess that's their opinion. I personally feel that it is well placed.

I would have preferred if they added a second arm rest for the front passenger.

And made the one for the driver broader.

Overall it's a great car and I can't wait to take it for a long long drive.

Faults:

Original battery needs to be replace after just 10 months.

General Comments:

This car rocks. Bought at SIN$65888 last Feb and just passed the 1 year mark. No problems at all. Handling is good.

Initial fuel consumption was terrible though, but is now averaging 11 km/l after some grounding (6pt) job and installing a simple device called "Turbo-in" which costs $100. Engine was much quieter and air-con was cooler after the grounding job. The turbo-in improves pick-up, as it give more torque at lower RPM. All these were installed courtesy of Club Matrix members.

This car has lots of space. It is configurable and can seat 5 adults comfortably with a full load of cargo. I have managed to squeezed 6 passengers (2 of them large-sized caucasians) and they were quite comfortable.

This car has a huge following in Singapore.

Faults:

This is my second review of Matrix which I'm still driving now.

So far, the car has behave like it should - takes the whole family from A to B to C with minimum fuss and costs.

Nothing major has gone awry, and the car is still original with no aftermarket accessories fitted.

General Comments:

I've heard stories about the Matrix consumption. As the owner of one, it depends largely on how one drives. Mine returned an average of 12.73km/L. For a 1.6 manual, that's nothing to crow about; but there's nothing to be worried of either.

In terms of power and pickup, it can be a little sluggish, due to its heavy body. But since you're not an F1 or kamikaze driver, its performance is just adequate.

To all potential buyers, if interior space at the region of $65K is what you're looking for, then search no further... Matrix offers space in spades! Headroom, legroom and whatever rooms you'd need is in abundance. Mercedes A-class LWB may beat the Matrix in interior space, but you can't even get a second-hand A-class for this kind of money!

Refinement can be a little coarse, and a little rough on the edges. But for that sum of money in Singapore, where cheap cars is an oxymoron, you can't really ask for that much. It may be characterless on the road, but what it doesn't have; you'd probably don't need!

For a budget, fuss-free family transport, Matrix is highly recommended. I have no regrets in getting my Matrix, it's the best car I can give to my family!