2003 Daewoo Matiz Reviews

Immobilizer failed, requiring car to be towed to an auto electrician so it could be disconnected.

Grommet around radio antenna failed, allowing rainwater to enter the roof space where it destroyed the interior light switch.

Flimsy driver's seat adjuster cable broke preventing fore - aft seat movement.

Windscreen wiper linkage broke.

Speedometer began oscillating wildly while emitting a banshee like howl.

Crap brakes and suspension, and a high centre of gravity make for very poor road holding. A very unpleasant car to drive.

Tiny engine provides just enough power for level roads and fair weather. Operating the air conditioner, climbing hills, carrying a passenger or even driving into a stiff headwind seriously reduces performance.

The car is cheap to run, but not as cheap as you would expect with such a small engine. It's only slightly better than our new Mazda 2, which has an engine almost twice as big.

Load carrying capacity is good for such a small vehicle.

While we have not had any really major mechanical problems (yet), the overall build quality of this car is so bad I feel sure it's only a matter of time before something goes seriously wrong with it. We have had it serviced and maintained regularly by the dealer, who has done his best, but the endless minor problems have left me decidedly underwhelmed, especially since the car has only done 81,000 km. The car is currently for sale, and I'll be glad to see the back of it.

Engine vibrates strongly, take the car to service dealer, they said something is wrong with the spark plug, only six months from date of purchase.

Engine oil drain plug gasket leaking after to times change oil, need to add teflon tape!!!

Oil of suspension leaking, after 1 year in use. Not yet fixed.

Suspension working very bad, car jumped up and lost control on the bad road.

Car body very thin, easy to deform.

Steering wheel very heavy compare to the size of small car.

Only good looking for women.

Very bad overall quality, like a cartoon car.

Happy with replacement: Toyota Vios

None.

Having nothing better to do one wet and miserable Hamilton afternoon, we test-drove a Matiz and were amazed by the way it performed "four-up", in awful conditions. The price (NZ$12995) was only what we were planning to spend on a used car for my wife and we placed an order on the spot.

Since delivery, the car has performed faultlessly and I actually prefer driving it, rather than my company 2.0 litre, when I get the chance!

Astonishingly roomy and comfortable for a tiny car: the impression of space is increased by the fact that the front seat occupants sit so far from the windscreen and by the elevated driving position. The boot is small, but will take a lot more than you think. External styling is also excellent and it even looks pleased to see you, as approach it from the front!

Compared with many small cars, the Matiz is very quiet and the good quality CD/radio has no trouble making itself heard over the engine, which (incidentally) has a pleasant, "sporty" note, under acceleration.

Although optimized for urban use (where it can hold its own with anything), this car is no slouch on the open road and we have completed 500km day trips, over variable North Island roads, with no fatigue and on the smell of an oily rag.

Front and rear lights are big, bold and very effective.

If pushed to make a criticism, I would say that it could use an intermittent wipe: not a lot, is it?