2003 Hyundai Matrix Reviews - Page 4 of 4

Only issue is with the right hand indicator self cancellation. This occurs too early and I deem this as nuisance with a potential safety flavor. For example when turning right, particularly around a UK roundabout the right indicator will often cancel prior to proper left lock to straight. This could be interpreted as a change in my option by other drivers and hence the safety issue. Vehicle supplier, and Hyundai central customer services report my concern as a model characteristic rather than a flaw and conclude the issue is normal and unservicable.

No other issues with car which is quick & reliable and multi-functional in proportion to cost.

Original battery needs to be replace after just 10 months.

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.

Battery started going bad after 5000 kilometers, so that even leaving dome light on for an hour discharged it to the point of a very difficult start. Dealer checked electrics and battery and replaced original Korean battery with a new one of higher capacity and quality.A

Stock tires, size 14, are Korean which are quite hard riding. Gas shocks which are standard are quite good and help in cornering and ride, but will eventually replace tires with softer riding ones in size 15.

Car is quite quick on the straights, but automatic transmission does lag at times.

Plenty of head and leg room, storage bins, cup and bottle holders, but wish that rear seats were removable rather than just folding forward.

Biggest problem is that this model (auto-4, 1.6 liter) is a gas guzzler, at less than 7 kilometers to the liter! Culprit could be the catalytic converter, but could not remove it or otherwise modify the engine until warranty is over, which is 36,000 kilometers or 3 years.

A stiff gear change, that has never gotten smoother.

The demonstration model was a pleasure to drive.

It is an extremely comfortable car, with good all round visibility and very roomy.

Slow pick up, under power and drag.

Fuel consumption not very good and seems it is commonly known, at OD OFF mode.

At highway, with OD ON, consumption is even worse with passenger load.

When in reverse and back to normal and change to drive mode, engine shakes a bit especially so in the morning.

NOTHING.

After not being sure about owning a "budget" Korean car, my doubts have been dispelled.

The Matrix is an excellent family car, comfortable, roomy, dead easy to drive and I can get more into it than my old Cavalier.

If I had believed the reviews I would not have bought it.

After a test drive with all the family we were convinced that this was the car for us.

I have had to get used to lack of mpg compared to my old diesel!