Faults:

I own a Toyota 2005 Matrix, with 41,000 miles, 5 speed manual, and the clutch has developed a high pedal engagement and clutch shudder on down shifting (around corner). Mechanic says the clutch is toast. I have been driving standard for 20 years and never had a clutch problem. I am very disappointed in Toyota for making a deficient clutch and then denying there is a problem. Complete a google search and you will find others with clutch problems and without support from Toyota.

Faults:

No problems.

General Comments:

Design annoyances 1) limited foot room on drivers side, and you have to rest foot on a hump.

2) power steering is too weak especially on highway driving in a crosswind, hand/arm gets very tired holding the wheel.

3) rear window will always get dirty/full of snow and ice, rear wiper a must if driving on anything, but clean dry pavement.

4) deep dish wheels are a pure curse for winter driving, if you get just a little snow or ice in the wheels, it will settle and freeze to the bottom of the wheel. Next time you go driving it will shake so bad you will have to stop and clean out the wheels, very annoying at -20 deg. You HAVE TO carry some kind of scraper to remove the snow/ice/slush/mud from the wheels.

5) Heats very well, but A/C is a little anemic (my car is black)

6) engine power adequate, but no extra. OK for city driving, but somewhat underpowered when in high winds or hilly roads.

7) Fuel mileage not great average around 32 mpg imperial gallon on about 80/20 highway/city. (25.6 mpg US) My Altima with a 3.5 does just as well and it's a much bigger more comfy car.

Good points 1) excellent traction on snow and ice with AWD and hold the road well in bad driving conditions (car is not designed for any off roading)

2) very reliable and trouble free so far.

3) turns sharp, easy to drive and park.

Faults:

I have had no problems at all with the Toyota Matrix. The dealership in Hayward was not very familiar with the vehicle nor service friendly, but I the Toyota dealer in Walnut Creek is top notch so I'd refer Bay Area friends there to buy a Toyota.

General Comments:

It's a small car with amazing space. I am a practical person and I love the utility of the many hooks and electrical sockets. I have two large dogs and both crates fit side by side inside the car with the backseat folded flat. Its one of few cars I found where the seat actually folds truly flat, and has a hard surface on top so no upholstery is damaged.

Gas mileage is pretty good, though my Mazda Protege got 37 mpg, it gets about 34. My previous car was a casualty of Fremont police car crossing a red light without sirens and lights going, not sold or willingly relinquished. I feel the Toyota Matrix is a better fit for my active lifestyle... everything happens for a reason.

Faults:

Noisy belt at 30,000KM.

Rust bubble on rear glass door latch.

General Comments:

Absolutely no regrets buying this car. Flawlessly reliable, fuel efficient and easy to drive. We drive this car from Eastern Ontario to Southern New Brunswick every summer without a hitch, and in comfort. The seats are comfortable, and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds.

The only problems it's had was a noisy belt, which the dealer replaced, and a bit of a rust bubble starting on the back glass door latch. Acceleration could be better, but then again, a bigger engine would cost in fuel efficiency.

Cargo space is unbelievable, especially with the rear seats down. I managed to fit an entire 8-piece patio set in its boxes back there, door shut, while the poor Subaru Forrester couldn't! It's the best utilitarian vehicle this side of a cargo van.

Overall, I would totally recommend this car to anyone who needs a practical, fuel efficient, and attractive vehicle that they can count on.