2003 Toyota Matrix XR review from North America
"Suspect reliability"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The transmission started to go at 125,000 km's. This doesn't seem to be a unique problem. See below.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0d9b0e/42
General comments?
I loved this car until it let me down. The manual 5 speed went out at 125,000 km's. Very disappointing. $3,000 to replace.
The gas mileage dropped significantly. I once raved about getting 40 mpgs on occasion, and now get 30-32 mpg.
It looks like these transmission problems are common on the Matrix and the Corolla. Check the Internet, you will find plenty of people with problems.
The car hydroplanes with the original tires on it. I have switched to a cooper rain tire and it is vastly improved. You need winter tires to drive this car in extreme winter conditions.
If you live anywhere with hills, this car is underpowered even with the 5 speed. Driving in Colorado you will be challenged to keep the car above 60 mph going up hills. That being said, power is just fine for around the city and driving on flat roads. You can easily maintain 75 mph on the flats.
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| Stylish miniature SUV with hidden problem |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 130000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda MX6 |
| Date of Entry | 16th August, 2007 |