2002 Toyota Matrix XR from North America - Comments

The Matrix is a fun car, with innovative ideas about utility.

This is a very sleek comfortable car, in the body of a hatchback.

The automatic has no problem bringing itself up to speed for on-ramps, but has a slight delay before kicking into the passing gears.

The ability to fold down all of the seats completely flat (except the driver's seat) gives the car a large amount of space.

A trip back from the hardware store, carrying 8' lumber is no problem.

The XR model comes standard with a 6-disc in-dash CD player, but no tape player. Considering their target audience for the car is comprised of children from the 1980's, they should have included a tape player option. Nostalgia aside, the sound system is excellent.

This is also a very safe vehicle. A side/front impact at 35 mph leaves the front cabin totally intact (the voice of experience). The passenger side door would not open, but the pasenger was totally unscathed.

I would recommend this car to anyone. Especially a 20-something person looking for a fun and useful car.

I wish the Matrix was available when I was looking for a car. I did purchase a Rav4 which I am more than happy with. Although, I love the style and moxie of the Matrix. Not to mention that I am one of those 20-something kids from the '80s. I do hope to see a lot of these little cuties on the road.

I bought a 2003 Matrix and immediately noticed a problem. After CARMAX failed to fix the steering wander, I wrote them the following and included it in the service order. "The vehicle came with the steering assist reduced at low speeds, which is why I didn't notice the twitchyness when I tried it out. Currently, the vehicle pulls slightly to the right most of the time, except when it's pulling to the left. The only direction the car doesn't pull in is straight ahead.

You will notice that the steering wheel is off center counter-clockwise and does not return to center after cornering at low speeds. While cruising at speeds below 50 mph on flat roads, the vehicle darts left and right with no apparent cause. It feels as if the rear suspension is doing the steering as it travels with road camber.

I don't care if the vehicle is: "similar to like vehicle in handling, meets manufacturer's specifications, or meets manufacturer's alignment specifications." The vehicle must 1) pull in the straight-ahead direction, 2) return steering wheel to center after cornering and 3) go in the direction it is pointed. If that means you have to put aftermarket caster and camber adjusters on the front and/or rear suspension, than that is what you are required to do. The vehicle must steer like a normal vehicle, and this car doesn't."

Several months later and after they finally replaced the rack, the problem persists. Now not only do I have steering wander, but 1/2 the power steering assist the car came with. Toyota's response is "Too bad, we ain't gonna fix it!"

I test drove a Matrix and noticed the same problem you are talking about. The steering wheel feels "loose", it is not pointing straight on the road. I was hesitant to buy it, it has $25,000 Ks on it. Now that I am reading your review I am double-concerned. I also rented an Echo and noticed the same problem. When on the highway, it is hard to keep this car straight on the road, you need your whole attention to do it, it is hard to keep a conversation. I could tell the difference getting back to my husband's Civic which has awesome steering, but it is not as comfortable to drive.