2003 Toyota Matrix XRS review from North America
"Great car! Fun to Drive. Great Performance and Economy."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing has gone wrong with this car.
General comments?
This car is a great combination of performance, economy, fun-to-drive characteristics, practicality, and versatility.
It drives like a little sports car. The six speed is terrific.
It gets great gas mileage. Never below the mid 20's, no matter how hard I push it. In the mid 30's on road trips.
The high revving engine gives me the option of driving it like a sedate economy car or a screaming sports model.
The car is absolutely reliable.
My only gripe regards climate control. I am used to the high output heaters associated with SAABs and Volvos, and this one is a bit more anemic. But it has kept me warm, once the car has been running 10 or 15 minutes.
The seats are comfortable, even on 500 and 600 mile trips.
It handles cargo and passengers well. Older folks prize its ease of entry. There is no need to "climb up" to get in, or to "climb down." In that regard, the ease of entry is comparable to a much larger car like a Cadillac DeVille.
Recommended reviews
| Near perfect for my needs and uses |
|
| Stylish miniature SUV with hidden problem |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Variable Valve Timing Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 19600 miles |
| Previous car | SAAB 9-5 |
| Date of Entry | 1st January, 2004 |