26th Apr 2006, 19:47
Let the reviewer go. He/She simply bought a car that was rated high in its class amd fitted everything he needed. All he/she said was that it was ho-hum and gets the job done. My father would love to buy a SRT-8 300 but the car is totally not what we as a family need. I bet this guy would like a small speedster, but his budget/needs make this of vehicle unreasonable.
26th Apr 2006, 20:36
Well, to be fair it sounds like his parents bought this car and he essentially was given it. Guess he never heard the parable about looking a gift horse in the mouth.
But still, his review is pretty harsh given most of his complaints are minor. I think the real issue is that his parents bought the XR (the smaller 4 cyl) and it's slow compared to the XRS (180 hp and one my friend has).
The shifting thing is simply not true, especially when you compare it to awful VWs which he claims to have owned. I drove my friend's XRS and it was typical Toyota quality as far as shifting.
26th Apr 2006, 20:38
Didn't you read the guys post? he said that the car is his parents.. it's not his... meaning he didn't buy it.. he merely wanted to give his opinion on a car which he has driven..
You need to realize that this is a car survey and that you'll read posts that reflect both good and bad points of your car, in this case, the Matrix.. I totally agree with the guy who posted this survey.. the Matrix is plain butt ugly.. and I've driven my friends Matrix, and it performs like a corolla AKA snoozer... (except, its even UGLIER than a corolla).. I must give the car props on that fact that it's a Toyota and it'll most likely last a long time before any major problems start arising, but if you ask me, the major problem is quite evident to begin with... ITS UGLY.
27th Apr 2006, 09:42
Sorry, but if my parents owned a BMW 540i wagon or Mercedes E55 wagon I would be gushing all day. And the Matrix is a pretty hot car and one that tuners love to enhance.
2nd May 2006, 13:44
The way to view the beauty/design is totally up to personal preference.
In my opinion.
Design-3.5/5, it's not as well done compared to the other Japanese manufactures. The rear trunk has this plastic cover that go on top, it's quite useless. The Lancer Wagon has a pull one that re-tracks that is brilliant.
Versatility-4.5/5, it's quite nice fr someone who loves doing "light Reno's" and "light gardening" or "small sized pets" DO NOT put in 10 bags of soil, it's not a good sight. Or a Great Dane.
Drivability-4/5, with the XR, which got bigger wheels. Sort of fun, but it's not a Celica. XRS, it's great with the 50HP, VVTLi, it's great. It's a little heavy in camparson of the weight and power ratio.
It's a Corolla Wagon, but it's got a wider stand as well the engine is tuned differently. It's not fair to compare with a Corolla dispite the fact they share the same blood.
Overall Impression-It's good purchase with the right family/budget.
I have a 2004 XR, it's got all the toys I wanted. BUT, there are other cars I would like to experience in the next 50 years. This ain't stealing my heart.
3rd May 2006, 08:59
I'll never understand why people buy cars they don't like. Every car I've ever owned with few exceptions I have loved and enjoyed. Yes, no car is perfect, but to hate something that you have to use everyday is silly.
16th May 2006, 08:35
It's near impossible to find a car that you love (at a price most can afford, anyways)!
I completely agree with the reviewer- the dash of the matrix is terrible, as only the driver can view the controls. Not that I approve of backseat driving, but can you imagine trying to teach your teenager how to drive in this "family wagon"?
The visibility is worse than it could be (stupid little windows that get smaller towards the rear of the car.)
So, why did we buy it? It's the only solidly constructed (sorry Ford) wagon out there that gets relatively good gas mileage! Overall, I love the car, but the reviewers complaints are completely valid!
1st Jun 2006, 14:33
Why if you didn't like the looks or driving position and visibility would you bother buying this vehicle? Sometimes a test drive comes in handy.
10th Jun 2006, 23:42
I think the matrix 2006 is way better the 2005 and the 2007 is going to be even better!!! i love it so much.
13th Jun 2006, 08:35
This is the reviewer writing again. I notice that as the car "breaks in" (engine, transmission) with accumulated mileage, it begins to feel better and livelier. I still believe that compared to other designs, this one might not be the peak of all engineering genius, BUT this vehicle is solid and very well built. The 2005 Matrix is a car of high quality, showing why Toyota is so respected. The handling, braking, drive-train, and body components are all well designed and built.
25th Jun 2006, 15:29
I’m a 25year old single guy and bought the 05 after looking at many other cars. Thing I was looking for was high gas mileage, roomy interior, sporty look, and cargo room. I have found that I got what I was looking for I think the car looks great compared to its cousin the Vibe. What would you expect a wagon to look like it isn’t a Porsche. I am about 6’1” and find that the seat sits a little high, but if you recline the seat a bit it is a perfect fit for me and I can see all the controls and exterior of the car just fine. The pick up is fair it is geared for gas mileage and with today’s prices and knowing how to really drive it is a good thing it is geared this way. It barely has any passing power post 45 but then again it isn’t a sports car it’s an economy car. There are a few after market parts you can purchase to give it a little more oomph and or gas mileage.
2nd Mar 2008, 02:47
I have to agree about the manual transmission,(I had one) its the worst, and the touchy gas pedal makes matters worse along with the soft suspension. The automatic is MUCH better and actually makes the Matrix a nice (but slow) car to drive.
24th Jan 2009, 23:46
My parents own a 2005 Matrix XR all wheel drive too! I drove it a lot and I think it a hecka nice car compared to all other Toyota's, and even Honda's! The only thing I kind of agree with you is about manual shifting! It's better to get an automatic one! The look, the driving experience and style and comfort is 5 star! Toyota will last for longer then you will!
I totally don't agree when you compare like 20 year older cars and you say they are better.
26th Apr 2006, 17:21
If you read through the review, it says that this is a kid reviewing his parents' car. Thus, the opinions are those of someone who did not buy it, but is only commenting on their parents' car. This is the cause of the comments regarding the looks, since no teenager is going to gush about the family wagon being cool looking.