2003 Toyota Matrix XRS review from North America
"Fantastic car, bad clutch"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Cruise control stopped working at 50,000 haven't had it looked at yet. Shouldn't be a biggie.
The Clutch went at 30,000 miles. $900 dealer repair. B.S. First time Toyota screwed me, oh well, still love their cars.
Cheap AC Delco battery died after a year. My Toyota Echo battery (Toyota batteries) last 5 years and more.
Original tires were crappy, put some nice ones on, it's worth it.
General comments?
You can't buy a better new car for $19,000. The six speed XRS is very fast and still gets 30-35 mpg. It takes hills with ease, the engine winds way up to 9,000 rpms and eats it up. With a better clutch this thing would have a very fast stock 0-60 and 1/4 mile. Once the clutch is engaged, hit the gas... and you're gone! It's got V-8, muscle car, throw your head back, acceleration with a gas saving 4 cyl. engine. It's got power everything, 6 speaker, cd radio, 17" wheels, great suspension, hugs corners, yet takes bumps. Feels solid at 90 mph passing someone on the interstate in the wind. Uses premium gas, but performs! Well built, sturdy interior with AC plug ins, and storage bins. Short shifter is nice also. Seats are a bit spartan, sport car type, but not uncomfortable on trips. Rear seats fold down for almost pickup-like cargo space. I have the silver color with 17" Toyota alloy wheels and it looks so great!
So, so fun to drive... With the 6 gears and the very high rpm range of the engine, you have a lot of options to get power out of the drive train at any speed.
Only complaint is the clutch, too soft, first plate wore out prematurely. I drive the same clutch for 150,000 miles on all my cars! Toyota was really sh%&&y about it too. No coverage, no help, wear and tear item they say. At 30,000 miles? After I griped enough the dealer finally offered some free maintenance...Bull! The new clutch is still too soft, I'll get a good stiff after market racing clutch next time. Got to keep this car for the duration. It's such a great blend of fun, performance, utility, dependability and thrift!
Recommended reviews
| Great fuel efficient economy car |
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| Comfortable, reliable, and good on gas! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 56000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota ECHO |
| Date of Entry | 18th August, 2006 |