Topic: CD Article: 2007 Toyota Matrix

[Autos_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

A redesigned Matrix is likely due for '08, so the '07 Matrix comes only in two front-drive versions, base and XR trim levels - the sporty XRS and all-wheel-drive versions are gone.  Contributor Bob McHugh liked its roomy interior and flexible seating and cargo area, but warns that side and curtain airbags are not available.
   
   More...

[onearmed]

No side airbags, no abs, no 4 wheel disc brakes, no side curtain airbags, no traction control, solid rear axle ..... I will pass and wait for the next generation.  All these should be standard at this price.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Yeah they're getting really outdated and pricey at the same time. If the options and safety content were invested in there, would still be pretty competitive (even with the smaller engine, because of the fuel efficiency).

But no matter, Toyota's still flying them out the dealerships.

[Mitlov]

It's an outdated dinosaur...and fugly too.

It amazes me that in this day and age, Toyota (one of the most expensive non-luxury brands) can offer cars without side airbags.  But they do it with several (Scion xB, Canadian Matrix, and Tacoma regular and extended cabs spring to mind).

[Minou]

"Well, this is probably the final year of this generation of Matrix, assuming Toyota sticks with its usual four-year product cycle."

Can I remind the writer that Toyota is on 5 year cycles, not 4 and has been doing so for a long time.

My ex bought a '06 Matrix XR auto in november '05 to get rid of her POS '01 Protege ES auto.  And I agree with the review that it is a nice vehicle for around town driving but a bit lacking on the highway.

Too much hard plastics inside and, like the Corolla it's based on, road noise is somewhat intrusive, nothing that the lousy stereo can fix.  It also needs a proper hard cargo cover that lifts with the hatch.

If the next generation is just a bit larger with a 5 speed auto and Camry 2.4l, then Toyota might get my money if they price it between the Corolla and Camry.

[Snowman]

I agree with the badly needed update. Until the zombies stop handing over their wallets Toyota will not change tier pricing.

[Bullet Blue]

I don't think Toyota has any real need to update the looks. They're selling so well as it is currently. Why mess with a good thing? Just to play devil's advocate.

That said, my personal opinion is that it needs an update in both standard safety features and looks.

[mwqa]

I've been driving a manual 2003 Matrix XR for the last 3 months.

From what I understand, the 2007 is substantially the same, although my Dad says that the current automatic version has more omph than my manual. He sold me the manual when he bought his 2007 automatic, so he should know.

I’m 6’3” and I've yet to find a really comfortable seating position. I've had to settle for slouching forward, to be close enough to grasp the steering wheel while at the same time leaving enough distance for my feet to use the pedals.

Even though the seat is as low as it can go, I still feel like I'm looking out from under an umbrella because the windows are low. While driving, I see more of the inside of the car than out!

I hate the way the chrome dash trim is reflected at all hours of the day in the windshield. 

I find the car is a pleasure to drive on the highway, and the buzzy engine everyone seems to complain about adds charm IMO. 

[UmroAyyar]

Its a pretty nice looking vehicle. This was launched in 2003 IIRC. The competition has introduced a lot of vehicles after that and offered safety equipment and more content. Matrix is noisier than the 2003+ Corolla but not harsh.

[PJungnitsch]

It's still a solid choice, but expensive for what you get. I'd guess the next version is going to have a lot more features for the same price (ABS, SAB, Power locks and windows, ESP) and a quieter engine. Looking forward to it.

[michael Vorobej]

As the richest and easily most profitable car company in the world Toyota should be a leader in safety equipment and not lagging behind other companies. The Matrix and Yaris are proportionally much more successful sellers in Canada as compared to the US however Toyota insists on treating Canadians as second class citizens when compared to American and European customers. The Yaris Hatchback sold in Canada does not have the side airbags offered in the US but worse  than that the Canadian built Matrix cannot even  be ordered with side airbags in Canada though they are available on cars sent down to the States.

These small cars are surely the ones that most need supplemental side impact safety
devices. Other companies supply them as standard equipment or at least make them optional why doesn't Toyota? Why does Transport Canada accept these lower safety standards?

It should also be noted that Toyota's "green" reputation is not stopping them from
participating in a law suit against the State of California for trying to decrease the C02 emissions of cars sold there.

I think Canadiandriver should be credited for highlighting Toyota's shortcomings.

[goodsonr]

This was one of the few cars I got to really put through more than superficial paces (although a 2006) before buying ...... something else.

I had a matrix as a rental and had a chance to test it in a variety of situations driving from Denver to Boulder through the mountains.

Ride on the highway was fine but I found the seating a bit bus-like and the engine buzzy.

The big downfall was semi-spirited driving through the twisty-windies in the mountains.  My stomach muscles got a good workout as the car leaned and my rear-end slipped on the upholstery around every corner. 

Ron

[slybry]

    I agree that current design is not offering tops in safety and is still quite pricey for car at end of it cycle. Even today I love the looks of the car from the outside. But I have always been turned off by the dashboard design and seating position of the current model. You spend more time inside than you do outside admiring it so the interior is important.

   I priced out a Vibe (It's Pontiac twin) on the the GM web site and the way I dressed it up it came to $29,000 before tax!!! I was shocked. For $29,000 I think I would end up sitting in something else.

   I am waiting to see what 2008 has to offer. I am sure it will be more powerful and better equipped. I find today's design is a true small wagon and I am concerned it will become more of a 5 door sport hatchback and lose cargo room.

[RunsinLight]

I wanted this car to be in my driveway, it was my #1 choice before going out to do the test drives.

In the end I didn't even get to test drive because the salesmen pretty much made me want to run in the complete opposite direction. Which is one of the reasons I'm a 3 time Pontiac owner, I really like the dealership I go to.

[johngenx]

We looked at them a little while ago, and I could not believe how the engine and trans combo caused the car to fall flat on its face.  The AT ratios seemed all off and the engine would roar away and nothing was really happening in the way of forward motion.  Might be beter with a stick, but we wanted an AT, so the Matrix got scratched right away. 

No standard ABS?  Shame.

If you haven't drank the Toyota Kool-Aid, go get a Mazda 3Sport...

[Mitlov]

If you haven't drank the Toyota Kool-Aid, go get a Mazda 3Sport...

Better handling, better drivetrain, more available safety features, incredible reliability record...what's not to like?

[Craig]

Better handling, better drivetrain, more available safety features, incredible reliability record...what's not to like?

You'd be driving the same car as Wing.

[Wolfe]

I wanted this car to be in my driveway, it was my #1 choice before going out to do the test drives.

In the end I didn't even get to test drive because the salesmen pretty much made me want to run in the complete opposite direction. Which is one of the reasons I'm a 3 time Pontiac owner, I really like the dealership I go to.

  Did you not consider buying a Pontiac Vibe?

[prufrock]

Better handling, better drivetrain, more available safety features, incredible reliability record...what's not to like?

You'd be driving the same car as Wing.

Yeah, but only for 400 km a year. 

[RunsinLight]

Did you not consider buying a Pontiac Vibe?

No.  I didn't like the look of the vibe at the time and quickly realized the version of the Matrix I wanted was way past my price range. After looking at the Civic I realized I didn't want a 4 door car at all.