2006 Toyota Matrix

Pros: Multi-use vehicle with lots of nifty features.
Cons: None so far

The Toyota Matrix XR with 4WD is fun to drive in town as well as on country roads. It handles beautifully, is roomy and comfortable for its size, and has lots of cargo room in the back hatch. I especially find the plastic lining of the batch hatch useful and durable. The fact that it's a little bit higher off the ground than all other cars in its category makes putting kids in carseats easier on the back and provides better visibility for the driver. The front passenger seat folds down forward completely, thus making a flat table-like surface for the occasional picnic by the side of the road, or a handy change table if you have a baby.

Pros: Great gas mileage, lots of fun driving the stick shift, easy to park
Cons: Daytime Running Lights and automatic lights are sometimes annoying

After driving a Ford Explorer for the last 10 years, we got tired of the high fuel prices and wanted a smaller car with better mileage. After trying out a bunch of models, we settled on the Toyota Matrix. The back seat only has about 2 inches less width than the Explorer and the leg room is very comparable to the Ford Explorer. We can get two car seats into the back and still have room for a thin adult to sit in the middle. There is a lot of head room for both front and back seats. The back space has been more than enough to haul groceries, boxes, etc. and we have not missed the Ford Explorer.

Pros: Reliable, well-made car, good overall value.
Cons: 2006 Continental tires have poor wear pattern. Seats could use a lumbar adjustment.

Overall, the car is just what you would expect from Toyota. Reliable, smart, economical (although the mileage I get is a touch under advertised), and fun to drive. The only complaint that I have is the Continental tires that came on the 2006 model. I have 15,000 miles on them and the inside edge is worn excessively. This odd tire wear was discovered by the Toyota mechanic and has continued despite a tire rotation and alignment check from the dealer. I’ve since called the Toyota customer service center to no result. They have directed me towards the tire manufacture. A friend of mine had the 2007 Matrix with Goodyear tires and has not had any tire wear issues.