I am a 20-something year old female, and an owner of 2004 phantom grey Matrix. It is my first car, so when I was buying it, I did not know exactly what to look for in a car. Now I use my Matrix to commute to work 90km one way and then back home. I am a dentist, recent graduate and with a great brand new job.
The first week I drove the car to work (50 min), I was so impressed. The high seating, the view and all the space above your head and around you were very appreciated. The car is very steady on the road, no rattling or vibrations of any kind. Maybe it is the weight of this car that contributes to its stability. On the other hand, this car does not "kick" for me. Having driven a 3.2 liter 6 cylinder new Maxima before, I missed the take off power. But that could be a luxury in the world of high gas prices. Going up a hill, the car puffs and huffs, but once it picks up, it is so fast. Because it is so stable, I am not afraid to go 150 and still feel very comfortable and safe. So, a bit heavy for its engine. But we want gas saving and space, so I am not complaining much.
People on this site complain about engine noise. I cannot hear much of a noise. It is quite a peaceful ride.
I love the look of this car from inside out. I feel that it is so unusual looking, kind of like a cute shoe (could be the reason why it is so popular with women). I have an unusual taste, I like the Matrix, but it's next of kin PT Cruiser gives me nausea. So, for CUV, Matrix is the winner in the looks department.
The inside is not too bad. Maybe because I am a 20-something, and red lights and pipes coming out of my dashboard still impress me...
My biggest complaint - the seats. I hate the driving seat. By the end of my trip to and from work, I feel like my body can no longer keep straight, and I resemble a human pretzel trying to relieave the tension due to lack of back and neck support. Lately it got so bad, that it is affecting my work unless I take an Advil. I have tried everything to make the seating more comfortable: I have tried different poses, cushions etc. NO. My shoulders and my neck are aching. The driving seat has to be changed.
I am not sure what I am going to do now. I have to go to the dealer and talk to him about my problem. If there will be no solution, I am never going to go for Toyota again. I don't know what I am going to do. I cannot buy another car since I have just bought this one 3 weeks ago. I will have to get another seat, or I will develop scholiosis within the next few months.
So, until MY seat problem is solved, I am very unhappy with this car. Otherwise, I would give it thumbs up. Get it only if you do not have to drive too far...
PS: the fuel economy in this car is not all that good. It consumes gas like water, maybe due to it's weight? I mean, I used to drive the Maxima to work for 2 months before, and I find that I am not saving much. I am not talking about the prices, as they did go up. I am talking about the number of trips to the gas station and the speed with which that gas gauge falls. I thought that Toyota was supposed to be good on gas?
PPS: I read that someone had problems with the hatch not locking occasionally. I have had that happen. The sensor would show that the hatch was open, but it was actually locked. After several tries, it finally closed. I do not open the hatch all that often anymore.
Amount Paid (US$): 18,500+tax
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: Matrix XR