2005 Toyota Matrix Review

Whelan
10/23/2007

Ownership Status: I own this vehicle.
Recommendation: I recommend this vehicle.

Pros Extremely comfortable for long trips Higher viewing than a small car Cargo capacity exceeding many SUV's Fold flat front passenger seat Fold flat rear seats Hidden storage tray under cargo floor Built in tie down tracks Comes with the straps and hooks Leather wrapped steering wheel 6 disc in-dash CD changer Power moonroof 25-30mpg in an AWD vehicle AWD capability when you need it

Cons Could use a little more power

I personally own a XR AWD, the XR gives you a few extra options like a full effects kit, fog lamps, 16" allow wheels and other amenities mentioned below. It is a phenomenal alternative if your looking for a car with SUV cargo capacity that can also haul 4 adults in total comfort, but with the agility and fuel mileage of a compact car. That is established by the FWD drivetrain that only uses the 4WD system when the front wheels detect slip. The car is available without this system as it was not sold with AWD as an option after 2006, making it a hard to find and high demand vehicle. It has a cousin car, the Pontiac Vibe that uses the same chassis, engine, and interior.



Fog lamps, full lip kit all around, great creased lines

functional, well put together, and the red/white LED gauges make visibility a breeze and easy on the eyes.





130hp in the AWD is enough to get it going but another 5-10hp would not hurt this car, mpg are still very good for an AWD car that holds more than most SUVs

Stock braking is good, front disc, rear drum. I upgraded as I do with all my cars to Powerslot Rotors and Stillen pads.

Fantastic for an AWD vehicle. 25-30mpg, 12 gallon tank. Cheap fillups with good mileage.

power moonroof, 6 disc in-dash CD changer, VIP security system, 16" alloy wheels, exterior effects lip kit, fog lamps, All Whee Drive.

Change the oil, maintain fluids.

Best bang for the buck in an all around car!



The car is a great commuter vehicle and with the AWD option it can get you out of some sloppy and messy weather. The horsepower is slightly low for the car. The base and XR models without AWD are noticeably different, but if you need AWD, then the speed is sacrificed. It moves fine with traffic and is by no means a racer, but it gets up and goes and easily passes on the highway. I still highly recommend this car for the person or small family that needs SUV capability but small car fuel efficiency. A fantastic all around runner with great looks!