The 2008 Matrix is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the 4X2 and the XR 4X2.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 126-horsepower engine. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
Summary: I really like this car. It's amazing how there is so much room in a car that's 7 inches shorter than the Corrolla. I haven't had any trouble with it other than I only have been getting 23mpg in town and 28mpg on the highway, and the breaks are already squeaking.
Strengths: Size, easy to drive, sunroof, price.
Weaknesses: gas mileage, brakes are already squeaking, very jerky acceleration.
Similar Products Used: Ford Focus
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Rating Reviewed by: Lynda(Unregistered User)
Review Date June 3, 2008
Overall Rating 2 of 5
Value Rating 1 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 3 of 69
Price Paid:
$19000.00
Year / Model Reviewed: 2008 Matrix B package
Summary: Just bought the 2009 Matrix and ergonomically it sucks. Can't drive long distances without intense pain. Made for skinny, short drivers.
Strengths: Handling, radio, style
Weaknesses: Very painful to drive.
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Rating Reviewed by: Fred(Unregistered User)
Review Date April 29, 2007
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 4.67 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 4 of 69
Price Paid:
$18790.00
from Miller Toyota, CA
Year / Model Reviewed: 2007 Matrix XR
Summary: I've owned it for 3 months now. Got the top of the line fully loaded. I liked the car, it is a reliable car and looks really good. The interior is nice, it has a lot of space in it for 4 people, it's amazing how they got this but this car really has great inside space. The 6 CD loader is nice, the stereo sound system is OK. It has a 115V outlet which is VERY nice. Everything seems in the right place and works well.
The engine seems to be a little under powered but hey... you got great gas mileage, but if you are looking for power look for another car.
The Matrix will get you there, it is fun to drive and is a great looking car but it is not a sports car.
Strengths: It has a GREAT gas mileage. The fold-down plastic-backed seats are nice but everything tends to slide. Good front/side views. interior space makes it a great value too and this car has a lot of style.
Weaknesses: The 07 Toyota Matrix XR is a good value, but there are somethings I don't like on my Matrix.
1) The accelerator pedal is not smooth, when you come to a full stop and you accelerate it fills really strange for less than a second. First I thought it was some kind of a problem but then I realized it is just the way it is, nothing wrong with it. I just don't like it. Once the car is moving it is OK.
2) To back up this car you REALLY need to be extra carefull because you have serious blind spots and I mean it. I am trying to get used to it. But Toyota made a BIG mistake here.
Similar Products Used: Toyota Corolla
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Summary: In conversation with Toyota customer service, I learned that the dealer makes the decision about what is covered by a Toyota warranty. Because the dealer loses money when it has to do warranty work, they are unlikely to agree with the owner that a part or service should be covered. At 3,000 miles the (flimsy plastic) splash shield that forms the left front wheel-well of our Toyota Matrix came loose, was damaged by rubbing the tire. It had to be replaced. Despite the fact that the Toyota website says that "all components other than normal wear and maintenance items" are covered, the dealer claimed that this part was not covered by the warranty, because they have to be replaced "all of the time." (If so, why does Toyota merit even a good repair record?) At 23,000 miles the same splash shield came loose, hit the tire, and was ripped off at highway speed, leaving a large piece of plastic on a busy road, endangering other drivers. When this splash shield fell off, it ripped away the ABS wiring harness, significantly increasing the cost of the repair. And, you guessed it, replacement and repair of none of this is covered by the warranty. I have already posted about the known tire wear problem of the Toyota Matrix, which too is not covered by the warranty, which it seems is entirely worthless.
Strengths: comfortable; handles well
Weaknesses: tire wear problem; flimsy construction (parts fall off); warranty worthless
Similar Products Used: Volkswagen, Subaru
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