The versitality of this little vehicle is simply amazing. I frequently have to take 4 of my friends and all of their golf clubs, and they all fit! (In a compact car that gets 35mpg!) Because of it's unique shape, if you drive this car versus another type of car, you will get a LOT of looks from everyone around you. It's an attention-getter. I cannot even begin to list all of the strengths this vehicle has...

...So I'll just list what weaknesses I can think of, and you can assume everything not mentioned is a strength. - Like most Toyotas and Hondas, the engine is buzzy when you're flooring it. Of course, if you have the radio on, you won't even notice. Engine performance is adequate. - Suspension is a little firm for my tastes...doesn't quite soak up bumps like the Lexus I had been driving, but that's to be expected on a vehicle that's $20,000 less.

I spent 4 months researching cars before I settled on the Matrix, and I do not regret my decision one bit. In terms of practicality, style and performance, it can't be beat. I highly recommend it.

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Lexus ES 300, Nissan Altima, 2004 Toyota Prius (WOW!), Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe, Pontiac Vibe

Cargo space Look Mileage Feel Color (Cosmic Blue) Versatility Improved dash visibilty (2004) Predicted Toyota Reliability Value - lots of goodies for the money.

Slight delay when upshifting (for automatic). Poor rear cover, some controls are a little confusing.

I have a 2004 and love it. The issues mentioned with the dash visibilty are gone in the 2004 model redesign. Also there is a supercharger available, from TRD, for the Corolla, (non-XRS, 130 hp) engine. I do not have that yet but the reviews are good. Apparently it is a noticable improvement at lower speeds, while the XRS helps out more at high speeds. As it is, the auto shifting of the 130 hp 4 cyl engine needs getting used to as it has a tiny delay and revs a little higher than normal before upshifting. (I am used to a 225 hp V6 manual), but not a big deal, especially for the price. For more power hungry drivers, the supercharger should help here.

Room in trunk area, lots of power

Dash board difficult to see in sunlight, crome around dash reflects in windshield making it a distraction, has problems shifting while cruse control is on the highway, noisy on highway, coolant smell when sitting in park or right after car was shut off, sulfer smell present after car shut off.

Loved the car, was lacking a few things but room wise there is nothing this car cant handel. I moved appliances and all kinds of things in it and it had no problems.

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VW Jetta, Chrysler PT Crusier

17 inch tires and ABS- all you need in the winter (I personally prefer this combination over AWD) spaceship feel the premium stereo is really nice! The back hatch glass pops up. Im looking forward to "Toyota reliability"

nothing so far!

I love my Matrix! I bought the XRS model- I thought it was worth it for 17 inch tires, alloy wheels, ABS and disc brakes. But I also ended up with the premium stereo with 6 CDS, a sunroof and the zippier engine. It combines the best features of an SUV, a sports car, an economy car, and a station wagon. I like the way it drives- very solid on the road and feels like a spaceship. The interior is great and adds to the spaceship feel. I like the size of the car as well. My previous car was a big ol' oldsmobile which I felt very safe in but I wanted a smaller more efficient new car and I was worried that I would be giving up that safe feel. Not so! This is actually the best feature of the car- I bought it and it immediately started snowing (I live in Minnesota). We got over 6 inches and I was so disappointed because I had wanted to zip around in my new car. I didnt want to drive around in the snow and risk an accident, but i had somewhere to go, so I went. I drove on the city streets and the highway and counrty roads- 30 miles each way in a blizzard. The Matrix was great! Ive never felt so safe. It cut right through the snow- never got stuck, never fishtailed, the anti-lock brakes only engaged one time because I slammed on the brakes just to test them. They stopped me straight and quick. The front and rear defrost worked so well I barely had to use the wipers. I thought I was buying a cute car with a lot of options but maybe not the best in the winter - I was wrong! (but Im still looking forward to zipping around on dry roads)

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Test drove VW bugs and Golfs/GTIs. I thought I was going to buy one until I test drove. I didnt care for them. Then I tried the Matrix and loved it.

Looks,sound,handling,versatility

Standard stereo Noisey @ hwy speeds Some cheap bits and pieces but its not a BMW and priced accordingly

Picked up the Xrs for 16000 can from a Dad who sold it for his son who got in a minor accident while intoxicated....hehehe. Minor front end damage,new fender/bumper.Since this car sells for 24-25 grand canadian, I figure I got some good deal! Had 14,000 km on it. Its fast looks great,sounds great can tow my windsurfing trailer take my bikes,dog, you name it. Changed sound system as it is weak. Tinted windows=no problems with dash lights. Using 17" Blizzaks for winter as I bought custom rims for summer

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Mazda 626,Protege Ford Focus...bad car all the way around 4Runner Subaru Impreza

Affordable, handles beautifully, CD, casette, AM/FM, VERY roomy, all mats included, alarm, MOST confortable vehicle I have driven, modern and conveniently placed gauges. Put it this way if you are even thinking about getting one.... do it!!

Nothing I have found thus far!

Bought this vehicle for my wife's birthday. I was hesitant about buying it up until I test drove one. This vehicle handles beautifully. In fact, I can't believe it is at such a reasonable price!

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Subaru Outback and BMW 325iT Sports Wagon.

price to value relationship durability gas mileage

Would like a leather option 4 wheel drive is not available on the XRS

Hello. I first have to preface my article by saying that I have not yet purchased a Toyota Matrix XRS, Although I will be very shortly (simply looking for the best deal). I must say that this is a wicked car. The XRS, although several reviews say that they do not like the gearing ratio (too high IE: have to get up above 6000rpm to really hit the extra horsepower), I disagree...I drove a XR and a XRS side by side and although there is only a slight difference at slow speeds, there is a considerable difference on the highway. (and accelerating quickly). Also, the XRS has the larger tires/wheels, which is nice. I have been looking at a ton of cars and quite frankly this one has the best value to price relationship out there. The car has 180 horses, has great gas mileage (average of 25), has a huge cargo space (53 cubic) and lets face it, its made by Toyota which means it will not have any mechanical problems of a significant nature (and it also means it will hold its value well). There is quite simply no better car out there that combines gas mileage, price, usability and features...One side note, although it looks really cool, do NOT get the navigational system...I know its hard, it looks great, however here is why. One, it is not touch screen, which means you have to take your hand off the wheel to operate it. It uses a joystick, which is incredibly hard to use accuratly while driving. Also, you can not use the navigaional system and the radio at the same time. (dumb design guys)...and the changer is under the passenger seat facing backwards (really dumb guys). So you have to be out of your car to change it...Also, I wanted to provide all of you out there with a few hints....I like to save money, like all of us do, and I have found a few cool places to find a matrix xr or xrs at about 30-40% less than list...Go to www.ebay.com or www.autotrader.com and simply put in your area and it will find one for you..ebay is cool because you can see a ton of images...I have found a 2003 loaded XRS for around $14,000-$17,000 on both sites...new this same car would be about $24,000. Anyway, thanks for reading. You will enjoy this car.

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Ford explorer, nissan maxima

Comfort, room, quietnes (once you reach the 5th gear), equipment, stereo, trunk, does this thing use any gas?

No leather option, a bit loud engine over 3500 RPM, no Xenon options, not sure about the brakes, but not many cars come with the drums nowdays...

Got rid of the VW Golf 1.8T for this vehicle. So far, I am happy with a trade, however, it takes some time to get used to Toyota's stick shift and slower acceleration. It'll also take me a few months to get used to not going to the dealership for the repairs weekly. Stay away from the VW's...

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2001 VW Golf 1.8T 2001 Toyota Highlander

High cockpit, storage space, pep, sporty look

couldnt find any as of yet

Just bought the toyota matrix. I love the sporty look and the SUV feel. Rides nice and sits comfortably.

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92 toyota corolla

More head & leg room. Nice ride and handling. Great gas mileage and comfort. Sporty look. Good cargo space with the back seats AND the front passenger seat folded down.

Can't think of any weakness that I see except maybe the mudflaps should have came with mudflaps on the base model Matrix. Avoid getting models with 17 inch tires. They're too wide for winter driving.

When the Matrix first came out, I was intrigued by its looks and wanted to check it out. So one day while awaiting for my wife's car being serviced for an oil change at a local Toyota dealership, I asked for a test drive. Needless to say I immediately fell in love with the car and liked the features and the way it handled. I finally bought the CUV as they call it after trading in my 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4X2 due to a new baby in the family. At first, my wife was hestitant about the purchase and now she's in love with it once we drove it home from the lot. We ended up getting the base model 2WD instead of the AWD XR; but boy did it had more goodies than I expected. CD & cassette player, outdoor thermometer on odometer, double cup holders on back of front console, tonneau cover with cargo nets, extra antenna, hardware for tiedowns, 3 latch hooks for child's seats in rear seats, rear wipers and traffic report button on stereo system. A better bargain than the Pontiac Vibe but much nicer looking. The Vibe was $1500 - $1800 more than the Matrix. A nice looking vehicle for someone who wants something a little different and unique that's fun to drive and affordable.

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2002 Toyota Tacoma 4X2 Regular Cab 2000 Toyota Corrolla CE (still own)