Toyota Matrix 2003

Très appréciée pour son assise haute qui donne une très bonne visibilitée vers l'avant, ainsi que pour son grand espace de chargement (lorsque sièges arrières rabatus).

Le rangement est parfait mais l'accélération est pourite

The first time I sat in this car I knew it was the one. As boomers age we are having trouble getting in and out of cars and usually end up purchasing vans and truck, which are a little high. The 2003 or 2004 is the best. Newer models they have put in a larger engine, why I don't know why and the vehicle size seems to have shrunk. Newer ones seem like a mix between the Matrix and Yaris. The 2003 Matrix can feel roomy like a van when you need to move things or take four passengers anywhere, but still is compact enough to manover easily and nice and compact.

Could this be the perfect vehicle?
It's not that expensive (around 25K for an XRS), it's powerful, it's very spacious, it has the fuel consumption of a Corolla, the insurance rates are low (the more doors the better), what could you want more?

Acceleration is very good with its 180 horsepower, but you have to rev the engine very high to extract that power. In normal driving, the XRS engine acts as any other Matrix. The shifter is a bit clunky, not as precise as a Honda shifter. With the 17-inch low-profile tires, it's a little stiff over bumps, but handling is very good for a tall vehicle.

It is so practical--who needs a minivan? I wish there was a little more space in the rear for the baby seat, it's a tight fit, but besides that there's room to spare. The rear seats fold completely flat, and the doors are large permitting easy access. You don't crouch down getting in this car, you just lean your butt in, and that's it. There's a good view of the road ahead, and surprisingly, the view out back isn't bad either. The dash and door panels could use some nicer plastic instead of the rock-hard grainy surface that's in there, but it gets the job done.

The CD/cassette player sounds pretty good, but this Delco unit (read: GM) gets VERY HOT after a little while. Fortunately, 2005 models get a Toyota radio.

I wish there was a sunroof, though, it wasn't available on 2003 models I think.

A great car and I'm happy with my purchase.