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by shoplmart  in Cars & Motorsports,  - Top 10
Nov 02 '02 - Updated Oct 17 '03
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Acceleration, Standard amenities, Price.
Cons: Road noise/engine noise, Some of the interior materials.
The Bottom Line: Despite some of the Matrix's quirks, the Matrix XRS offers a good deal of bang for the buck.
Based on the all new 2003 Toyota Corolla's platform, Toyota has has introduced an all new vehicle for the 2003 model year; titled 'Matrix' (like the movie). The Matrix, in a way, is like the PT Cruiser and other sport utility wagons in the sense that th ...
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by mkaresh  in Cars & Motorsports, - Top 10
Sep 12 '02 - Updated Jun 19 '06
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: No 
Pros: Interior versatility, quick steering, fuel economy, distinctive styling
Cons: Econobox feel, poorly designed cockpit, distinctive styling
The Bottom Line: A practical package let down by a cheap, poorly styled interior and overburdened chassis.
About five years ago auto manufacturers began to realize that consumers’ sets of needs did not always match up with existing product categories. What if someone wanted to image and handling of a sports car, but the carrying capacity of an SUV? Or the ...
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by HawgWyld - Top 200
Mar 04 '07 - Updated Mar 06 '07
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: Yes
Pros: Fuel efficient; great handling; decent stereo; good cargo space
Cons: Road noise; engine noise; wind noise; short on leg room, especially in the back seat
The Bottom Line: A great, affordable family vehicle that boasts good fuel economy and cargo space.
After several years of valued service, my 1998 Ford ZX2 bit the dust. Yes, it was a sad day indeed -- that car lasted for over 120,000 miles of hard driving and it had been paid off for over five years. Yes, the Escort was too small and had all the ...
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by yellowdog51
Jun 03 '09
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: No
Pros: Economy and utility for a reasonable price
Cons: Underpowered, cheaply built, uncomfortable to drive, surprising mechanical defects
The Bottom Line: Avoid the 2003 model year, and be cautious about the Matrix in general. Hopefully Toyota has worked out a lot of the bugs by now.
I purchased a used 2003 Toyota Matrix back in April of 2003 from a local Toyota dealer's used car lot. At the time, it had roughly 11,000 miles on it. The previous owner had (accidentally, I assume) left his insurance information in the glove ...
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by MBoffin
Mar 10 '02
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: Yes
Pros: Spacious, comfortable, good features, well made.
Cons: Goofy name, could use slightly more engine power, hatch doesn't always close on first try
The Bottom Line: This car is marketed to people like me, and they certainly got it right. It appeals in so many ways. The faults are minor enough they're almost not worth mentioning.
I just bought this car two days ago. I've been driving it all weekend, and I must say I'm impressed. The model I bought was the XR, with a lot of the extra options like sunroof, different wheels, security system, 4-wheel drive, etc. (Which accounts for...
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by niao
Dec 18 '03 - Updated Sep 08 '05
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Cargo room, preppy engine, handling, gas mileage, dash design
Cons: Wind/road noise, sound system. Cheap plastics in trunk. driving position. No side support for seat.
The Bottom Line: Matrix Base is a great buy for reliability and performance. Lacking in luxury features. Matrix XR is overpriced.
UPDATE Aug 2005: The car is still running completely fine. No recalls, or any breakdowns. Just want to add the common problems I've encountered or heard from other people COMMON PROBLEMS: 1. Rubber trims around window gets deformed with use. It ...
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by dj_white_rice - Top 1000
Aug 14 '03
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Body Design, Dash Profile, Seat Height, Back seat space
Cons: Lots and Lots of Noise! Driver leg room.
The Bottom Line: It's Loud! Other than that it's an excellent value for the quality and build.
I test drove a Matrix 6sp manual stick shift 2003 with 180 HP engine. This was my second trip to my ...
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by surfdude
Feb 16 '04 - Updated Mar 25 '04
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Flip up rear window. Flip down front seat. Cargo room. Easy on the fuel.
Cons: Cheap looking interior-Not VW quality.
The Bottom Line: If you want an SUV but can't afford it, this in the next best thing!
**MARCH 6 2004** Traded this Matrix in for a 04 MATRIX XR with the "B" package and opted for the FWD instead of AWD. Will do another write up in a year or so. Thanks. What's not to like? A crossover SUV that really does it all. Plenty of room for ...
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by simplemoney - Top 1000
Feb 23 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: No
Pros: Lots of versatility in a small package
Cons: Small car ride, on the pricey side
The Bottom Line: A well thought out package with a lot of positive attributes, but its negatives are too high for a recommendation.
In our quest (my wife and mine) for a new minivan, we've begun shying away from the big people movers. We began thinking of all the people we could tote around (friends, grandparents) and realized we don't want to buy a vehicle for a few occasions per...
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by kataz
Feb 27 '02 - Updated Aug 28 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: PRICE! Function and 180 available HP in the XRS MODEL!
Cons: Not many extra's yet available in Canada - MAJOR wait list!
The Bottom Line: Great Price, versatility and function. I highly recommend driving this vehicle if you are in the market for a smaller SUV, but get the XRS model for sure =)
UPDATE August 2002.
Have found a few problems including bubbling tape on the outside windows and a dealership who is being "nobbish". The salesperson indicated I was stupid for putting a club on the vehicle because it had the best alarm system...
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by coyoteman
Apr 09 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: With the XRS model, a real sports wagon. Great Styling. Quality and Utility.
Cons: Armrests, cupholders, colors,
The Bottom Line: If this vehicle fits in your niche, or if you are looking for a sports car, wagon, van, or SUV, test drive a Matrix XRS.
The Concept
The Matrix is a wonderful blend of an SUV, family wagon, and sports car. I was looking at everything from a RAV4 to an Altima. I couldn’t find something that would seat five and be utilitarian, fast and cool at the same time that...
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by ahoupos
May 27 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Spacious interior, sporty design, comfortable to drive/ride in
Cons: Engine power
The Bottom Line: The Matrix is a nice mix of alot of popular vehicle types. It's sporty, sexy, but best of all, practical, and that's ultimately what gets it my vote.
Exterior
When I first saw the TV advertisement for the Matrix, I was curious. It looked like a small, sporty hatchback type thing that was pretty quick. Then I saw one on the road and thought, "Hmm...kinda ugly." All that changed when...
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by tangiap
Jul 24 '03
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Toyota (reliable brand of cars)
Stylish and modern looking
Fast Acceleration
Quick Braking
Cons: Gas mileage
Low body
The Bottom Line: It's a great car. Runs good, great handling,and safe. And it's a Toyota, a great brand of car. It will give you many years of enjoyment.
I just bought my brand new 2003 Toyota Matrix XR (Black). Well I just bought it last month, an ...
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by rko99
Dec 04 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Spacious, comfortable, good features, Excellent Commuting, well made.
Cons: somewhat strange looking but you like it after awhile
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this because of the roominess and the looks of the vehicle. Easy to drive and smooth on the road. The brake has a really good feeling.
Opinions between Honda and Toyota:
I had just purchase this Matrix XR a couple days ago and test drove the Matrix, Corolla, Honda Civic and Accord and came with this conclusion. See Test Drive Results
Test Drive Results:
My last 2...
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by jasonwagner
Aug 11 '02 - Updated Sep 04 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Killer looks considering its a wagon, lots of room, very quiet, reliable (its a Toyota)
Cons: Ugly trim on the dash, somewhat cheap interior, no leather option, A/C stinks.
The Bottom Line: A great car for someone wanting a sporty, good-looking, reliable alternative to SUVs and station wagons but who still wants interior and cargo space. The perfect family sports car?
I had a 1987 Chrysler Lebaron prior to this so its been a while since I had a "new" car. My wife has a 2002 Explorer that we bought with 16k miles on it, and a close friend has a 2002 BMW 3 series, but aside from that my experience with "new" cars is...
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