2011 Toyota Matrix problems
The Toyota Matrix, officially named Toyota Corolla Matrix, is a compact hatchback manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario and derived from the Corolla. Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Matrix was the result of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, with the GM version being the Pontiac Vibe, which was assembled by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California, United States.
The Matrix was positioned as a sporty hatchback counterpart of the North American Corolla and was counted as a variant of it in Toyota's sales figures.
Although identical mechanically, and nearly as much internally, the Matrix and Vibe had different sheetmetal and exterior trim designed by their respective brands. Both vehicles are narrow, tall station wagons styled in a quasi-SUV fashion (called a crossover utility vehicle or "CUV" by Toyota) and marketed to a fairly youthful market segment. This type of car is also commonly referred to as a sport wagon.
First sold in February 2002, the Matrix saw a minor facelift for the 2005 model year, and was redesigned completely in 2008 for the 2009 model year, following the tenth generation Corolla. Sales of the Matrix were discontinued in the United States in 2013 and in Canada in 2014.
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Common 2011 Toyota Matrix problems
The Toyota Matrix, produced between 2003 and 2013, is known for its practicality, reliability, and spacious interior. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that vary depending on the model year. Here are some of the issues reported by owners of the 2011 Toyota Matrix:
- Faulty oxygen sensors: The oxygen sensors of the 2003 to 2011 Toyota Matrix models tend to break, causing the check engine light to illuminate and leading to engine-related issues such as a rough idle, misfires, and poor performance. This problem affects 76 people, according to RepairPal, and replacement oxygen sensors cost around $30 to $110.
- Premature brake wear: Some 2010 Toyota Matrix owners have reported that their brakes wear out faster than expected. One owner had to replace both brake pads and rotors after only 24,000 miles, while another experienced a similar issue with the rear set at 27,000 miles and the front at 35,000 miles. Brake disc and pad kits for the Matrix typically cost around $50 to $120.
- Excessive oil consumption: Many Toyota Matrix owners, including those with 2003 to 2011 models, have reported that their engines consume too much oil. This issue is discovered during oil changes, where owners notice low oil levels. In some cases, the check oil light in the dashboard has illuminated due to excessive oil consumption. If left unchecked, this problem can lead to serious engine issues such as overheating and excessive wear, which can be expensive to repair. One potential solution is to replace worn piston rings in the engine, as improper seals can cause oil to seep into the combustion chamber, lowering oil levels.
These are some of the common problems reported by 2011 Toyota Matrix owners. It is essential to note that these issues may not affect all vehicles of this model year, and proper maintenance and care can help prevent or mitigate these problems.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Matrix?
One of its most severe issues is the engine problem. Many owners have noticed that the car consumed too much oil and heard ticking or rattling noises coming from the engine. Eventually, the Matrix engine just failed.
How many miles will a 2011 Toyota Matrix last?
The Matrix has a Corolla engine... without a doubt the most reliable engine ever built. If the maintenance schedule was followed from new, a Matrix should last well over 300k miles. Mine still looks good and is still fun to drive.
Is 2011 Toyota Matrix a good car?
The Toyota Matrix also is a strong alternative to the Kia Soul, Mazda Mazda3 hatchback, and Nissan Versa. While the Matrix isn't as trendy as its similarly sized Scion cousins, it is every bit as reliable – and also retains above-average resale value.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Matrix?
Worst Issues
- excessive oil consumption in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- engine failure in the 2003 Matrix. ...
- premature brake wear in the 2010 Matrix. ...
- engine noise with cold start in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- transmission stopped working in the 2003 Matrix.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Matrix?
One of its most severe issues is the engine problem. Many owners have noticed that the car consumed too much oil and heard ticking or rattling noises coming from the engine. Eventually, the Matrix engine just failed.
Is 2011 Toyota Matrix a good car?
The Toyota Matrix also is a strong alternative to the Kia Soul, Mazda Mazda3 hatchback, and Nissan Versa. While the Matrix isn't as trendy as its similarly sized Scion cousins, it is every bit as reliable – and also retains above-average resale value.
How many miles will a 2011 Toyota Matrix last?
The Matrix has a Corolla engine... without a doubt the most reliable engine ever built. If the maintenance schedule was followed from new, a Matrix should last well over 300k miles. Mine still looks good and is still fun to drive.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Matrix?
Worst Issues
- excessive oil consumption in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- engine failure in the 2003 Matrix. ...
- premature brake wear in the 2010 Matrix. ...
- engine noise with cold start in the 2009 Matrix. ...
- transmission stopped working in the 2003 Matrix.
2011 Toyota Matrix car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Matrix problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Toyota Matrix vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Toyota Matrix complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Toyota Matrix.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-20
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE6BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED WEST KENDALL TOYOTA AT (786) 619-3668 (LOCATED AT 13800 SW 137TH AVE, MIAMI, FL 33186) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-06
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED IRA TOYOTA (468 MAIN ST TEWKSBURY, MA) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE1BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM A TEAR IN HER ROTATOR CUFF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-23
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE7BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (SLOANE TOYOTA OF MALVERN, PHONE NUMBER: 484-329-7300) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-23
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE9BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAN FRANCISCO TOYOTA (3800 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118 (415) 750-8300) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-28
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE8BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL: IN JULY 2016 I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA OF PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL & TOLD NO ONE CAN RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE A DISABLED DAUGHTER WHO CANNOT SIT IN THE BACK. I CALLED TOYOTA CORP AND THEY ARRANGED WITH THE LOCAL DEALER TO PROVIDE ME WITH A RENTAL CAR. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OUTSIDE IN THE DESERT HEAT, BLOWING SAND AND SUN FOR A YEAR NOW. IN DECEMBER 2016 THE DEALER REFUSED TO PAY THE RENTAL BILL OF $1085 AND MY CREDIT CARD WAS CHARGED. I FOUGHT FOR A MONTH AND A HALF WITH THE DEALER, THE RENTAL COMPANY AND TOYOTA CORP AND FINALLY RECEIVED A CHECK FOR $1085. THE JANUARY 2017 BILL WAS PAID BUT NONE SINCE AND I NOW HAVE ANOTHER $1085 ON MY CREDIT CARD AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS OF CHARGES. THE DEALER REPRESENTATIVES REFUSE TO RETURN MY CALLS OR OFFER ANY EXPLANATION OTHER THAN THEY NEVER GOT THE BILLS. I FAXED THE BILLS TO THEM AND THE MGR. OF ENTERPRISE RENTAL WENT TO SEE THEM PERSONALLY - TO NO AVAIL. TOYOTA CORP SAYS THEY CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT THE DEALER NOT PAYING. THERE IS NO PLAN FOR WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED NOR WHAT KIND OF CONDITION IT WILL BE IN WHEN AND IF I EVER GET IT BACK. PLEASE ADVISE IF I HAVE ANY OPTIONS. I AM 84 YEARS OLD, AND CAREGIVER FOR A DISABLED DAUGHTER WHO NEEDS TO TRAVEL 100 MILES AWAY ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. WE BOTH NEED WALKERS, SO I NEED A CAR THAT I CAN LOAD AND UNLOAD ON THESE TRIPS. THE RENTAL CAR IS PERFECT, BUT I CANNOT AFFORD $1085 A MONTH WHEN THE DEALER HAD AGREED TO THIS ARRANGEMENT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-23
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE1BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL- THIS CAR HAS HAD A RECALL FOR THE FAULTY PASSENGER AIRBAG AND I USE THIS CAR FOR TRANSPORTING MY CHILD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS I'M PUTTING MY CHILD'S SAFETY AT RISK IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. IF TOYOTA CAN'T RESOLVE THIS IN A TIMELY MANNER I NEED A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO RESOLVE IT. THANKS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-01
- VIN: 2T1KU4EE1BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND HAD NOT RECEIVED THE SECOND NOTICE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-26
- VIN: 2T1KU4EEXBC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-11
- VIN: 2T1KU40E59C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.
2011 Toyota Matrix recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2011 Toyota Matrix.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
Negative 2011 Toyota Matrix car reviews
Positive 2011 Toyota Matrix car reviews
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The car has great steering and maneuverability. I'm so glad I bought this vehicle! It's roomy enough for my 6'4
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As they are no longer produced, Corollas make for a great used car value. I absolutely love driving my Corolla - it's great on gas and always puts a smile on my face. This is actually my third Corolla model and second manual transmission, so you could say I'm a bit of a fan! I was a bit disappointed when they discontinued the Matrix, as it was such a cute car that always got lots of compliments. I bought my Corolla back in 2009 and have already put 75000 miles on it, but I'm hoping to get another 75000 out of it if possible!
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I really like the neat exterior design of this vehicle! Although, I think it could benefit from having the upper rear spoiler like the 2010 Matrix XRS model. Nonetheless, it still looks rather stylish! I'm impressed with the upgraded 2.4 liter power of the AWD S model, which is similar to the previous Matrix XRS, the Scion XB, and the previous Toyota Camry models. The 16-Valve/Dual VVT-i & 4 cyl in-line type auto transmission is also a great feature. It's worth noting that many of the new Toyota's come standard with common features such as traction control, vehicle stabilizer control, ABS, EBT, & smart stop technology braking system.
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You've driven over 2500 miles and have been getting an impressive 29-32 mpg! The ride is relatively quiet under 70 mph and the interior is very roomy with comfortable front and rear seats that offer good visibility. It's easy for older people to enter both the front and rear seating areas, and there's plenty of cargo space. With the rear seats folded flat to the floor, you can even accommodate large objects. The basic 1.8 engine has enough power to handle hills and passing on highways, while still providing better fuel economy.
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It sounds like you have a great car! It's fuel efficient and travels well. Plus, the maintenance costs are low.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Toyota Matrix problems:
Toyota Matrix Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage ...
Sep 15, 2023 ... Check Engine Light from Faulty Oxygen Sensor. The oxygen sensors of the 2003 to the 2011 year models tend to break, which causes the check ...
2011 Toyota Matrix Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Top 2011 Toyota Matrix Problems · Excessive Oil Consumption. 19 people have reported this. 3 · Rough Running Conditions and Smoke From Exhaust. 6 people have ...
2011 Toyota Matrix | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
Toyota matrix is very reliable. Have went over 9000 miles with it while doing home health care with having the vehicle a matter of 8 months and have not had any ...
2011 Toyota Matrix Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common 2011 Toyota Matrix Problems ... Drivers of the toyota matrix may notice excessive oil consumption between oil changes, even to the extent of the...
2003-2008 Corolla, Matrix, Pontiac Vibe: Common Problems and ...
Jul 28, 2023 ... MD1032. · Registered. 2006 Toyota Matrix. Joined Oct 25, 2011. ·.
Other years of Toyota Matrix
Are you having problems with your 2011 Toyota Matrix?
Noe Stamm 2024-11-03
I've owned a Honda CRV, a Nissan Pathfinder V6, and a Saturn VUE AWD V6. While the Honda and Nissan had comparable gas mileage, the Saturn had much better gas mileage. However, I would not recommend considering this vehicle.
Garrett Boehm 2024-10-01
We purchased the car brand new and have consistently changed the oil on time. Despite this, we were surprised to experience overheating issues at 78000 miles. However, after consulting with a mechanic, we have decided to part ways with the car. As a loyal Toyota customer, this has been a disappointing experience, but we remain confident in the quality of their vehicles.
Mckenzie Kessler 2024-09-08
This is the first time I bought a new car and was disappointed: 1. Blind spots in front and back. 2. Poor radio. 3. Way too much road noise. 4. Uncomfortable ride (I can feel every little bump in the road). 5. Recall for safety reasons.
Colin Eichmann 2024-07-27
The second generation of the Toyota Matrix has larger exterior dimensions that are instantly noticeable, with design cues that are predictable yet still stylish. The interior, which is all Pontiac (as the Matrix shares a platform with the Vibe), is straightforward and functional. While the driver's view may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, the build quality is solid and reliable. The car's only drawback is the blind spot created by the large C-pillar, combined with an awkward angle and size of the third window, which makes it difficult to see out of the rear. Unfortunately, fuel economy on the 2.4 has been disappointing.
Damien Schimmel 2024-05-04
I purchased a 2010 Matrix 5-speed manual base model at the beginning of the year. It's a functional car that gets the job done, but I did encounter a few significant drawbacks. The design and build quality could be improved, and the visibility is quite poor. While there may be better options available in this category, the Matrix does have its strengths, including a roomy interior, great fuel economy, and a reasonable cost. However, it's important to note that there are some downsides, such as very poor visibility due to the large pillars and small raised rear window, water dripping from the roof onto the seats when the doors open, a cheap interior feel, doors that sound 'tinny', a matte finish dashboard that collects scuffs easily and has rough seams, and a clunky manual transmission that can be difficult to shift into reverse.