So I Drove a Toyota Matrix...

"Fyoeu" (fyoeu2) 07/28/2018 at 17:01 • Filed to: None

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... exactly like the one pictured above, and I have to say, I kinda liked it! I stopped by this used car dealer, because I wanted to test drive an 07 Honda Fit, but he told me that it already sold, and suggested the Matrix. I never would have considered a Matrix, but after driving it, I think I will! Can’t say it was as “ fun” to drive as  a Mazda 3, but it didn’t handle as bad as I thought it would. The Matrix looks even better considering how cheaply you can get these and the fact that they have the bullet proof 1.8 liter.... hmmm....

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 17:23

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I’ve driven a First gen Vibe. I liked it too. I also liked the solid plastic rear load floor and seat backs. Not sure if the Matrix shares that feature

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 17:30

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You may have dodged a bullet to some extent. Not to hate, but the earlier Fits had serious build issues. See Mr. Regular’s review for more info.

Fyoeu > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 07/28/2018 at 17:37

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yes, it did! Thought that was a nice touch

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 17:40

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It's definitely not fun, especially with an automatic and 1ZZ. But very practical and reliable. Cargo space for days.

dogisbadob > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 17:46

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There is nothing wrong with that. Toyota makes the best cars :o)

Steve in Manhattan > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 17:50

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5 speed? They were rare, but they exist. Just have your mechanic check the throwout bearing and similar clutch items.

Wacko > dogisbadob 07/28/2018 at 18:09

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Ash78, voting early and often > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 18:36

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I always thought the Fit (and almost  every Honda ever) was highly overrated. The NUMMI Matrix/Vibe had a lot of good money and know-how behind it. And a lot more space than the Fit, IIRC.

Fyoeu > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 07/28/2018 at 18:42

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Yeah, I’ve heard about the build issues, just genuinely curious as to how they drive.

Fyoeu > Steve in Manhattan 07/28/2018 at 18:49

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Nah, plain old, unfortunate 4 speed. Hoping to learn how to drive stick before the end of summer. 

Fyoeu > Ash78, voting early and often 07/28/2018 at 18:51

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Yeah, that’s why I came away a bit surprised, because no one really talks about the Matrix or Vibe, but I hear A LOT about Honda Fits.

Ash78, voting early and often > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 18:57

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Honda is a cult.

/3rd-year first-time Honda owner

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 19:21

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I’ve been considering an AWD Matrix or Vibe for a Focus replacement.  A little hard to find, but it would make a great work car for me.  Decent MPG and all weather capability.  

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > Fyoeu 07/28/2018 at 22:06

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I bought one new and they drive pretty great. I only kept it for three years though, so I cannot attest to the long term durability.

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > Ash78, voting early and often 07/28/2018 at 22:08

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We will never let you in with that attitude.

I’ve already said too much, dammit!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/30/2018 at 00:43

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I have a 4AT 1ZZ model for the next few days to fling about on mountain roads. It’s pretty boring but still wants to  rotate slightly under heavy trail braking for hairpins.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/30/2018 at 00:51

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I really liked ours when we first bought it. But after having the Lexus, I almost loath getting back into the Vibe.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/30/2018 at 00:56

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I like how it’s easy to cane about without potentially getting in nearly as much trouble as I could in the G35.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/30/2018 at 01:00

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The only time my car scares me is in the rain. The rear wheels do not care for the wetness

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/30/2018 at 11:07

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Wait, do you guys not get ice storms in the PNW? Nothing about my G35 scares me (it’s only a bit more oversteery than my Crown Vic was) , it’s mostly that it gets into extra-legal speeds on a backroad really quickly and that could spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e   if there’s radar over a crest .

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 07/30/2018 at 11:20

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Growing up, we had tons of ice storms... Somehow that’s all gone, along with annual snow and mild summers, because reasons :(