Used 2003 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews
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Buy The XRs
nikadmus, 06/06/2003
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recomend this car to all that are looking for serious performance, with the added comfort of storage space. 6 speed manual tranny, The engine is a 1.8L with VVTL-I. Stands for variable valve timing and Lift with intelligence. Basically this beast does not redline until 8200 rpm's. When you hit 6000 rpm's in any gear the engines internals shift producing a 50 horespower difference from the base, and xr models. You get sucked back into your seat and everybody within earshot will allmost break their necks trying to figure out how that "station Wagon" just made that sound. Allot of bang for your buck with this vehicle. XRS is the way to go.
Best car ever!
iwphill, 11/30/2002
2003 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best car made for the price. I was looking for an all around vehicle, with some hauling capability and good gas mileage. But I didn't want an SUV and I also didn't want to spend a fortune. It's extremely reliable - so far ;-) - and is a blast to drive. I have the base model w/auto and though I've heard others complain about the lack of power, I never have any problems passing when needed. A fantastic car, that's for sure!
Poor Toyota support. Very poor traction.
Will Keith, 01/13/2009
2003 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our 2003 Matrix, only 58,454 km. Alternator dead. Car is past the 5 year warranty period. However, alternators - especially on Toyotas - should last longer than 58,454 km. Toyota Canada says replacing alternator not covered, even at this low mileage. Toyota suggested I pay a Toyota dealer to check the system officially, but admitted they likely won't help us out on this anyway. Replace with a rebuilt - not new - alternator is over $500. The fact that we have 5 Toyotas in our family didn't seem to matter: the person on the phone just kept reading from the policy manual.
Transmission Problems?
las, 06/09/2003
2003 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I really love this car. But I am wondering if anyone else has had any problems with their transmission fluid? This past weekend, I took it for an oil change and the mechanics showed me that the transmission fluid was unusually dirty for the amount of mileage I have on the car. It's at about 12,000 miles. I am very curious to know if anyone else has had this problem....
Great for my needs
Michael Miller, 01/13/2003
2003 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Matrix, for me, is a wonderful replacement for a 2002 Corolla I had. Long story short, I disliked the Corolla but found the Matrix had a lot of features I always wanted. Gas mileage is decent, only trade-off from the Corolla. With the Matrix I can lie down in the back--great camping car. My bike fits, too. Those complaining about the lack of power, etc., may have expectations too high for a 4 cylinder-- buy a six or eight and pay the difference in gas costs. The four cylinder, which maneuvers just fine at 70-75 mph, is ideal for the many different types of driving I do.