Consumer Reports - article on Small Hatchbacks - Vibe/Matrix

[jake75]

I just briefly looked at this when I was at the drugstore yesterday. The Matrix/Vibe no longer gets a "recommended" checkmark because the '09 is too new to predict reliability I guess - and they had a couple other "lows" in their comments. CR's love affair with Toyota has waned. Matrix/Vibe resale values just dropped $1,000.

[kowell]

Consumer Reports will no longer recommand new Toyota vehicules on the sole fact that they are Toyotas following problems with the Camry V6, new Tundra V8 and Lexus GS.A lot of Toyota vehicules still score very highly on CR's recommendation list and lets hope that time will give the 2009 Matrix/Vibe it's just reward.http://www.autoblog.com/2007/1...ty-ra/

[ehoff121]

x Close Toyota Matrix TESTED VEHICLETrim line SDrivetrain 158-hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder;five-speed automatic; front-wheel driveMajor options Stability and traction control, cruise control, CD changer, heated mirrorsTested price $21,180 HIGHS | Fuel economy, access, rear seat,versatility, controls. LOWS | Engine noise, driving position,fit and finish, rear visibility. THE MATRIX LINEBody style wagonDrive wheels Front or AWDTrim lines Base, S, XRSEngines & transmissions 1.8-liter 4 (132 hp), 2.4-liter 4 (158 hp); 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automaticBase price range $16,190-$20,660VIDEO:Toyota Matrixhttp://www.consumerreports.org...98132 A tall hatchback based on the Toyota Corolla sedan, the Matrix has added height that gives it more passenger and cargo space than most competitors and eases entry and exit. The Matrix also gets impressive fuel economy for its size and has good power. But it isn't as polished as some competitors, with an unsettled ride, a boomy engine, and an interior that feels cheap. The Pontiac Vibe is essentially the same car. Reliability for this redesigned model is yet unknown.HANDLING, RIDE, AND POWERTRAINThe Matrix has a tendency to rock over bumps, with some side-to-side motions. The ride isn't harsh, but it doesn't feel steady, even on the highway. Nor is it an especially quiet car. While road noise is better isolated than in other small cars, wind noise is pronounced on the highway, and engine hum is constant.Handling is competent but not engaging, and there is some body lean. The steering is responsive enough but lacks feedback. On our track, the Matrix reached its limits rather early. It had a decent speed in our avoidance maneuver, and optional electronic stability control cuts in aggressively to keep the car secure.The optional 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine makes the Matrix a little quicker than most competitors. It also returns good fuel economy: 27 mpg overall on regular fuel, which matches that of the weaker 1.8-liter in the last-generation Matrix. A 132-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, though we found its zigzag shift gate awkward. LONG HAUL The front passenger seat folds flat to fit extra-long cargo. The back cargo area is lined in hard plastic, which can scratch easily. INSIDE THE CABINHard plastics make the interior feel cheap. Some edges aren't well finished, and the headliner looks like cardboard.A new telescoping steering wheel somewhat improves the driving position over the last Matrix, but it doesn't have enough range of motion to help everyone. Pedals are still too close to the driver, and the foot well is a bit narrow. Although you sit high in the Matrix, the dashboard is also high, making the cabin feel less airy.Visibility is constrained by large roof pillars all around, especially in the rear, where a vestigial third window does little to help drivers see out.Front seats are supportive and well contoured, but the short seat cushions lack thigh support for most drivers and lumbar support could be better. The supportive and roomy rear seat is very comfortable for two, though three across would be squeezed.Most controls are mercifully simple to use. The tuning knob is a long reach away on the right side of the dashboard. Backlighted gauges are mostly easy to read, although the recessed fuel gauge can get blocked behind some of the trim.Hard plastic lining the cargo area looks easy to wash after carrying dirty items, but it scratches easily and small items tend to slide around.MORE TEST FINDINGSBRAKING: very good,with fairly short stopsin both wet and dryconditions.HEADLIGHTS: both low- and high-beam headlights are bright and reach out a good distance.VISIBILITY: thick pillars restricted the view all around, but especiallyto the rear.ACCESS: cabin entryand exit is very easy, thanks to chair-height seats and large, square doors. CABIN STORAGE: moderate.HEAD RESTRAINTS: the center-rear restraint must be raised to protect taller occupants from injury from a rear collision.CHILD SEATS: the Matrix offers a good fit formost front- and rear-facing child seats in all three rear-seating positions. LATCH anchors in the rear outboard positions are recessed but still easy to access. Copyright © 2004-2007 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission.

[jimincalif]

Yes, a couple years ago CR dropped the automatic "recommended" for new Toyota models due to some of their first-year model glitches. I think this is a good idea, each model should have to demonstrate its overall reliability. Unless Toyota/Nummi blows it, the Vibe/Matrix should return to recommended status next year. I remember reading this when they announced the change, and it is mentioned somewhere in the cuurent car issue, but they should make bigger note of this.When I test drove a new 09 Vibe, I thought it a good improvement over the prior model all the way around. The only thing that seemed "cheap" was the heat shield around the exhaust between the engine and radiator. The top edge was sharp and barbed like it had been cut with a dull hacksaw.BTW, read the Pontiac G6 description. It went from "Recommended" in the 07 issue to "is not a very good car" in the 08 issue. Must have picked up some bad surveys this last year. I wonder about the statistical validity. If true someone who bought a G6 based on the CR recommendation last year would not be a happy camper this year.

[altimar]

Quote, originally posted by ehoff121 »Copyright © 2004-2007 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission. Oops? Don't worry, we won't turn you in.