'09 Matrix rear visibility

[CoolAKid]

I may be a bit late at weighing in on this, but since I live in a small backward town, my local Toyota dealer only just got in a couple of '09's (local Pontiac dealer still has not followed suit with the '09 Vibe). While I sort of liked the new Matrix styling from the photos I'd seen, I was not that impressed with my first actual look. And I must say they have taken a car that had pretty good rear visibility throughout its first incarnation, and made that same point of view from the driver's seat absolutely horrible. What were they thinking? Does "styling" take total precedence over safety anymore? Look at what they did to the Scion XB. They took a basic box with great visibility all around, and put a huge thick pillar in the rear. It's still nothing more than a box, but they just tried to doll it up and make it something it was never meant to be.Can't give my impressions on the '09 Vibe rear visibility yet, having only seen photos, but the photos make it look like it has also suffered a similar fate as the '09 Matrix, although perhaps not as severe. Of course, the Vibe's was never quite as good to begin with, one of the very few things about the Vibe styling I liked less than the Matrix.Just my opinion, but what good are the latest safety features when you can't get a decent view out the back, just because some stylist thought it "looked good"?

[kunkstyle]

I'd try driving one first. I thought the original Vibe would be horrible for shoulder checking until I took it for a test drive. Although from the photos it does look like it may have reduced visibility.

[CoolAKid]

I did sit in the driver's seat for a couple of minutes, tried adjusting the seat and the mirrors, but was still amazed at how bad it was. Didn't actually test drive it, but if I can't see the cars behind me in the dealer's lot when they're standing still, how am I going to see them when they're moving? Not to mention trying to back up or into a parking spot would surely test the quality of my insurance coverage. Or would that just be my driving that does that?Guess what I'm saying is, why take a "blind spot" (every car has 'em), and make it ten times worse than it ever was before?

[tnpartsguy]

You want to drive a car with no visability, try a Chevy HHR... it's like driving a CAVE!

[Whelan]

Agreed the HHR is horrible for rear visibility, just like the Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX. But the new Matrix is not that great either.I do know that the gov't has more strict rules on roof structure to deal with rollovers and such nowadays so the added bulk could be due to this.However I love the visibility in my 05. A quick glance to the side and I can see everything. It was a little hard at first to get used to cause I had the 02 Civic Coupe which literally required a look to your right and left, no turning around.

[ClunkClunk]

The first thing I thought when I saw the '09 Vibes and Matrices was that the rearward visibility appears to be less than the earlier models. I have not driven either one, but this is certainly a concern.

[CoolAKid]

I hadn't thought about the possible stricter government rules on rollover protection and structural integrity. Could have something to do with it, I suppose. Still don't think I'll be rushing out to buy an '09 Matrix anytime soon. But it's always fun looking at new cars, isn't it?

[chris777]

Uhh I am not thrilled with visibility on my 05 vibe, but those safety people want us to apparently be safe even if it causes us to be in more accidents in the first place.my parents highlander is not too bad, but to be honest I despise thick pillars, in everything, Sorry but I would rather see than be in a tank.I am still trying to figure out a solution for backing up. thinking of a camera, or one of those audio things.

[kunkstyle]

$2 stick on convex mirrors for the side mirrors. Wallmart, pepboys, partsource. One of my favourite mods!

[bigbyrd]

My '07 was totalled in hit from behind collision.I've had my '09 for about a month. I had the rear windows tinted as dark as possible. Because of that, rear visibility is poorer than it should be.However, years ago I learned to drive by using the side mirrors and seem to have no problems. 'Blind spot' mirrors help.Doug

[lowincash]

i just sat in the 09 vibe yesterday and noticed the rearward view wasn't that good. good thing they have pretty big side mirrors tho. i've also learned to reverse and use my side mirrors rather than the rearview one. my current car trunk is pretty high and it's hard to judge distance. i guess it just takes getting use to...but definitely practice using your side mirrors. i adjust mine as outward as possible so i can see about two lanes on the left and right...i notice a lot of people aim their side mirrors so they can see the back of their car...i think it's a bad idea. make it go outward more and some getting use to will help a lot...i don't think there's too much to worry about with the new vibes.

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »You want to drive a car with no visability, try a Chevy HHR... it's like driving a CAVE!WOW am I old....back in the days a van with no windows were all the rage. visability? thats what outside mirrors are for. lolhey one of those HHR panel trucks.....big foam pad ......a little Barry White......i can see it now "chick magnet" LOL

[LOUROK]

when I sat in the 09 model it was very hard to see your blind spot.

[WaveAction]

the worst i've driven without seeing out the back..is the Jeep Commander..with the rear seats up..i swear theres about a 1ft window that you see out of and thats it..it's really bad

[darcmater]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »WOW am I old....back in the days a van with no windows were all the rage. visability? thats what outside mirrors are for. lolhey one of those HHR panel trucks.....big foam pad ......a little Barry White......i can see it now "chick magnet" LOLI alwasy wanted a big fullsize van with a built in waterbed in the back, shag carpeting and a disco ball. Oh and those fuzzy little things all along the windows