2005 Matrix photos

Post by **NSimkins** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 4:56 am

Took some pics of the '05 Matrix today. One was a base model (no foglamps), the other an XR model. Note the new taillamps, foglamp location, grilles, Toyota radio, new seat fabric design, and separate clock. 2005 Matrix dealer stock - Toyota of Warren - Warren, Ohio

Merzbow · Post by **Merzbow** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 5:25 am

Those taillights come stock? That's dumb...used to be if they had altezza tail lights, the car was being customized so it was more unique, now alot of new cars come like that stock so it ruined the appeal....to see older people in there 60s cruisin with altezzas when they have no idea what the difference between altezzas and normal taillights are.Looks like the Matrix is pulling away from similarities with the Vibe.

Post by **NSimkins** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 5:30 am

Quote, originally posted by Merzbow Â»Those taillights come stock? Yeah, they're stock. I'm not a fan of them at all myself.Quote, originally posted by Merzbow Â»Looks like the Matrix is pulling away from similarities with the Vibe.It seems they are moving the Matrix styling to be closer to its Corolla heritage. IMHO, I liked the 03-04 Matrix overall design better. It will only be a few more years before they go with a more drastic redesign (Vibe and Matrix) (I hope) so we'll just have to wait and see.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 5:52 am

Those tail lights are nice but not on a Matrix, they're big enough for a Hummer!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 6:40 am

I like Toyota radios...nice looking and easy to read.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 10:54 am

Looks like they're trying to make the front end more agressive... I do hate the taillights, though.The radio is a bit of an improvement, and I personally like the layout of that center console better, having the clock seperate, and the defrost above the AC buttons make it look much smoother. Here's to wondering how hard it'll be to get one of those to snap into my 2003..

Celtic_Curse · Post by **Celtic_Curse** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 12:07 pm

The taillights are a non issue for me I do like that they have no more Yellow on them, Looks like Toyota is getting more aggresive with what they wantthe car to do which was appeal to the younger crowd. Gm on the the other hand is making the Vibe appeal to its regular customer base and IMHO is not caring anymore about the tuner crowd or penetrating our market. Look at he ho hum redesign of the VIbe front end. I think everyone is right in that Toyota is going to be taking the Matrix in a totally different direction than Gm is going to. If the Toyota gets a more aggresive look to it, I'll be switching cars.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 1:49 pm

I rather like the taillights and would like to get something similar for my Vibe. I don't like the way the reflectors are there on the side, though. It's a welcome change to my eyes.I hate that radio and especially the clock. I always hated the stand alone digital clocks in cars. The mid to late 90's Mustangs had them, they were in a little bubble that stuck up in the middle of the dash. I hated that and was glad when they redesigned that in '99 to eliminate that. The Toyota radios aren't offensive, but rather are so plain and even Amish looking that I hate them. If that thing came in my car, it would have to be replaced within the first week. I've got the Delco 6 disc changer unit in my Vibe and I love it. It's the first factory radio I've ever had that I don't really want to replace. And I've never had a single problem with it. But I do agree that I like the placement of the rear defogger switch much better. I hate having that stupid blank useless fake button on the dash. It looks so cheesy.I see that the Matrix has adopted the Vibe foglights. That will cause some difficulties for the CAI enthusiasts. Overall, I do see that the Matrix is becoming more attractive looking while the Vibe is going the opposite way. I think it may be time for me to give up on the new car craze because there are so few cars out there now that I'd want to buy. Most of them are well out of my current price range. So I guess I'll have to go back to the big old domestic boats that I love. I've been looking to pick up one to make a torque monster out of anyway.

Reynoma · Post by **Reynoma** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 2:21 am

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe Â»But I do agree that I like the placement of the rear defogger switch much better. I hate having that stupid blank useless fake button on the dash. It looks so cheesy.Amen!

Merzbow · Post by **Merzbow** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 9:45 am

I don't messicarily want altezzas for the Vibe but I wish someone would make black tail light covers instead. I've seen headlight covers, but I didn't pay $40 for silverstar brightness just to cover them up with a shade. But I think black tail light covers would look sharp on a black VIbe.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:06 am

yep. i'd get the new trix now... the older style wasn't so appealing to me.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 11:24 am

I can dig the new look for sure but I like my 6 disc style radio over that old simple big buttoned style any day.Maybe now with the Matrix front end so simular to the Vibe, their 05 body kits might fit eh? I'm gonna check that out.Like the tail lights also, then again most Matrix Owners have changed their tail lights to look simular anyway...

satur9 · Post by **satur9** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 6:12 am

is that cloth on the center armrest console or am i just wishing?

champcaracing · Post by **champcaracing** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 11:06 am

nick you dropped the ball....you forgot the fan type front washers, the 2 "squirter" rear nozzle and the cloth covered sun visors. COM'ON nick and your a "TOP" guy around here!!! J/K everyone nicks ok, just "jackin" with you nick.

Post by **NSimkins** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 11:12 am

Quote, originally posted by champcaracing Â»nick you dropped the ball....you forgot the fan type front washers, the 2 "squirter" rear nozzle and the cloth covered sun visors. COM'ON nick and your a "TOP" guy around here!!! J/K everyone nicks ok, just "jackin" with you nick. doh! you got me, what can I say? I didn't even think about snapping pics of those items, and completely forgot. There's always a next time... haha.

Jethro · Post by **Jethro** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 12:45 pm

I don't like the taillights. I see Chevy did the same thing with their new Equinox. As far as I'm concerned the "rice racers" can keep those.Also, I like the revised frontend with outboard foglamps; but what's up with putting that hideously frumpy Corolla grille in there? The '03-'04 Matrix grille looked way better.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 12:57 pm

Quote, originally posted by champcaracing Â»nick you dropped the ball....you forgot the fan type front washers, the 2 "squirter" rear nozzle and the cloth covered sun visors. COM'ON nick and your a "TOP" guy around here!!! J/K everyone nicks ok, just "jackin" with you nick. I did that when I parked next to the 05 Vibe at work, never got the pics up yet though...

savedbyzero · Post by **savedbyzero** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 4:36 pm

Those taillights....oh, those taillights...

2005 Matrix photos

2005 Matrix photos

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