New Matrix owner - hello!

[stephensmith]

We just bought a 2008 Matrix to replace the 2003 Honda Element that my daughter wrecked. I loved the Element, but used ones in good condition were out of our price range at this time. (We also have a 2008 Honda Civic hybrid.) The Matrix has 68,000 miles on it, which I thought was pretty good; most of the cars of that age that we looked at had more than 100,000 miles.

After having it a few days, I am warming up to our "new" car. There are a couple of little things I wish it had, such as map lights. I see from my research that some Matrixes had what were called personal lights built into the rear-view mirror, but our model isn't one of them. But overall I am pleased. The Matrix certainly has better gas mileage than the Element did, plus for a compact it has pretty good room for hauling stuff.

I have a couple of questions for you seasoned Matrix/Vibe owners:

1) Are there any particular accessories that you would recommend, whether for comfort, performance or appearance? Recommended modifications?

2) Why the heck is the antenna located where it is? On mine, it is on the center line of the roof, directly behind the rear luggage bar. I used to haul a kayak on the Element, but it required that the Kayak be centered atop the car. That looks like it would not be possible on the Matrix, unless I removed the antenna. In fact, it looks to me like the antenna would be in the way of almost anything I might haul up there (one of those cool car-top tents comes to mind), except possibly a forward-positioned luggage carrier. Has anyone else found the antenna placement problematic?

I am glad to have found such an active forum devoted to this car, and look forward to learning from all of you.

- Steve (in Chapel Hill, NC)

[Salsa Guy]

Welcome to Genvibe. You can also check on Matrixowners.com for help.

There's all kinds of stuff and mods for these cars. A SRI is a simple, easy and cheap performance enhancer. It will give a bit more pep and may help with MPGs.
Also yes the antenna is on the roof center line. You may try a shark fin antenna, that maybe low enough to stay out of the way for you kayak.

Good Luck

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe Steve! It's always nice to have a Matrix owner join us. As Salsa Guy said, if you haven't already, be sure to check out Matrix Owners . Post some pictures of your Matrix when you have a chance as we love pictures around here!

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe Several of us here belong to BOTH forums (GenVibe & MatrixOwners). Glad you like and are enjoying your "new to you" Matrix. Post pics of it soon and visit often

[stephensmith]

Thanks for the warm welcome, and I will definitely check out MatrixOwners.

Here are a couple of photos of my car, when it was still on the CarMax lot.

[Salsa Guy]

Lunar Mist....Got to love it!

[vibenvy]

Lunar Mist....Got to love it!

x2 !

[emmett]

Another Vibe noob here - yesterday I registered my 2007 Vibe. I'm sure I'll like it a lot!

It's got 36,000 miles and in like new condition, the P. O. Had new brakes and tires put on recently.

I have always driven standard trans and frequently shift gears without using the clutch, which isn't difficult. The Vibe seems to like it! It pops into gear effortlessly. I also play a double bass (upright) which fits in it better than my old Camry, one of the reasons I chose it. A friend has a Sonic which is not as big inside.

I'll be lurking & looking for tips on improvements.

Hi people!

[tpollauf]

Another Vibe noob here - yesterday I registered my 2007 Vibe. I'm sure I'll like it a lot!

It's got 36,000 miles and in like new condition, the P. O. Had new brakes and tires put on recently.

I have always driven standard trans and frequently shift gears without using the clutch, which isn't difficult. The Vibe seems to like it! It pops into gear effortlessly. I also play a double bass (upright) which fits in it better than my old Camry, one of the reasons I chose it. A friend has a Sonic which is not as big inside.

I'll be lurking & looking for tips on improvements.

Hi people!

Welcome. Introduce yourself in a new post specifically highlighting you & your Vibe. Plus a little bit of info on yourself. Location already disclosed ... Thanks! Also post pics with this new post if possible. It will get more hits and better visibility. I'll look forward to it soon ................