New Matrix owner - hello!
Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:33 am
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)
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)
. Post some pictures of your Matrix when you have a chance as we love pictures around here!
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 
!