I'm looking at this car (the XR model) and I'm wondering if anyone who owns one (from any model year, as they haven't changed that much) could give some experiences they've had (good or bad) about the car. From the specs/test drive here's what I so far like/dislike:
Good:
Convertibility (storage/passenger etc)
Mileage
Consumer Reports says good things
Head Room (I'm 6' 5")
Bad:
Body integrity (the front fascia and spoiler are somewhat flimsy)
??? (unsure or don't know):
Performance (in general, and in weather)
Squeaks and Rattles
my mother almost bought one of those...the 4wd model...they are really nice we test drove it and the guy tore through it...rearseats go flat as well as the front passengers... has these small slots and holes for options you can buy that are detachable..like for snowboards/bikes.. that kinda stuff...the front and back are very spacious for how small it looks..my legs where not cramped even in the middle...it can turn on a dime....very nice handling...of cours the 4wd feature is a must have where i am in New England..with snow and mud and all that junk...it's a very nice car...it can come new fully loaded for around $18,000 USD. It's a good buy i think..we just didnt have the money for a new car
Another car you can look at is the Pontiac Vibe. Mechanically identical to the Toyota Matrix, you'll find it has a more sporty look to it.
You might compare the pricing between the two also.
I think they may even come off the same assembly lines.
My boss bought one. I didn't really like them at first but after i drove it, it wasn't so bad. And the features like an a/c plug in the dash was pretty nice. Much roomier than I thought it would be. Yeah it's just a fat corolla, but it's got a lot more room. and more uses and good gas mileage
