06 Toyota Matrix?

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Digital2k2

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Anyone here know much about the Toyota Matrix's reliability? I seem to remember reading somewhere that the powertrane, shared with the Pontiac Vibe, is a pretty good one.

Looking at an 06 pretty much base FWD with 77k miles and manual transmission. Anyone know of any common issues to look out for or if it's a relatively good powertrane?
 
They are mechanically the same car as the Vibe. Both built in the same plant in California. (NUMMI)

The manual transmission is the only glaring fault in the car that I can think of. Otherwise, it is essentially a Corolla wagon
 
The engine ran hot. so if they did extended runs on dino or forgot to change can be an issue.
 
It is likely up there as one of the most reliable cars of the era. Still, just because the model is reliable does not mean that specific car will be good. Have it checked out.

Is it the 1ZZ-FE engine (130ish hp) or the 2ZZ-FE engine (180ish HP). The 1ZZ were more reliable for Toyota standards while the 2ZZ was more reliable than most other engines so it is not something to worry about. They are prone to oil-related issues and do not do well in a oil starved environment (and the issue was a failed oil pump). So, don't downshift and over-rev the 2zz... it does not like that.

I say the manual transmission is not "a fault" of the car and it is hard to pin down if there was some design issue or there was driver error. There might be something lurking that is not forgiving but I am not aware of anything overly concerning from the other toyota related vehicles.
 
Im assuming its the 1zzfe? If so its part of ecm recall but i believe thats it. Dont know why people say its hard on oil, same engine as corolla and mine is not hard on oil..
 
I had an 03 that was very reliable. My wifes best friend still has an 06 matrix and it's still going strong. I would own another one if I needed a compact car
 
VERY solid reliability. I remember changing a ton of serp belts on them, but otherwise, no common ailments. Easy maintenance. Check the cargo area, not a big deal, but it's easy for the hard plastic back there to get scratched/gouged.
 
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Im assuming its the 1zzfe? If so its part of ecm recall but i believe thats it. Dont know why people say its hard on oil, same engine as corolla and mine is not hard on oil..

Probably referring to the 98-02 issues w/ oil consumption. UOAs for post 03 1ZZ-FEs look boring (aka just fine)
 
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Im assuming its the 1zzfe? If so its part of ecm recall but i believe thats it. Dont know why people say its hard on oil, same engine as corolla and mine is not hard on oil..


Was this the engine ECM, or the supplemental restraint system ECM recall? I do believe you still have to watch the 5 speed by this year, or had they fixed it by this time?

How long do the timing chains last on these 1ZZ engines?
confused.gif
 
Quote:

They are mechanically the same car as the Vibe. Both built in the same plant in California. (NUMMI)


IIRC, the Matrix was/is built in Canada and was never producted in California.
 
I've got a '04 Vibe and I'm right under 200k miles. Have not had one single problem yet. Knock wood!

So yeah, mines been reliable. No so much comfortable or quiet, but you get use to it.
smile.gif
 
Yes, very solid reliability! Share the Chassis & Drivetrain with the Toyota Corolla w/optional AWD. With 1.8L 4 cyl engines(various HP Ratings) and auto or man transmissions. Later years had Camry 2.4L 4 cyls as an option.
 
A friend has one. Some of the interior fell apart around him. Switches and trim. Power train is good, we ran syn and did UOA and didn't see any oil issues. Just junkiness in other ways, like the materials quality.
 
My Mom has an '05, 5-manual. No issues. Very reliable. AFAIK, still under 100k miles.
 
Originally Posted By: SOHCman
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Im assuming its the 1zzfe? If so its part of ecm recall but i believe thats it. Dont know why people say its hard on oil, same engine as corolla and mine is not hard on oil..


Was this the engine ECM, or the supplemental restraint system ECM recall? I do believe you still have to watch the 5 speed by this year, or had they fixed it by this time?

How long do the timing chains last on these 1ZZ engines?
confused.gif



It was the recall on the engine computer, mine was replaced under warranty.

Timing chains typically dont ever need replacement like belts do. I am sure they could fail but havent heard of one dying because of it yet..
 
Originally Posted By: Falken
From what I have heard is the Matrix is hard on gas.

In the States gas is much cheaper than in Canada, so it might not be as big of a deal.


what is your definition of hard on gas? my ownership of an 05 returned consistent 30mpg, which i thought was excellent. dont take my word for it, take alot of samples instead : http://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/matrix
 
Originally Posted By: Falken
From what I have heard is the Matrix is hard on gas.

In the States gas is much cheaper than in Canada, so it might not be as big of a deal.


Depends on the engine... the 1.8l were excellent. Easily 25mpg+ city if you thrash it to the redline frequently. If you REALLY baby it, 30+ is more than expected in non-traffic snared city driving... with high 30s on highway.

My MR2 has the 1.8 and with "spirited" driving, I have averaged over 30mpg in mixed traffic. Sure, the MR2 is lighter, but my gearing is a lot more steep and at 70, 3750RPM is normal... and I still get 37mpg highway. On the 55mph backroads, I get 40mpg.

Now, if you have a "newer" 2.4... they are thirsty. Low 20 city, 30ish highway....worse with AWD and you might as well be 20/26 or something.
 
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