So what do Celica owners think about the Toyota Matrix?

[brandonmatrix2]

Hey, I'm new here. I hail from matrixowners.com. I check the forums here once in a while to see what's up in the Celica world, but I registered today so I could post.

Since we share the same engines and some suspension and transmission, (xr and gt, xrs and gts) ... i figured that I would ask: what do Celica Owners think about the Matrix? Sure, we are about 300 lbs heavier and have around 39 cu. ft. of space extra, but we are essentially the same car when you strip it down to the tranny and engine.

Personally - I really like Celicas. There is so much aftermarket possibility with them - it's amazing. Some of your cars that I see around the sight are simply sexy...there is no other word to describe it.

So enough yappin --- answer the above question.

[WillyWonka]

Welcome. The Matrix is a good, quality car because its a Toyota. It all depends on your needs. I imagine rear seat passengers have more room and some may prefer the styling. I'm sure the aftermarket will be adequate if you are into modifying.

You are near Brownie's 23 East...oh the Villanova women stories.

[SilvCeli02]

Good Concept, Good Product, but unfortunatly the majority of Matrix owners are middle-aged people (IMO), which isn't the audience toyota intended for the car. I like it the best of the quazi-suv-sport compact field.

[brandonmatrix2]

Eh, I don't know about that. Most of the guys over at MatrixOwners are between 17 and 30....compared to the Celica, sure, we are have a bit of an older market driving the Matrix -- especially the base Matrix.

Originally posted by SilvCeli02
Good Concept, Good Product, but unfortunatly the majority of Matrix owners are middle-aged people (IMO), which isn't the audience toyota intended for the car. I like it the best of the quazi-suv-sport compact field.

[SuperCharged]

I think the Matrix is cool. I don't have any hate for it. (and because it's a Toyota, too ;) )

It looks great, although too much of a mix between a SUV and a family car. I almost considered getting one as my 2nd car, but I opted for the Celica instead, despite the higher price tag.

I'm happy with my decision. :)

[The Game]

Id rock a Matrix

[t2000gts]

the demographic is slightly older than the celica, but there's plenty of tuners...

i think i saw a matrix in the 2 Fast 2 Furious commercial on TV :rofl:

[DrunkenTiger]

Originally posted by brandonmatrix2


Personally - I really like Celicas. There is so much aftermarket possibility with them - it's amazing.

:rofl:

[t2000gts]

Originally posted by DrunkenTiger


:rofl:

on top of that, i think the matrix gets more aftermarket attention, even though it's not any easier to mod. probably cuz of the popularity of the hatch segment and companies looking to capitalize. it's also sold very well.

[TRD StreetRacing]

Originally posted by DrunkenTiger


:rofl:

:werd: i was LMAO too:chuckles:

[Patches]

A friend of mine has one, and I've always thought it was a sweet ride.

[draygo]

It looks very nice to me and was the front runner against me getting a celica. The thing i dont really like about the matrix is its tall stance. A little to tall looking for me.

[acilecdps6]

I test drove a Matrix XRS awhile back, I liked the room and versatility and the VVTL-I kick, but not the shifter location. The guages were very hard to read and the driving position was a little to tall. I believe the 180 hp 6spds do not have independent suspension in the rear, and for that reason alone I would not get it. The AWD does have Independent rear suspension, but not the good engine. FYI I just saw a 'best of' list the other day from JD Powers or Consumers and it listed a GM car on it, the 'car' was the VIBE (Pontiac) which is really a Matrix.

[dchan8]

if i could get a 2nd car, for a litle less than the celica, i'd get an xrs matrix. use it to get parts for my celica and all other errands. my celica would be my weekend car.

[Automaton]

I like the way the Matrix looks, but I didn't test drive one. I like smaller feeling cars where I feel like I am a part of the car, and the car feels like it is part of the road. I test drove a 2002 Civic Si (mini-minivan) and I felt like I was in the center of a very large space where I could not get a sense of the road because I was so far detatched from it. I get the impression that the Matrix would feel similar to drive. But I think the Matrix looks very nice, and of course has a decent engine.

[brandonmatrix2]

Yeah - being up tall has its advtanges - like better visability, etc. And a lot of matrix owners have their ride lowered, so it's not too high.

[Blue Batmobile]

Hi Brandon,

I Love the Matrix. I'm on the Matrix Forums all the time. Now, if I can convince my wife to get one:rolleyes:

BTW, I'd Love to see the Celica in this new Phantom Gray color:thumbup:

Bat

[F35-JSF]

I love the matrix, just wish it had a bit more torque to play with. I test drove a Xrs and powering up on the highway took way too long.

[Da Kine Guy]

I think the Vibe looks better.

[TRD StreetRacing]

Originally posted by Da Kine Guy
I think the Vibe looks better.

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww:puke:

[cftofu2k]

matrix is alright.. but its too big imo

[Tikked Again]

I must say....putting the 2zz engine in the matrix was pointless (unless you consider the marketing). Even with close gears of the 6 spd it lacks the inital low end torque of the 1zz's engine, which is kind of useful for a vehicle made for hauling 'stuff'. That and driving in (Passenger) Matrix XRS at 95 mph and more for an hour was not confidence inspiring.

[M4trixXRS]

I love my Matrix and the way it handles. I'm glad that the celicas and us get along so well, although I understand the frustrations because TRD shat on you guys for so long. I think TRD assumes that they missed the oppourtunity to provide substantial aftermarket support for the celica so they are jumping on the matrix and probably the next generation celi.

The best thing about the 2ZZ engine being in the Matrix is that I don't get many looks from po-po's. Plus underpowered cars love to flex their pathetic muscles at my car only to get a good look at my TRD third brake light! :headbang:

I really think that the 2ZZ needs gobs more torque. I'm really hoping for a supercharger sometime this year. Hopefully they can fit it into the celica's smaller compartment.

[CreepingJeff]

i like how the matrix looks from the front. but i don't like the side view. it looks like the celica's fat sister.

[slashsnumb1fan]

looks like ass to me. to high. looks like a mini van

[k2snownsk8]

i hate it. i can't speak for all though

[Da Kine Guy]

Originally posted by M4trixXRS
I really think that the 2ZZ needs gobs more torque.

Yup, when I see 1.8L I instinctively think torque. Goes hand in hand :thumbup:

Ah come on now TRD, you know the Vibe looks better :chuckles:
I just think the Vibe doesn't look quite as tall as the Matrix looks. I think is has something to do with the big front side windows that get thin REAL quick as it moves towards the back. Eh, whatever. If it gets the supercharger both'll be real fun cars to drive.

[starkist]

I think it as my little fat brota

[nd4spd 4 a gt-s]

i love them, i like it more then my celica.
Looks just as good as the celi but more room.
I think it's just as fast as my gt-s was so speed isn't a problem. It handles great.

I'm glad i made the switch to the trix, More trd aftermarket then the celica will ever have and just more aftermarket companys then the celica ever had in it's first year.

[Lomeinhu]

Originally posted by Da Kine Guy
I think the Vibe looks better.

I personally agree. Now, I used to like the Matrix's lines, but now I'm more into simpler designs that are still striking (i.e. G35 coupe). As a result, I'm leaning towards the Vibe as a better looking car. The matrix looks too busy with the factory kit, and too naked without. The Vibe is better overall from the factory. Of course, if you lowered the Matrix a bit, get bigger wheels, I'm sure it'd be a tie.

*EDIT* Now that Matrix right above is really nice. Although I would still switch to a different front end or lip. I see the factory kit everywhere. No hard feelings, just my opinion. Very, very nice Matrix still.