2011 Toyota Matrix Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: good car to own by bmwtourer

Hi bmwtourer,

Thanks for sharing a review of your 2011 Matrix. I wrote a review of our 2006 AWD model a few years ago and am glad to see you took the time to share your thoughts on the car. We bought ours new in June of '06, have just over 106k on it and will be driving it for many, many more years.

Recently retired but when I was working we certainly could afford to change cars for something different. Thought I wanted to get a 2014 Venza,, did quite a bit of research on it, found that many owners felt it was over priced but took one for test drive anyway. Other than the Venza being a larger, nicer car with a more quiet interior than our Matrix it really had little more to offer than our Matrix so good sense stepped in. Our Matrix was paid off a few years ago so dragging $45k from our retirement savings,, when we already have a nice, even though smaller car but we know our car, can depend on it so changing cars just made no sense. Other than normal scheduled maintenance per the manual,, we've had ZERO troubles with our little Matrix, don't drive that many miles anymore sodon't forsee any troubles for a very long time. We have lots of rain in the Pacific NW and many winters have had up to 8 inches of snow. We've run 2 sets of HANKOOK VENSUS V12 EVO K110 (205/55/16) tires all year long and the car performs in all weather like a dream.


You mention you have no visual protection for your belongings in the rear of the car. There is a solution for that. We purchased a special storage package when we got our car that included a netting restraint and a cover that attaches inside, behind the rear seat, at the top of the rear wheel wells that covers all that we're carrying back there. We as well had an after market window tinting installed that meets our state requirements so no one can see inside other than the driver/front passenger area unless they cup their hands to block any light and press their face against the glass. You might ask your dealership about the rear cover and perhaps check with your local auto glass shops about the glass tinting. Anyway, thanks again for your review, wishing your family the best of good luck with your little Matrix and take care.