Toyota Matrix - 2005 Review

When I decided to get rid of my cushy, but way too big Eddie Bauer edition Ford Explorer, my husband pointed this out as one of the best options for what I was looking for. I need a good amount of storage area, I wanted something much better on gas, and something reliable.

I had heard of Toyota being notoriously reliable, and I agree totally - I have only had one issue with my car, where the lights would not turn off and drain the battery. They took care of it and it has been problem free ever since.

The storage area is amazing - people can not believe how much I can fit in the back on this car! - plus fold down back seats that lay completely flat (as well as the front passenger seat for really long items). The back window even pops up independant of the hatch, so you have long items extend out. It is great on gas, especially considering the storage availability. Yes, I would have loved a prius, but it just does not have the cargo room. Plus it has a decent sized glove compartment and a roomy storage compartment under the armrest - home to a second plug, which I appreciate greatly when I want the GPS and my son wants to watch his dvd player 

I have the all wheel drive, and it is amazing, I can plow through snow like a monster truck and up my slippery, steep driveway with ease. Unfortunately I hear this is not an option anymore. Plus it is just plain zippy and fun to drive, handling corners like a sportscar.

Cons? I wish it was a little more "plush" - like a camry instead of a corolla. You can not get cruise control after market, which I learned the hard way after the dealership screwed up and told me it had it when it didn't. It can feel like being in a fishbowl unless you tint the windows.