2003 Toyota Matrix XRS: Regular Car Reviews

We drive the 2ZZ poered Toyota Matrix XRS. It has flaws but it still was a contender for the Civic Si market share.
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[@kevinb.3656]

I’ll never forget the guy passing me down the highway doing about 80 in 2007 riding in one of these with the hatch door open revealing an ungodly large speaker mounted to it blasting Rammstein’s Du Hast.

[@HTV-2_Hypersonic_Glide_Vehicle]

😮

[@daddyjoespizza7809]

that guy fucks

[@daltoncampbell7579]

Fever dream material

[@frhorizons]

DUUUUUUUUUUU DU HAST DU HAST MICH

[@throwback19841]

it does have a very practical load area. ours got totalled when some doofus ran a stop sign and t boned my girlfriend and she have a Prius C now and it's worse in every way. fortunately it gave me an excuse to go buy a Miata so silver linings.

[@ndgoliberty]

I saw this thumbnail and was like: oh yeah. That’s a regular car.

[@elonsus9747]

We all did.

[@squareyoyoer640]

Ohhh yeahhh....

[@nealdavin3883]

Well yeah got it's right next to the model t !

[@acerusea5156]

Regular car with a high revving 2ZZ-GE that has oil pump issues

[@LancerJak]

It literally a few feet of ‘car’.

[@germaineliew2012]

Nobody: Toyota Matrix: *Exists* Scotty Kilmer: *Heavy breathing*

[@Foxontherun2]

"take this toyota matrix for example..."

[@sparkz343]

And his Celica

[@Foxontherun2]

"and if you have any cars questions just visit the scotty kilmer channel" "AND I'LL ANSWER JUST AS SOON AS I'M DONE JERKING OFF TO MY OLD TOYOTAS!"

[@Toyota4Life]

Germaine Liew this XRS Matrix is badass. That 2zz motor changes the car

[@TimDaCorgi]

I was just gonna put that comment down too lol 🤣👌

[@porcupineisfluffy2566]

My parents owned one of these, it got stollen twice, got broken into 4 times and survived me learning to drive. Good car in my book

[@Schmidt54]

Inflation adjustment is substantial for early 2000s car. We are getting old.

[@JonLasaga]

Ikr It still feels like just yesterday I got my 83 gmc sierra off a used car lot but that car was new almost 40 years ago now

[@andrewstewart1464]

It doesn't help that Cash for Clunkers really drained the pool of cars from that era like Roman talked about. I really didn't realize the difference until I went on Craigslist and tried to find something between 1995 and 2005 with less than 150K.

[@JonLasaga]

@@andrewstewart1464 Yeah its too bad cash for clunkers killed all the old cars. The average consumer just doesnt understand why old cars can be just as good as a new one.

[@seththomas9105]

@@andrewstewart1464 Amen! The Roman really hit the nail on the head. I was doing just what you were last fall, and here in Iowa and the used car market has gone insane since CFC.

[@seththomas9105]

@@JonLasaga I did the same with a 73 Z/25 in 86......33 years ago!?!? And the Z (If still alive) is almost 50! I'm calling it. I'm old.

[@Gherbert1348]

I had a '04 Matrix Base, most practical car I've ever owned. Loved it! Not fast, not great handling, but super reliable and the hatch space was killer!

[@jonotwist]

But the damn shifter lol

[@더블캠]

when you only upgrade engine

[@samuelboulay8605]

And tranny, suspensions a bit firmer, front strut bar, but yeah you buy this car for the engine

[@flameo8191]

When you hear that it has a 2zz so you and the bois go parting every junkyard xrs.

[@andrewduong2740]

Ultimate sleeper?

[@HimmelWeint]

@@andrewduong2740 If it was actually fast but no this thing is still slow.

[@MrPropane]

@@flameo8191 to put this engine in a echo hb ;)

[@jamesspurling]

Someone just killed my 2003 XRS by rear ending it hard. It's been a sad week. Loved that car.

[@zanderal75]

Sorry to hear about that

[@jamesspurling]

@@zanderal75 Thanks. I want another one, but the XRSs are relatively rare in the condition I had mine.

[@tnridgerunner]

I’m sorry. I manage a used car dealership in Tennessee. We just got one in in pretty decent shape. Silver 03 XRS with 161k miles. Clutch will need replacement down the road, but still works just fine. Hit me up if you’re interested. I still have my 04 I got new.

[@davidforget1451]

Swap it in an echo/yaris

[@jamesspurling]

@@tnridgerunner Thanks for letting me know, but I'm up in Toronto and I don't think I'm going to go through the import process to get it here. Thanks though!

[@combee23]

Owner looks like hes coming straight from a late 90's dutch hardcore rave

[@BIGH1001]

Straight outta thunderdome.

[@MrGman636]

Where does he find these guys? The guys from the Dodge Intrepid and Ford Centurion videos show how weird some of these owners can get.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

It makes me think all the fans are like this except me. But that can't be true.

[@The7r00p3R]

@@MrGman636 you say this as if he's not weird as fuck himself

[@Unlucky13_s]

combee23 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 dude I am fucking crying!

[@chrisdooley6468]

A friend of mine had one and the best thing he ever did was install a TRD short shift kit, upgraded oil pump system and an LSD. He said it made a world of difference to the driving enjoyment. Loved the engine and ended up doing a small turbo kit to help low end torque and the thing was a hoot with 300whp and 285wtq.

[@danielheinesii78]

I thought the transmissions were only rated for like 275?

[@agenericaccount3935]

That's the best comparison for a Toyota interior I have EVER heard

[@narlycharley]

I drove my 2003 Pontiac Vibe into work today and laughed when I looked down at the chrome bezel around the instrument cluster.

[@WayneMoyer]

@@narlycharley I bought my 2003 Matrix XR new off the lot and owned it for a couple of years. I still remember that chrome bezel. I loved that car but I hated that dash in the sunlight.

[@TheMW2informer]

Johnny Nimble it’s designed by GM

[@TheMW2informer]

It’s never ever been a problem for me in 13 years

[@agenericaccount3935]

@@TheMW2informer Relax tonto. The same commentary might easily apply to most generations of Camries and Corrolas. Dead mall inside.

[@gtoger]

I've had this car's NUMI twin, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe GT, since new. Once you know how to drive it, it's kind of fun. And absolutely reliable. Drove it off the dealer lot in 2004 and never went back. Not once. Ever. My only complaints are with the transmission and it eats tires.

[@jimchance5006]

What's wrong with the 6 speed transmission?

[@gtoger]

@@jimchance5006 the shifter is a little sketchy. Sometimes 1 and 2 will fight you and 3 grinds. Weak synchros, I guess. But the car is otherwise a fantastic little load-hauler and can even be sort of fun to drive. 5/5, would recommend.

[@a.kblur04]

I’ve got a base model 2004 Vibe (lol no traction control or abs either) and love it, but I kinda want that engine and the manual. I think it drives pretty well, I mean it’s jacked up a little bit because “CUV” but it’s definitely not boring to drive. Handles pretty well, it’s light too

[@williamgomez5876]

@@gtoger that happens when you overuse the first 2 gears which most people do. Going high revs. Let me guess 5th and 6th are just fine.

[@slushbubs]

my 6th gear went out in mine and it's been sitting ever since (matrix)

[@ericmotion4488]

I was waiting on a Keanu Reeves "Matrix" reference but the bird poop story was well worth it.

[@McNabbot]

I hauled a teardrop trailer across half of America in one of these, couldn't go over 70 without hitting 7 on the RPM and going up the mountains of Colorado felt like participating in American Gladiator while hauling a two-door refrigerator on your back but goddamn it I did it.

[@DavidFrostbite]

Bar-O-Metal ®

[@cgduude]

Now with... Suspension... Maybe

[@bradhazard4118]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a rear suspension you can pick up with one hand.

[@Slayermetallica69]

I just found the perfect name for my new metal band

[@patrickb.8044]

I drove the Plymouth Vibe version of this car from Detroit Michigan to Nicaragua and back over 9 months. It was driven over catastrophically poor roads, with questionable fuel quality and it never ever failed to perform. We sold it to a high school kid whose mom wished she could replace her own GM SUV with it. It was a manual, in electric blue. Her name was La Delfina. I love her still.

[@vincentspencer3699]

Toyota matrix: one of the very few “hot hatchbacks” we get in the states. I love Toyota

[@jessicah3450]

What? I can think of at least 5 more hot hatches that are popular here in the states.

[@tommyrutherford400]

@@jessicah3450 you have no idea how performance models of regular cars they have in europe. Even super minis which are smaller than an American subcompact you can find performance models. Most American only want a tall slow crossover and don't want a small economical car even if it's fun also US safety standards are more strict.

[@aygwm]

After driving this, it’s hardly deserving of the “hot hatch” moniker. It’s still a Corolla, through and through.

[@oliverkalamata2753]

YES on the Cable Throttle Bodies!!! I miss them so much!!! 😢

[@joshualaw375]

Oliver Kalamata Fuck yeah man. Still drive my old ‘99 Pathfinder with a fly-by-cable throttle body. Despite being a rugged truck-based SUV, that baby is fun to drive. Mainly due to that old school throttle.

[@MJorgy5]

Totally agree. My old man had a tC for awhile and the drive by wire completely sucked the life out of the car. Not to mention, the overdrive gear was too short to get over 30 mpg on the highway driving conservatively. Two huge knocks on a car that could’ve been fun and good on a road trip.

[@johnpearson492]

I agree fully. I have a 99 BMW M3 with a real cable throttle body and it's so much fun.

[@IIIAlwaysGamerIII]

Is the cable throttle body only on the XRS models? Cause I have a XR and its a Master cylinder instead of a cable :(

[@fil1329]

Great quick response

[@shawnbauman5463]

The AM radio thing=I'm dying. 😂😂

[@ConnorBlikre]

BIRBS IN THE BUUUUUUUURBS

[@thaferg6969]

Most of the Toyota Matrixes I see are either near retirement homes, or putting along in the right lane on the highway. That said about 90% of people I see driving them are over 60.

[@nikster22]

Pottsville!

[@thaferg6969]

That reminds me: Newer cars made for young people end up being driven by the elderly. The perfect example is the Scion xB.

[@MikeDunn]

@@ConnorBlikre I thought it's *Birds* in the Burbs.

[@alargepie]

I have a lot of memories with the Matrix. We had a blue 2003 base model with the 5 speed manual. I remember being chauffeured to 1st grade in it when I was 6, to learning stick on it when I was 15, to driving it to and from school when I was 16, right up until the day we sold it for $125 with 285,000 miles when I was 18. It didn't break down a single time while we owned it, and everything except the cassette player worked by the end of its time with us. It was comfortable, surprisingly fun to throw around, and decently equipped for a cheap car. Windy windows and all.

[@gabesolomon4887]

This video was... shockingly normal. Run out of peyote or something?

[@weaselman24]

That man's sweater was all you need.

[@cgduude]

Honestly. It was refreshing to get more review this time around.

[@maninredhelm]

Toyotas are Mr. Regular's anti-drug.

[@GigglingChinchilla]

Ran out of BRRRRROWN

[@Unlucky13_s]

These comments are hilarious 😂 I can’t get enough.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I bought an XR model a year ago for $5,000 after insurance, taxes(CA!), and registration(ALSO CA!) I do enjoy the car and am glad I bought it. I hope to get several years out of it. Thank you for the review.

[@conzmoleman]

same! bought an XR for $5000 flat in december 2020 here in pennsylvania. i *love* it so much. only 70k miles so it should run forever

[@Siknik64]

This has to be one of the best new classic-style RCR videos you've made.

[@alexvieira7945]

True

[@michaell1941]

TBH, I didn't even know the Matrix XRS existed before I saw this. Once I saw this video, I knew this would be the perfect first car. Beforehand, I was debating between a manual IS300 and an EP3 Civic Si, but I couldn't find either in my price range. Here I am a year later, happy as can be with my 04 XRS, such an amazingly fun car! Thanks, Mr. Regular!

[@nickmorgan19457]

I love my stupid Pontiac Vibe, but that chrome gauge trim is shit. I pulled that and the steering wheel badge off and hit it with 500 grit sandpaper.

[@MichaelD8393]

I pried the trim off my Vibe's gauge cluster with a screwdriver; just couldn’t stand it. I left the wheel badge alone though, it doesn't bother me as much as the trim.

[@shannonlenz1098]

I painted my trim black.

[@MichaelD8393]

@@shannonlenz1098 I still have yet to do that, just gotta find some matte black spray paint.

[@HytekDragn]

@@MichaelD8393 Painted my gauge outline and other pieces inside and grille outline with Plastidip on my 2nd gen Vibe

[@erikscott5709]

Supposedly the the chrome will come off it you scrub it well enough with sanitizer wipes.

[@lordstingray2382]

I have a 04 Matrix XR with 165k and it has it's original drivetrain and ac, pwr steering and everything. Best car I've ever owned. It may not be the best looking but it's been damn reliable.

[@moviepedro]

I have a 2003 xr with 240,000, still going and I have the manual 5 speed and I thrash it sometimes... the open diff sucks... wheelspin city

[@maddog063]

Wow. My mom had one of these. Never knew it was this cool and why she seemed to love it so much. I have an 07 Civic Si now. I think I understand now.

[@johnz3205]

I had this car. It was by far one of my favorite cars I ever owned. Absolutely underrated and loads of fun.

[@LazerLord10]

70mph in 3rd gear? I tested out my Fit and it went to 80 in third. Which is fun.

[@Carguylogan]

It goes 90 mph in third at redline. And that's saying something because the gearing is very short.

[@orbitaaltube]

I have been red lining line my 2zz for 5 years. There's nothing wrong with my oil pump then. 😂

[@toyoda_tony]

Under hard turns it will try to die because of the oil sloshing around not near the pump but there are aftermarket oil pans to help it

[@tomelliott9]

You won't even be able to kill it on road tyres, you'd have to be on a track with semi slicks to be able to kill the oil pump

[@fluffykittynoodles]

@@tomelliott9 or you could just fill it a quart over and never have any starvation issues again.

[@Flako92]

Get yourself a 1zz oil pan it comes with a baffle. Or if you want to through some money out there is a Moroso aluminum oil pan that has the trap doors it or the oil.

[@Haddedam]

@@Flako92 theres no reason to doubt matrix could ever pull those g's requried. MRS and elise however blow those all the time.

[@danielsanders4521]

So basically with about 5000 dollars worth of parts and a good tune this would be an interesting as hell sleeper.

[@drdelirious8899]

10k and you’ve got a 450-500 hp monster matrix

[@jetcitykitty]

Yeah I'm late commenting but I would add that the entire 2000s was an underappreciated golden age for Toyota. With a LOT of practicing, i have taken my stock 2006 Toyota Corolla with the 1zz against quite a few cars like Subaru STIs, Mx5s, and against the hatches like the Golfs and Civic Si, and have ended up hurting plenty of feelings, Darleen punches way above her weight. Honestly I think some of us Corolla owners might be a little psychotic. 😅😂😅

[@harrisn3693]

And just by this video the xsr variant just went up in resale value.....

[@davidf2392]

Go for the Pontiac Vibe Gt then it looks slightly cooler anyways

[@harrisn3693]

@@davidf2392 yes but relatively fewer numbers made in comparison

[@fordmustang269]

@@davidf2392 but the plastic...

[@geethsan1567]

Yeah fuck people who do that. Like come on, we poor people gotta buy it too.

[@TheMatissV]

@@fordmustang269 I LIKE THE PLASTIC

[@Tinomentoll]

I love the rear glass hatch in my '06 VIBE. The Matrix/VIBE are great cars.

[@eltonjohn3236]

I have an 05 Matrix and love the old thing. Long paid off, reliable, easy on gas, not bad to drive.

[@SoulFire209]

Agreed! The hatch glass pop was an awesome feature. Love that on my 07 matrix.

[@MrBladerunner75]

I had an 05 matrix, never really used the glass hatch but thought it was a cool feature. My 2011 matrix doesn’t have that feature and my passenger seat doesn’t fold down flat. I miss the 05.

[@narlycharley]

I miss my 2000 Celica GT-S (with 2ZZ)... Smiles is what it made. Not fast, but fun. Note: Highest mileage I got ever recorded was 39.5 MPG.

[@lex_4242]

Tbh 180hp is quite fast

[@MylesHSG]

@@lex_4242 it's only 180 bhp when in lift. 130 bhp before 6200 rpm

[@meowrage9165]

Respect to you sir

[@swoopa2284]

Same... 39 mpg on a trip to Florida and found a gas station with 75c/gallon. Life was simpler then.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

@@lex_4242 Umm no. I'm not saying something has to be 250 to be fast but 180 is adequate at best.

[@OGytUser1000]

Thanks for using my car 🤟🏾. You guys are the best

[@Hunter12396]

When you're from Pennsylvania and you suddenly realize you know exactly where RCR was filming

[@bbcraz1226]

Columbia Marietta! Represent

[@racerxfile]

Long time listener, first time poster for "Birds In The Burbs" on 1360AM

[@TBustah]

Japan got the Vibe instead of the Matrix for some reason (built in the same California factory as our Vibe and Matrix, but RHD), and called it the Voltz. They barely tried to hide the Pontiac styling, all they did was replace the arrow badge with one of their own design and use some of the Toyota version's interior parts.

[@person749]

A regular car on Regular Car reviews? Has hell frozen over?

[@k5blazer1977]

WAIT A GOD DAMN SECOND, I thought I recognized that on ramp. Better get yourself checked after being in Columbia

[@wildmikefilms]

The 1zz models of the matrix and vibes are phenomenal cars.

[@BillyAltDel]

I've got an 09 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L. 200k miles. Love it to death.

[@Swarm509]

Absolute base 285,000km 2005 Toyota Matrix that has been daily driven to this day (not by me, only owned it for about 8 years but was in the family) with no A/C, no power windows, no power locks, 5 speed trans, and the 1.8l 4 cylinder this car just works. Pulls well on the highway as the review states, gets good fuel economy, will spin tires pretty damn easy and accelerates damned well around town, and the back storage area folds perfectly flat. The last part is key, it is a hard plastic storage area with tie-downs so tons of space to carry stuff. I regularly use mine to carry tools, a full size spare, and lumber with no concerns fitting them or damaging anything. 8'-0" lumber will fit perfectly between the hatchback door and front console. As a wagon this thing works damned well. I plan to drive this fun little wagon till it rusts into the ground (because Toyota). Has been running flawless although I expect a clutch will be required sooner then later.

[@William_Randolph]

I used to autocross one of these. Not sure but i felt as though- with enough work- I could really utilize the weight of the hatch to flick this thing around corners. Super fun car to drive. The 2zz is an awesome engine... despite it's few flaws.

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@William Gabay funny how you’re saying this because I’m 15 & autocross a 2006 Matrix base. It’s automatic, but it isn’t as slow as people say. In town, it’s easy to accidentally go 70 KMH, they are easy cars to speed. But at the track, hey, they aren’t that bad. Despite me abusing it, never have had to put any big work in it after 3 years so far of autocrossing. Really good cars. The interior has beautiful simplicity, just a good ‘ol radio & that’s it. The fabric is more durable than most 21st century cars. 150,000 miles, zero rips or tears. Only 3 small creases in the upper bolster. Mine also has crank up windows, less stuff to break. The 1ZZ-FE is the most reliable engine out of all Matrixes. I’m sure mine will still be going strong at 300K miles. I’m good with taking car of my car from washing, detailing, & working under the hood. Love my car!

[@MegaFPVFlyer]

Why Rev hang exists, if anyone is curious: At full throttle in a port fuel injected car, the inside walls of the intake runners will often get "wet" with fuel, and if you snap the throttle closed, this fuel will pour into the cylinders with very little air to go along with it, resulting in a temporary, extremely rich air/fuel ratio. This is bad for emissions and can damage the catalytic converter over time, so engines with electronic throttle bodies will keep the butterfly slightly open for a fraction of a second to make sure the excess fuel gets burned efficiently. Thanks for coming to my TED talk, I got this information from one of the Smoking Tire podcasts.

[@marcusdamberger]

It's 4am and about to put in for the night and see RCR just posted a new video 15 mins ago, gotta watch it.

[@mosampson8862]

I miss the old Regular Cars. Feels so nostalgic.

[@fordmustang269]

As an owner of one of these, YES. YES. YEEEEESSS! You were so on point for this! The wheelspin, the steering wheel, and the glass and all that. The only thing I disagree with is the suspension. I have an 04, so it may be different, but the roll isn't too bad, and it takes corners fine with minimal understeer. This was a good one, RCR, thanks.

[@filipmac5577]

I love my old Matrix. It is such a fun car to drive

[@FullOfMalarky]

Filips May FSO?

[@southjerseyboy2844]

Morning Mr R nice vid Edit:took me a minute to realize this but my dad used to have a Pontiac Vibe in silver. It was a automatic and just a little commuter car that he bought because of side airbags (ooh aah we were coming from a 03 Ford Escort 2 door which had maybe 2 airbags and only in the front). That was the only Pontiac my dad owned apart from a base model beat up 88 firebird back in the 90s Edit2:8:28 is guy that hauling hay in his Jeep

[@SuperVitz]

The euro corolla T Sport Compressor had this engine WITH a supercharger... Yep… the sound of vvt with lift and supercharger whine is godly!

[@Oni_Teeth]

The Toyota Corolla Matrix: The Dan Bell dead mall series on wheels.

[@graumail]

Don't you dare make me need this car.

[@OhRaez]

Great series

[@rainboweater456]

WHY IS THIS SO DAMN ACCURATE?! People who own these cars now are either some kind of storm chasers, paranormal investigators, or some other crazy out there profession. 😂

[@RobCamp-rmc_0]

rainboweater456 man I feel like that’s just A Thing with non-hot hatch drivers in general, buncha weird greybeards with three dozen old phone books in the cargo space and ham radio equipment everywhere else. Oh, and dog hair all over, but no actual dogs within a five-mile radius. Curious. I say this as someone who loves hatchbacks, but I say it very ruefully

[@rainboweater456]

Rob Camp I loved my Matrix XR and I miss it so much, but mine failed inspection and I couldn’t pay to repair it so I had to get rid of it and find a new car. That thing was freaking killer, especially being a college student hauling all my random crap back there.

[@rwdplz1]

180HP in this segment back then was a big deal, most cars back then were 130HP or so. There was Corolla XRS too, I saw one on a dealer lot a few months ago and was just surprised.

[@cameronlovesevolve]

I lost my 03 matrix xrs New Year’s Day 2019. 220000 miles of smiles. I miss it.

[@thegamingstoner7821]

What happened?

[@MsTugg]

ex wife had one of these she bought new. we drove that puppy all over the US. got a consistent 30mpg. great cargo space. Threw a rod out the block like a gunshot at 201,000 miles.

[@MonkeyBall2453]

The Matrix had pretty groundbreaking style back in it's day.

[@Justin-uu7zu]

OMG YES! I am the second owner of my 05 Matrix XRS after it was given to me by my Dad and this was the first year they did the refresh of the 1st gen Matrix. They addressed that awful looking orange instrument cluster with a black, red, and white color scheme and I LOVE IT!!!! Looks way better and it's easier to read. I also see what you're saying with the clunky feeling of the shift feel. It is rough and I like to push my Matrix in the canyons and if I shift too fast it just grinds. To fix that, just change the transmission fluid to something a little thicker I believe? If you go on Monkey Wrench Racing (a company that specializes in Toyota / Lotus cars) website, they'll have different kinds and thorough descriptions of each one that would work. In case anyone is interested in purchasing one. I have 233,000 miles on the original engine and then the valve train blew out on me last year. I couldn't give up on this gem of a Toyota so I went all out and bought another 2ZZ-GE engine from Monkey Wrench Racing and upgraded the connecting rods, port and polished the heads, upgraded the valves, valve springs, and retainers, increased the compression ratio, AND went with stage 2 cams. I just saved enough money to buy the engine and just had it installed last week and so far I can feel it pull way harder compared to the stock engine!! I haven't pushed it to the limit yet, still gotta break it in but I honestly can't wait to hear the LIFT KICK IN!! But there are still a couple of issues I have to address so we'll see how it goes. I would highly recommend the Matrix XRS! It's so underrated!

[@Nick-ev9kn]

Join the Facebook group alot of helpful people there for the matrix...

[@MrOrcaCat]

Do you happen to know which transmission oil you used? I can't find that page on the website.

[@espaciobarra]

B I R D B R O W N

[@impala346]

I have an 05 with factory JBL sound system with the subwoofer, all electric trim with sunroof and only 85 000 miles on it, i love it i think its so confortable and smooth for long drives

[@TheGirmann]

I think I just watched a car review? That's not why I come here!

[@rsmith02]

I know, I took a dump while watching but got no validation this time (pigeon doesn't count.)

[@LucidDreamer54321]

I haven't driven a Matrix or Vibe with six speed transmission, but I have driven my five speed Vibe 200,000 miles. I have never felt the need for double clutching.

[@mackharris5356]

Early morning crew where are you?

[@powerplayground]

Yooooo. I'm so early Mr. REgular left a spelling mistake in the description. XD

[@DavidFrostbite]

...yes. Early morning. Definitely not late-late-extra-late night crew...

[@sethvoss1910]

No formation :)

[@NYPATRIOTBX]

6 a.m. punch in time sucks, but Mr.Regular makes it all right

[@AdamAus85]

9pm Monday on the east coast of Ausland.

[@JimGrey]

How did I miss this when you first posted it? I had an 03 Matrix XRS from 2009 to 2017. It had the automatic. Oh god what a criminal thing to do to this car. It sapped all of the joy out of it. I bought it to replace a base 03 Matrix with a 5 speed that got totaled. The base Matrix was not trying to pretend it was something it wasn’t, unlike that automatic XRS. When my XRS was nearing end of life I used it like a pickup truck, hauling all manner of crap in it. I even used it to haul sod.

[@neos0177]

Can't wait to see him review the Corolla XRS lol

[@adamwilling2457]

I just bought one of these. A 2008 Xr with a automatic. I love it. It's rust free and runs like new. Got it for $2,900.

[@fotolabman]

I had a Matrix for 10 years, I wish I had the XRS but it was just the XR, very reliable, my favourite feature was being able to fold the front passenger seat flat when loading the car up with stuff, sadly I miss that on my new car

[@dudenoone1712]

Good morning Mr. Regular. I miss the Valley and watching these vids help.

[@daskalman]

The 2ZZ is what the AE86/FRS/BRZ should've come with...

[@hamstirrer6882]

Kevin Daskal interesting idea.. While i love boxer motors that you dont see very often anymore, it would have made it a true spiritual successor to the ae86 then

[@tomelliott9]

The 2ZZ wasn't around when the AE86 was made lol

[@daskalman]

@@hamstirrer6882 right?! Granted, the boxer 4U-GSE / FA20 has its benefits like a lower center of gravity, lack of crankshaft counter weights, along with a more balanced/stable motor due to opposing pistons reciprocating primary and secondary forces and the very unique and epic sound they produce in STis and 911s, one has to wonder why Toyota didn't just go with the engine they already had... It's very interesting to ponder why Toyota would collaborate with Subaru and invest so much in R&D for an AE86 engine, when they already had the awesome 2ZZ (which already was designed in collaboration with Yamaha) and could've easily started production and rollout of the AE86/FRS without the need for another manufacturer's involvement... A "Fun Fact" regarding the current and prior AE86, is Toyota collaborated with Yamaha specifically for the head of the 2ZZ engine while they did the block, but in the boxer 4U-GSE / FA20 that sits in the modern day AE86, Subaru provided the block while Toyota providing the head... lol

[@birdie021]

@@tomelliott9 he meant the GT86

[@Flako92]

If seen pictures of a late 70s rola wagon with a 2zz swap here where i live, and a kp61 starlet with one too, but not sure if it is from here or another island in the Caribbean. Toyota needs to make a successor to the 2zz with lift.

[@mikkabrightheart2268]

I been going back thru your catalogue lately to have something to binge all day so I don't have to focus on the things I'm doing... The comment about a mechanical throttle body, it's so real... It's something I consistently lust after 😩

[@my1973vw]

I've an '06 XR w 230K mi and I love mine! 5spd and still going strong!

[@dkmorris713]

I absolutely loved my 2006 vibe. Base model, but it had the "Monsoon" sound system (I added my own boombooms). The seats are still the most comfortable things I have ever sat on. I de-badged it and made my own dash emblem that said "Veeb". Because "EEEEEEEVES THE VEEB" I was 17, don't judge me.

[@afeefGTR]

"redline is 8200 rpm or 8400 rpm depending on who you're arguing with" 😂🤣

[@Slayermetallica69]

@Never Gonnatell Redline for mine was whenever the engine blew up

[@raptora60]

Redline on mine was whenever I felt like shifting

[@gregorp8406]

Revlimit for mine is whenever I shifted from 6th to 4th

[@cxbra]

I swear by 8300 lol

[@shaneking4312]

I’ve the Europe version Corolla Tsport 190bhp,came with strut braces,redlined at 8,200

[@attamamei1494]

My friend has a vibe. It's pretty much the same. That thing takes a beating. He lives on a dirt road and would pack a couple bales of alfalfa in the back. It's got 300k miles on it at this point too.

[@chrmbly]

I was shopping these when new, ended up going with the Acura RSX Type S because it was nicer inside, more power, and mainly because that shifter sucked balls. The room would have been much better for me, being tall... but you nailed it Mr Regular. The 6 speed in the early aughts in the RSX-S and the 5 speed in the thunder guppy skinny tired Si was soo sooo smooth.

[@dikkem8193]

I know this is an older video, but to Mr. Regular: on my Rav4 with a five speed, I changed the shift cable bushings out to 608rs skateboard bearings. I really only did it because I couldn't find shift bushings for sale, but it also made a dramatic improvement in shifting

[@ConnorMcIntyre1997]

Awesome video! I've had my 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT (same as the Matrix XRS) and it's been a perfect college car. Tons of space with the seats folded down, decent gas mileage, and with somewhat high ground clearance for a FWD hatchback I get around fine with snow tires in the winter where we get over 350 inches of snow a season (I go to Michigan Tech). Plus, it's very fun to rev it out from first to third! One of my friends from high school has had a couple of them and recently turbocharged his. It's now making around 240-ish HP at the wheels. Very interested to see what it's like this summer when I'm back home.

[@aliventurous]

How did you like the turbo charger on the XRS?

[@ConnorMcIntyre1997]

@@aliventurous It was a very interesting powerband. Still spun the tires going from second to third. The turbo kicks in before lift does, so it's almost got "two stages" when you get on it.

[@GunFunZS]

I like the matrix series. My mom and my aunt got one, and I just got one for my wife. Swapped the clutch, and you know what? It is a fun little car that doesn't suck for practical stuff. Honestly feels like it has less body roll than my brother's Mazda 3 hatch that is several years newer. I didn't think I would ever want one, having driven my mom's XR automatic. But with a manual, it does what you want when you want.

[@iansrving]

I have the factory spec TRD XR model from 2003. While it only has a 1zz-fe, it does make up for it by having a TEIN coilover setup and that awesome supercharger. I've done too many mods to list them all here, but I am eventually going to twin charge this engine by adding a turbo and swap in an AWD manual from a Celica GT4. It's been a slow process but I have enjoyed this build. It's such an unsuspecting car but so much fun to rip. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a reliable car that's cheap and fun to drive. Good luck finding a TRD supercharged model though. Only 500 of those were made for the entire world. I'm the only one that I know that still has one in Pennsylvania.

[@panaroux]

This is so interesting!

[@iansrving]

@@panaroux Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@LucidDreamer54321]

The Matrix and Vibe are my favorite cars. It isn't just me. I have met lots of people who own one and they all love it. Too bad Toyota and GM ruined these cars starting with the 2009 model year. Of course sales declined. Starting in 2009, people were like "Yo, I can buy one of these cars that is a couple years old and it will be better than a new one at a lower price." And that's what we call a marketing disaster.

[@gododoof]

We really liked the Matrix in Canada.

[@MrMduchesne23]

Here in bc my wife loves her XR. Those solid panels on the back bench seat give it the functionality of a small SUV. Plus way better fuel economy. With Toyota reliability

[@andrewduong2740]

I never understood why ever other car in downtown was one of these

[@my1973vw]

AND you got it for an extra year! Granted the later gens weren't as appealing....

[@MrMduchesne23]

@@andrewduong2740 with the rear seat down it is a flat hard surface only a little smaller than the bed small truck. She does pottery and has built a shed or 2. All the materials fit in the back one ride...yeah utility is amazing in this thing

[@cameronlovesevolve]

its a corolla with a hatch!! you can put anything in it! and they dont break unless you do something stupid...

[@densetsu4286]

Had a 07 matrix XR. Yeah i hated it. Pos 126hp 4 speed automatic. Trouble going up hills, trouble switching gears when merging on a highway and needing to get up to speed. Will say nothing engine related never had issues but damn near everything else did. My family had it for 16yrs. Mother had it for 11yrs and I finished it out the remaining 5yrs. Now I drive a 2020 Honda civic ex and absolutely love it. We sold the matrix to my uncle.

[@TheHoustonian25]

The dying mall reference was gold. I've always had a liking for these. I comb auctions for them and they seem to sell for higher prices. Pontiacs do well too. I guess dealers and car nerds knew this long before I did. Now you put it all out there !!! Well done . Do you have a Buick Rivera or 89 reatta with the first touch screen comming up?

[@Friedchicken80]

When I saw the title I had to read the comments about Scotty Kilmer. I'm so proud of you.

[@Crpjnr]

xrs corollas are like the ultimate sleeper car

[@patrickracer43]

The funny thing about the Matrix/Vibe platform is that when Toyota decided to bring it to Japan, they decided to rebadge the Pontiac Vibe

[@blueridgewarden2838]

The Fiesta ST can technically use 87 but it pulls timing resulting in about 10 less HP.

[@sergioperez9725]

These Matrixes will not die! Any part that breaks costs $18 on Amazon to replace! 😂😂😂

[@Sabertooth707]

I have a 2003 matrix xrs that has over 200,000 miles on it . And still drives like when I bought it in 2003.

[@yorvingran]

I got the same car with 199600 miles and a good shape!

[@ayumuchan3541]

Nothing i like more than a regular car :)

[@mdf7697]

My girl has one of these. You can fit sooo much stuff in the back..it defies physics.

[@marlonflorian1537]

5 years later :now we have a kid we conceived in the back

[@1mlb704]

Ha my dad had the Pontiac version of this car, the Vibe GT. He bought it new in 2003 and just got rid of it last year with over 300k miles (the odometer stopped counting at 299,999). It had the 17" wheels and navigation. I learned how to drive stick with this car when I was 16, and it is by far the hardest manual transmission car I've driven to date. I work at a dealership now and I've driven a WRX, Focus ST, Focus RS, Mustang GT, GT350, S4, Camaro SS 1LE, Wranglers, Tacomas - all easier to drive. I would stall at every hill and most stoplights with this torqueless car and it's sensitive friggin clutch. I kind of didn't like the car but it sounded nice and handled pretty well.

[@brandongomez8775]

Paco wow kinda gets me excited this is my first car an 03 xrs and I feel extremely comfortable with the clutch at this point so I feel like I’ll be set up for life with any other car

[@1mlb704]

@Paco it's hard to figure out the release point, and it's one of those "it's in or it's out" clutches. Eventually you get used to it, but coming from a Chevy, Honda, Subaru, etc with a clutch it's an adjustment

[@brodytaylor6632]

Hey, I own an 03 Matrix XRS and I'm pretty sure the lift system wasn't working on the one you drove. It should have both sounded much different at 6k and kicked you back. I think the owner needs to clean the OCV screen for the lift solenoid. They get gummed up over time and when it does, lift won't engage.

[@HimmelWeint]

It was working you could hear it in the video and the engagement for the lift is stupid high on the rev range unlike the K20's Vtec engagement. Also it's a slow car it won't "kick" you back it will just give a tiny little bump like any Honda with Vtec will but less because of the stupidly tall gears on this thing. Nor did Toyota think to put proper suspension in the Matrix like what the Civic Si had or the Ford Focus had.

[@larkprof]

Thank you for this, It brought back so many decent memories. I just retired my 2003 "corolla" matrix that had around 389,000km(241,000ish Miles) on it(had to keep track of the mileage with the trip meter due to the 299,999km glitch). The engine and transmission was still sound but the body up here in Newfoundland was really starting to get eaten by the environment. That and I lost a rad, water pump and it needed so much exhaust and suspension work that I just ended up selling the new winter tires for it and selling it to a salvage yard. Put the $600 into the work I needed to get a 2012 V6 Rav4 to pass inspection.

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@larkprof hmm. I assume you didn’t take the best care of it, but I may be wrong. Did you rinse the salt off regularly, did you touch up scratches when they happened, & did you wax it? Sounds like if you did these things then it would’ve lasted much longer. I have a silver 2006, & it’s in mint condition, just under 244,000 km, base model automatic. As long as you wax your car at least twice a year, the body will last virtually forever. (Paste wax that is) waxing isn’t just for show cars, it’s great for protecting the bodies of cars in rust belts. So, take my advice, do this with your RAV4, or get someone else to do it, & then you won’t make the mistake of never doing it with your Matrix, the RAV4 body will stay rust free

[@risingembersgaming7740]

RCR the type of guy to only have auto-generating Korean captions

[@JL-sm6cg]

I wanted one of these, and almost bought one with my inheritance money when my mother passed away (when I stupidly wanted a second car that WASN'T for pizza delivery), but couldn't find one of these, so I contemplated a Ford F-150, but then went down the middle and got a Saturn Vue AWD V6. Had I been the person then that I am now, I would never have rushed out to buy a second car at all. It also didn't help when my life and finances got flipped on its end less than a year later (over something I'm ashamed af of and would like to truly forget about) and I was forced to sell the Vue and ended up with a then-7yo Saturn SL2 for all my troubles.

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

Man, that bird guy story made me realize how much we're going to appreciate one another after this pandemic ends, if only for a little while. Talking to a random old fart about his racing pigeons sounds like a pleasant dream right about now.

[@bootlegkeanureeves5553]

A friend's dad had one of these when we were growing up, and I always had a soft spot for it

[@VS666]

FiST doesn't require 91/2/3, it just needs it for the full power. ive been using 87 for a year now

[@cantfixasandwich4672]

Couldn’t agree more. It says right in the owners manual u can put 87 in it. I do this every time I know I’m burning the tank off going down the highway on a road trip.

[@jeremyhundley3142]

I love my 04 Vibe GT. 219,000 miles today, and still chugging along! Only thing I dislike is how it reacts to wind on the highway.

[@Toyota4Life]

2zz is a SWEETTT engine that flies under the radar. It sounds epic first of all. Auto motive “reviewer‘s” are quick to say how so-called boring the Corolla is but quickly forget this car exist. These XRS model cars like the 2005 corolla XRS just upgrade their suspension coilovers, bigger sway bars etc and you have a small fun to drive performance car. You can even turbocharge and supercharge these cars and have a complete sleeper with a corolla and matrix badge. Great little enthusiast cars that go overlooked.

[@Max-jv6sx]

That's what Imma do but with the Pontiac GT. 😂