Toyota Corolla Matrix 1.6

I bought my 2006 1.8 liter 5-speed base model Matrix at the end of January 2006.I now have 45,000 miles on it and it just keeps on running. I never had to take it back to the dealer, yet. The only problem was that the original battery died at 43,500 miles. I drive this car for work, so I'm sure it sees more starts in a day than an average commuter car.The original Continental tires were worn out by 23,000 miles, though.Interior room is great for a compact car. Front and rear seat legroom is very good. Storage behind the rear seat is ample. The rear seats lay down flat and the front passenger seat folds forward, too. I've carried grass sod and mulch loaded up near the roof and the Matrix swallowed it up with no problem.It drives well and is very nimble in maneuvering. Long trips require cruise control because of the super light gas pedal. You can install cruise control yourself if you bought the base model car like I did.The engine compartment actually has good room around the engine to do maintenance. The engine itself has a timing chain instead of a timing belt which also lowers your maintenance efforts.Great car.I'm sure the new 2009 Matrix will live up to the high Toyota standards that we have all come to appreciate.

The Corolla Matrix is an amazing little car, with plenty of pep, front and rear legroom and a nice sized truck, with holds my fathers wheelchair and walker and other junk with ease.

Using cruise control on mountains is awful though. The car constantly upshifts and downshifts. If anything is going to go wrong with this car, I'd say the trans will go first.

The car has yet to visit the dealer, except for oil changes. Customer service is wonderful too.