My friend has a 2002. It has over 200k on it and has had no issues. And wait for it. AWD!!! This peaked my interest. I like the look and with my daughter totaling my corolla I am looking for a replacement for the Corolla as I like to keep a backup car around at all times.
I really know nothing about these any in-site from you All would be appreciated!!!
'03 was the first year so it is likely a '03.
Basically a Corolla wagon. Build at the Nummi plant that built the Corolla/Prizm until' 02. In '03the plant switched to Toyota Martrix/Pontiac Vibe
With the awd, it is common for the rear diff to be noisy.
John hit most of the major points.
The AWD variant came with the 1ZZ motor and drum rear brakes.
The timing chain cover has a tendency to leak. Other than that they're bullet proof mechanically.
The only thing I'd check is for rust under the plastic rocker covers and around the jack point pinch welds.
Many of the parts are shared with the Corolla of the same period.
Aren't the manual transmissions for the lesser spec versions failure prone at higher miles? Ive heard they are unobtainium.
TGMF said:Aren't the manual transmissions for the lesser spec versions failure prone at higher miles? Ive heard they are unobtainium.
Did they change spec on the trans post 2001? My 2001 has the original clutch and is still shifting well. It's possible that it's because people don't change the fluid every 30k. mine has 226k miles on it. Just threw me because it's the first time I have heard this.
Complaints online seem to be with the base manual trans with internal bearing failure, Some at 50k. Common around 100k. Owners are saying progressively louder grinding noise. Just what I've heard on forums and seen a couple for sale on Clist with bad trans for cheap. That's why I began to read up on it, as I thought I'd buy one cheap and fix it easy. Replacement trans are hard to find reportedly. Swapping to the 6 speed is logical, but they were never thick on the ground new
Googling matrix manual transmission failure should bring up lots of threads. Maybe its blown out of proportion....maybe not.
The AWD version that he is shopping was only offered with Auto Trans so manual trans issues wont be his concern.
My Mom bought a 03 AWD Vibe last year. It has just shy of 200k on it and the only issue she has had is a bad coil.
In reply to TGMF :
Ive got a spare if anyone needs one (5 speed manual fwd trans).
$500
I DD a Vibe GT.
Mine is FWD. It's a hoot to drive. I get more excited by the 2ZZ and 6 spd manual than I would about AWD.
In reply to SVreX :
I recall reading that the awd is underwhelming. Something like a Max of 10% torque to the rear.
In reply to TGMF :
I had no idea. It figures I hadn't heard about that with my sample of one. I never looked into it.
Ouch only a 90/10 split? Can that be changed with ecu trickery?
My only dissenting comment toward the Matrix/Vibe is that I personally found the seats to have no lower back support. Also, there is no upgraded or higher trim level seat across the Matrix/Vibe so all of them get the same seat that had no lumbar support.
Weren't they like 120hp with AWD and Auto, means SLOWWWW. Maybe that is a good thing?
Also looking @ awd Matrix's... 2009 version came with the much bigger 2AZ-FE...
don't know much more........
Vibe/Mtrix for '03-'07 all got 1.8L but there was a "larger 1.8L" for the GT model.
Vibe/Matrix for '08 on came basic with the same small 1.8L or an upgrade to a 2.4L from the Camry.
The matrix xrs had the same 1.8, but the head and tuning is Yamaha. 180 horsepower VVTL-i which mean it has "Lift" Toyota's VTEC and an 8500 rpm red line. Base manuals have a sucky 5 speed, XRS/Vibe GT (same car) have a much better 6 speed. Fyi, the 2ZZ/6 speed in the xrs/gt is also found in the Lotus Elise. My 03 xrs is a riot to drive, ive had a 12 foot step ladder in it with all the windows up, hauled 1450 pounds inside and I crossed the scales at the recycler at 10k, 2650# car, trailer and scrap metal. I average 25-27 of premium and I really do ride it hard. A conservative driver could get 30. Mine has 217k miles on it and has only needed a clutch, AC compressor, brake pads (EBC reds FTW!) And tires. Fronts last me a year
I drove an AWD version once, and man, it was slow. Got about 30 mpg.
Also drove a manual trans one, FWD only, not the Hot engine but the base one. It was reasonably quick, and returned mid-30's in fuel economy. Nice little hatch.
Knew about the 2zz but never knew they got the 2.4 liter.
Great. Now I want a Vibe GT. Thanks, shiny happy people. 
SVreX said:I DD a Vibe GT.
Mine is FWD. It's a hoot to drive. I get more excited by the 2ZZ and 6 spd manual than I would about AWD.
I feel cheated, thought you dd an F-250 with 560k miles on it 
There's two more items I'll add.
The passenger airbag is a Takata special. Make sure it's been replaced and if not get on it.
It's common for the clock spring in the steering wheel (duh) to go bad and throw the airbag light. Monkey Wrench Racing sells a replacement that supposedly permanently fixes the issue.
My other pain points don't apply because you're not looking at the XRS or GT version.
I have an 04 with the 2ZZGE and 6 speed. I love it. The 110 outlet is nice, same with the forward leaning passenger's seat.
Two complaints. The hard plastic floor drives you crazy as stuff slides over it. I bought a rubber mat to mitigate this, but still use tie downs (nice job on the tie down points, Toyota). On yhe earlier, more deluxe trim levels, the front "ground effects" protrude really far, and are vulnerable to curbs, driveways, and in my case, a black cat. They do unsnap, leaving a not too offensive front clip.
Other than the $300 IAC I just had to buy (2ZZ, you should be fine), that's about it. It is a Toyota.
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