2003 Toyota Matrix

I am overall very happy with my Matrix. It is a comfortable ride, has good load capacity and is, for the most part, reliable.

Some issues: 1) the cheap 'chrome' coating on the interior door handles has flaked loose on all four doors, and the flakes are very sharp. I had to use electrical tape to cover them so the kids would not continually cut themselves. 2) the control panel on the driver side door (windows and door locks) has broken loose and can only be repaired with a complete panel replacement. 3) one of my rear windows needs a new motor, which occurred right after the car went out of warranty, which means about $600 according to the dealer. 4) the dealership charges immensely to maintain the vehicle once it goes out of warranty, but this could be dealer-specific and not unique to this car or brand. 5) finally, the engine, after about five years of use, used oil at an astonishing rate and ultimately had to be replaced.

Still, I consider this a fairly solid vehicle which I fully expect to last until at least 2012.