Anyone having some winterime fun with their AWD Matrix? Tell us what kind of tires you're using and where your favorite snowy roads are hiding. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif) Better yet, post pics if you got 'em too!

I don't own a Matrix awd but looking to buy one. I would like to know if they come with standard transmission and what mods are available.

Thanks

Andres

Anyone having some winterime fun with their AWD Matrix? Tell us what kind of tires you're using and where your favorite snowy roads are hiding. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif) Better yet, post pics if you got 'em too!

I had an 2005 XR AWD. Took it on 300km drive last winter on a day when EVERYTHING was sliding off into the ditch here in southern B.C., and had no problems. I don't know whether it was my careful driving or that the car was doing what it was designed for. I now have a new 2006 XR AWD. The 2007 Matrix has no AWD option.


Rod

Hello folks, I have 2003 Matrix XR AWD, and lived in Boston/New England area (before moving south recently). Just because I used to do Autocrossing, my hands/feet got the itch to test the AWD capability. So, after snow/ice (not 100% icy road), I used to show up to work early/on weekend, & did a bit of testing around the parking lot. Well, I had a modified Civic Si (front wheel drive) & 5.0 Mustang GT (rear wheel drive) living up in North East, so I can tell you for sure, that for less expensive AWD (compared to SUVs), Matrix AWD system works awesome. So what I did was, I purposely turned corners fast enough (most are around 90 degrees), probably between 20-30 MPH at the most on snow (if too fast it would understeer), the back of the car would slide a little (I'd say at most 5 degree), but the rear drive would kick in right away (it was less than 1 second), and the car was steady straight coming out of the corner. I love the AWD of this car. If you don't believe me, give it a shot, you can even try it after a rain (not too much rain, maybe drizzle, as long as the road is slippery enough), it's actually fun to do as well =)

Now, what I need help is, I need (WANT) to modify the car with Performance Parts that are not visible by dealer (not void warranty), any suggestion on ECU Performance Parts for AWD?

I have a 2006 FWD Matrix (auto) and it was horrible during the winter of 08 here in PA. I thought I was going to end up RIP or in the hospital! The car had no traction, I slid down hills, and I couldn't get out of my steep driveway. I resorted to taking out my 95 Merc Sable FWD a few times, which is like a plow in the snow. The Matrix would slide sideways on interstates, and when slowing down. My other vehicles react well to using the low gear on hills, not the matrix!

I am considering purchasing 4 snow tires for this Winter or possibly trading in for a 2008 AWD. Has nayone tried weights for traction?
I love this car, but not in the snow.
Any suggestions or comments would be welcomed.
Thanks!

Hello K Allen. I am curious about how your tire shopping is going. I recently bought a used '07 FWD auto Matrix (in April) and it will need tires soon. Your tales of woe in the snow got my attention for sure. I live in the Northeast and travel alot in PA too. Anybody have tire recommendations?

I haven't seriously started shopping for snow tires. Seriously considering a trade in on a 2009 AWD.

Other than the snow issue I LOVE this car!

Update. I purchased 3 new Continental all weathers last September. We're having icy and sloppy snow conditions this weekend. I was able to get around very easily with my new tires. I know the Continentals aren't the greatest but I already had one brand new one and decided to match them up until the next round.

It's like night and day comapred to last Winter, so far..................... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banana.gif)










>>>>Posted Aug 2 2008, 10:33 PM
I haven't seriously started shopping for snow tires. Seriously considering a trade in on a 2009 AWD.

Other than the snow issue I LOVE this car!

I've got an 05' AWD Matrix which I have modded extensively. In Winter, I run Michelin X-Ice 2xi tires mounted on JZ Sport 17X7.5 custom rims, and they are outstanding for traction. I bought the tires at Costco here in Winnipeg in Fall 2008, and paid just over $1000 CDN, mounted and balanced. They have already paid for themselves, having saved me from AT LEAST 3 accidents last Winter.

Other mods? Fujita F5 Cold Air Intake, Power Tower Throttle Body Spacer, Crower Stage 1 aftermarket Cams, Unconventional Racing Underdrive Pulleys, OBX customized Header, Custom 2 1/4" Exhaust, Poly engine mounts, Rebuilt most of front end with with Poly bushings, Eibach Pro lowered suspension, Powerslot disks w/Hawk pads up front, Unichip aftermarket piggyback ECU upgrade, and some other odds and ends (wheel/tire combos for summer/winter, stereo and all that). I haven't had it tuned yet, but figure the car makes around 160 whp (versus 123 hp stock), and it handles WAAAAY better than stock!