I've owned my SSM 2007 Fit since March, but I've always been curious about the Toyota Matrix XRS (the older one, not the current car being sold) as the Matrix was one of the cars I considered buying before choosing the Fit. At the time, I could not locate an XRS to test drive. Today, I test drove a 2003 Matrix XRS with 44,000 miles on it and I've got to say that I think I definitely made the right choice in buying my Fit. The Matrix XRS does have more power than the fit, both in the middle range and especially because it gets a boost of power from 6-8K rpm (which is loud). BUT- The steering is nowhere near as quick or as tactile as the Fit, the ride was not as comfortable over large bumps and the manual transmission had a cheap feeling shifter and a hair trigger, stiff clutch pedal that made shifting smoothly an extremely difficult task. All in all, while less powerful, the Honda Fit is the better car in my opinion. The shifter and clutch in the Fit are worlds better than the XRS and the car just feels much more comfortable to drive.

 

What more needs to be said? You said it yourself you think you made the right choice.

 

also, if i remember this correctly, the matrix is about couple times heavier than the FIT, their wheel base is a bit longer, body is longer, wheel is heavier, almost everything on the car is a bit heavier, bulkier than the FIT. so, yea, you did make the right choice.

also, xrs is rare to find these days, actually since day one, you have to, really have to, look hard outside of your town, call around to just find one sitting. i dont know why it's so rare, it's not like it can kill any modded ek's or s2ks....just a celica gts engine with a different shell....IMO. again, FIT is the right choice!

 

As a previous owner of an XRS, and a new owner of an '08 Fit (didn't even properly introduce myself yet), I can tell you that the Fit is definitely a better car.

Sure, it was fun when to wind all the way out, but it's a really fat, sluggish feeling car even with suspension mods.

Later,
R2

 

I also am a former Matrix XRS owner. I've driven both the AT and the MT Fit Sport, too. I'd say that the MT Fit matches the XRS for driving enjoyment, but the AT Fit doesn't fare as well. The Fit's handling is superior - the XRS just isn't as tossable in stock form. The XRS 6-spd has good feel; not markedly worse than the Fit's. However, the XRS has a very grabby clutch, and smooth launches are difficult. It's very easy to accidentally kill the engine. Ah, but what an engine. When you hit "lift" at 6K and it goes to full scream, you can't help but grin like a maniac. It shakes out like this IMO:

Chassis - Fit
Transmission - MT Fit
Engine - XRS
Utility - Tie
Comfort - XRS

As a daily driver, I'd probably prefer the MT Fit over the XRS, but just barely. The choice would be much more clear if the Fit had another 20-30hp.

 

I have both car but 08 fit and 03 AT XRS. The things I don't like about the XRS are: Noisy engine, slow respond throttle, and side mirrors can't fold.

 

The XRS was only available with a 6-spd. The XR was available with an AT, and doesn't have the same engine as the XRS.

 

I have a 2003 toyota matrix XRS auto. Only 32k at that.So I dunno what you're talking about.

BUT i am planning to sell it in like august/sept, so i can get the 2009 fit

 

Anyone driven the older-gen Corolla XRS? I've always been interested in those since they seem like a good compromise between cruising comfort and still having fun.

 

have you considered the CELICA GTS. same motor as the corolla XRS and MTRIX XRS. same power on a lighter car and the celica is a decent car. i also think the Lotus has the GTS motor in also or was it the type R motor?

 

I doubt the Celica GT-S would give me the "cruising comfort" side of the equation, though. No room, either. But I'm definitely not looking to trade my Fit in, I love it too much.

 

Do you have AWD on it as well?

 

Nah I don't. Unless I do and can't tell.

 

AFAIK, AWD was only an option on the XR, not the XRS.

Later,
R2

 

I love my FIT however;

Clutch is IMO way to soft
Clutch IMO doesn't catch till top end before releasing...alot of play
The steering is IMO way to loose...needs to be firmed up
Gas tank swooshes around like a whore...:rotfl:

tonyd:)

 

One more thing I don't like the Matrix(all type).

Low visibility to blind spot . The rear windows are just way too high to have a clear look. I turn my head and can't really see any low ride car(passage side is really bad). I pray to god every time I change lane. Lucky, haven't hit anything yet.

 

Correct. The XRS was not available with AWD. From edmunds.com info page: