I bought this car because it is a hatchback with 60/40 seats. I needed the option of using it as a pure 5 seater family car, plus be able to load and carry items from the hardware store, on extended vacations, etc. I only have one child at home, so only need one seat in the back. The car has been EXCELLENT for both those needs. I can easily fit 2x4's (if I fold down the front passenger seat) and close the hatch. The car drives well and is quite easy to handle. Road noise is present but by far not the noisiest car I have owned. The child safety restraint systems were quite easy to access and to use. It has needed no major repairs, only maintenance and a few smaller things. I can't think of much that I dislike about this car.

I love my Toyota Matrix. It gets great gas mileage and is incredibly reliable. I have never had any problems with the engine, and I have 120,000+ miles on it. The heater and A/C work great, the sound system sounds good for being a stock unit. I really like that it is a hatchback; I can sleep in the back. I move around a lot, and the extra space in the back is awesome. I can fit all my belongings in the car pretty easily, which is a comment on the spaciousness of this vehicle. It is pretty easy to work on, I usually change the oil, and it is simple to do. The parts are cheap for it.