CarComplaints.com Notes: The Toyota Matrix is the mechanical twin of the Pontiac Vibe.
Both models were a joint GM-Toyota venture, manufactured together at a NUMMI production facility in Fremont, CA. Only the heating & A/C systems are different.
The radiant red Toyota paint on this 2006 Matrix chips way too easily. It seems that just bugs hitting the front bumper can cause enough damage to require the touch-up paint pen. I only drive on paved roads, I've only driven the car for a few summer months and this paint is cheap, on the front bumper and hood. I do have the Toyota rock/bug guard on the front of the hood. I've read on the Internet that the new paints used by many auto manufacturers has fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which makes them more environmentally friendly, but not as durable. Certainly seems to be the case. Also, these new touch-up paint pens sold today do not do the greatest job either, I prefer the old type touch up paint that had a small brush attached to the lid of the container. They aren't sold anymore by Toyota, too bad cause they worked a lot better. Could get enough paint onto the problem area. Also, they won't even sell a black colour touch up paint pen, Toyota dealer said that black is too hard to match!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The radiant red Toyota paint on this 2006 Matrix chips way too easily. It seems that just bugs hitting the front bumper can cause enough damage to require the touch-up paint pen. I only drive on paved roads, I've only driven the car for a few summer months and this paint is cheap, on the front bumper and hood. I do have the Toyota rock/bug guard on the front of the hood. I've read on the Internet that the new paints used by many auto manufacturers has fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which makes them more environmentally friendly, but not as durable. Certainly seems to be the case. Also, these new touch-up paint pens sold today do not do the greatest job either, I prefer the old type touch up paint that had a small brush attached to the lid of the container. They aren't sold anymore by Toyota, too bad cause they worked a lot better. Could get enough paint onto the problem area. Also, they won't even sell a black colour touch up paint pen, Toyota dealer said that black is too hard to match!
- cthiess1, Calgary, AB, Canada