Overview & Reviews

The Matrix is an all-new model from Toyota. It offers sporty looks, enhanced cargo-carrying abilities and useful features not commonly found in small cars.

• Versatile cargo area, good gas mileage, available all-wheel drive, plumped-out features list.

• Modest torque output from engines, numb steering.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 325.00

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  10 month review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By jalmario - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I can see where most people may not get used to or even make use of the " drive it like you stole it" performance margin within the XRS, but to get a true feeling of its performance you must take it past 6000 rpms when the large cam lobes kick in. Boy what a rush. You will be addicted to the L (lift) in VVTL-I. Handles great too.

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  Workhorse after 4 years - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mr. Tae - March 25 - 6:36 am

  I needed a car to haul ~ 1000 lbs of equipment daily and the Matrix doesnt disappoint. Mileage ave 33 +/- 5 mpg, troublefree at 4 years old. Interiors are Ikea appearance and quality, soft plastic easily damaged otherwise looks durable. Chrome trim is paint on plastic. Gauges hard to see in bright sunlight. Perfect student, starter, delivery, taxi fleet car. Nimble, easy to drive. Blind spots on rear fixable via adjusting side mirrors. Comfortable enough for 1000 mi one way drives. Adequately powered, can be floored to leap from entrance ramps, shut aircon for best torque. Poor traction from stock tires on bad roads.

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  Great Car for the money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Arkansas Flyflinger - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Matrix, and I love it. It handles great and am very satisfied with it so far. I will say that after driving both an automatic and a 5spd I would recommend that you go with a 5 spd if it doesnt bother you. It performs much bettern and is a joy to drive.

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  123K and counting - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By MatrixWI - February 8 - 11:36 pm

  We purchased this car for my wife that was averaging 40K per year in mileage and she needed something that would drive good in the snow. The AWD is great, but we are on our second set of tires. Currently the car is in need of brakes, but not too bad for a car with 123K on it. We have only done 60 or 90K major service, but nothing else. We have used the car for major yard projects and it fit everything. We have also used that car to move two times 600+ and had no issues with the car. Weve done numerous road trips with the car and every time it works great. The only one complaint that we have is the car seems to burn more oil than usual and the horse power a LOT less than needed.

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  2003 Matrix review from owner - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Dr. T - February 7 - 5:23 pm

  Overall this vehicle is quite excellent. It is a delight to drive and handles beautifully. Overall, quite excellent. The negative aspects are: Clutch, brake and accelerator are poorly proportioned, and the clutch is especially irritating, as your foot has to be pretty precisely on the pedal or the cluthc pedal cannot be fully disengaged. I ended up adding extra thickness to the clutch pedal to allow full depression of the pedal. If I move the seat closer, then the accelerator is too close, and on it goes. The extra thickness to the pedal solved the problem. The other negative is that the corner rear windows are difficult to see out of from the drivers seat.

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  Legendary Toyota reliability, fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Richard - February 1 - 8:24 pm

  I bought a 2003 XRS w/190k for $3k, fuel efficient, absolute blast to drive! Exceptional ride and build quality. Most importantly, this vehicle saved my life! I was struck from behind by a Cadillac doing well over 60 mph, I forced the driver door open and walked away unscathed!(5-star frontal and rear crash ratings) A sporty look with very practical storage options. As far is Im concerned, one of the best overall cars ever produced. Only drawback is this engine requires premium gasoline, but with nearly 30 mpg its not that big of a deal. A true driver enthusiasts car.

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  Great economy car ! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Tia - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car more every time I drive it. I wish it had a swing down arm rest but other then that I would not change a thing. I tinted the windows dark and put sporty chrome rims on it. Looks great! My kids love Mom driving them to high school now. Its exactly what I was looking for!!

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  Matrix Rocks - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By teebone - January 22 - 4:16 pm

  I get lots of looks in this sporty car, and on my first long-distance trip (2400 miles) I got 40 MPG! It corners/handles well, has great brakes, and I was getting scratch in third gear at two years old. Amazing power for fast starts and getaways. I had seven Hondas before getting this Toyota, but I dont think I could go back to Honda. I had to replace the air filter located under the glove compartment, and debated about going to the dealer. However, it was only a few dollars and I was shocked!

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  Great for an inexpensive car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Heather - January 16 - 3:10 pm

  Most of my driving is in a small town with stop lights or signs at almost every intersection, and I am still getting 28 - 30 MPG. I love the roominess of the interior. The seats fold down completely flat so that you can really load this car full of cargo. My only complaint is that in order to depress the clutch completely, you are too close to the accelerator which can get uncomfortable if you are driving for awhile. I bought this car for economy and did not expect it to be as nicely appointed or to ride as well as the more expensive Toyotas or Volvos I have owned in the past. It isnt and it doesnt but its not bad. Its roomy, and, for what I paid, it is an excellent car.

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  XRS 6 Speed - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Meanieman - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Purchased thru Costco (NE grocery chain) buyer service.$19800 delivered, incls vehicle, tax(6%) all fees and plates and all finance chgs(0).Read other reviews about Xr and base model, step up to XRS its loaded.Options incl in deal:FE CK EJ Al WL EF C1 CF. Also got 0% loan for 36 mos totally free of charges. Communting can be FUN! GTS engine worth the price of admission!