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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  My space pod- COSMO - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Iris - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Love my little space pod - cosmo. I love the head room in the front of the car and dual hatchback lift. My cosmo provides a very pleasant, smooth, and comfortable drive.

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  A cowboy car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bearcat - September 11 - 10:00 pm

  I didnt know what I was getting into buying a used high performance car. The shift/clutch was so difficult I had to go back and get lessons from a mechanic (after 42 years of driving stick). Then I had to get new brakes and new tires (costing twice as much as for a standard Matrix), because the previous owner in Jersey had apparently driven fast and slammed on the brakes a lot. I am concerned that in the not-too-distant future Ill be forced to replace the clutch to the tune of $700. So even though its cute and fun to drive, Im seriously considering turning it in on a "regular" (not sporty) Matrix.

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  Matrix XR FWD 4A - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Paul S - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Wife and I bought Matrix over Vibe because of styling. MSRP was 19.2K. We paid 17.9K. 17" wheels,6 CD,Winter Pkg, no sunroof. Handles grt w/17s but could not drive in snow--AWFUL..16s w/ M+Ss better value. Wife gets 27-29mpg (280/tank)w/stop&go commuting. Pretty slow car otherwise..VVTi what? If you are conservative, I think a stripped Camry is a better buy. Windshiled easily cracked by pebbles too.(*%#!)

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  Transmission problem - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By dvance - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  My 2003 5-speed only has just over 77,000 miles on it and the bearings in the transmission are going. I bought a Toyota specifically to have a long- lasting, good car. I called Toyota customer service and got the same story about not taking it to a dealership for routine maintenance so they couldnt help me if the car hadnt been properly maintained.

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  Good Toyota - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Michael vanHaagen - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought the base model with no frills. I needed a good reliable car that was good on gas and had lots of interior room The Matrix fit the bill.I love the way the seats fold down to make it into a mini station wagon.I feel that for the money you get a good car with lots of good standard features.

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  Solid and Reliable - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Grace - March 24 - 1:10 pm

  The only annoying thing about my Matrix is that the "check engine light" has been on for 4 years straight! The dealership always has a new reason for this and the fix they use only lasts for a day or two. I think it has a wonky computer. Other than that my Matrix is terrific. Its very comfortable for a tall person- plenty of leg and head room. But distance from steering wheel (long arms) could be better. Ive had no mechanical difficulties whatsoever. I do find myself wishing for faster pick-up but this not meant to be a sportscar- so for what it is (a beefed up corolla) its pretty good.

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  Worth The Money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ttocsffej - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Although this is NOT a sports car, it is fairly peppy when prodded. The 4 spd autobox is smooth and gearing seems to work well with the 130hp engine. Frequently find myself going 10-15 mph over the speed limit, the sensation of speed is more like and SUV! Very versatile interior design, with plenty of room for 4 big adults. The ride is exceptional for a car this of size, and it is very quiet at cruising speed. The gas mileage so far is exceptional. Build quality, despite a few comments Ive read here is quite good. Maybe a year of production has helped iron out the glitches.

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  A small car that fits me. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Blackcloud_92592 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Being 6’4” tall, my first requirement for any car is whether I fit or not. It is a pleasure not having to recline the front seat so my head doesn’t scrape against the roof. Even with the seat upright I have at least 2” of headroom above me. I find the engine has plenty of get up and go. Sure I (and probably everyone else) would want to have the higher horsepower engine but it just didn’t fit in the budget. I did opt for the wheel and stereo upgrade and haven’t regretted it. I love the way the car looks, feels and drives. I hate white cars so I got the dark blue.

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  Great for my needs - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Michael Miller - October 6 - 2:00 am

  The Matrix, for me, is a wonderful replacement for a 2002 Corolla I had. Long story short, I disliked the Corolla but found the Matrix had a lot of features I always wanted. Gas mileage is decent, only trade-off from the Corolla. With the Matrix I can lie down in the back--great camping car. My bike fits, too. Those complaining about the lack of power, etc., may have expectations too high for a 4 cylinder-- buy a six or eight and pay the difference in gas costs. The four cylinder, which maneuvers just fine at 70-75 mph, is ideal for the many different types of driving I do.

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  Best big lil-car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Neo - July 31 - 3:56 am

  I used to drive an Xterra-BEAST. Hated it. Bought the Matrix bacause it looked cool and had some interior room. Some room indeed. I can put more junk in my Matrix than I ever hoped to stuff in the Xterra. Granted I cant climb mountains in the Matrix, but I didnt climb mountains in the Xterra. ...And I can drive past lost of gas stations with the Matrix...