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 71 through 80 of 325.00

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  Very Reliable Useful Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Southpaw - February 24 - 5:16 pm

  This is a great reliable car. If you want a car that is practical and a little bit fun buy a Matrix. I haul my dogs around in comfort. When I buy Toyota I expect a trouble free car and that is what I got. I wish the gear shift was a bit smoother but it isnt bad. You get a comfortable ride on the highway and it does great in the city too.

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  Consumer review 2003 Toyota Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Dr. T - January 11 - 8:03 pm

  Unbelievable handling. Fun to drive, but with some drawbacks. 1) hard to manage clutch. 2) brakes, clutch, steering wheel not real comfortable. Needs to have telescoping steering wheel and more room above clutch as toe hits firewall before clutch is fully depressed. 3) excessive pressure required on clutch to start vehicle is a pain, perhaps can be adjusted. Sound system is great, but requires much difficult reading to master as the owners manual is poorly done in this area. GOOD mileage (33 mpg hwy, 29 city). Decent (not great) power, best over 4,000 rpm. Cargo space is very good, but cup holders get in the way of emergency brake. Basically, Im glad that I bought it.

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  my new XRS - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By pandrus - December 23 - 2:00 am

  had the car 1.5 months. had to learn how to shift all over again, you must push the clutch pedal in ALL the way or the engine stalls by just quietly shutting off. you dont even know it happens because it is so quiet. really fun to drive compared to my 15 year old toyota tercel. :-) there is truly excellent support for matrix owners thru a couple of web sites. that is a great help.

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  Enjoying my *new* car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By katie - November 7 - 12:56 pm

  We just bought this car and are so far very pleased. I have been dismayed by the few negative consumer reviews on this site, but most seem generally good and consistent with our experience. The interior plastic features are a little kitsch-y, but are neat looking. And, the clutch is... interesting... all things I can certainly live with if the car continues to run well and be fun to drive!

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  This is the most fun car I have ever had. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By lkb - September 10 - 8:40 am

  I bought the 5-speed XR model. It has much more get up and go than the automatic version, which I test drove. I have had a lot of fun in this car. Love the fold down back seats....has lots of room for my dogs.

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  Is mine the only one? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By jinro - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car for 3 weeks now, and from the very first day I bought this car and till now, there are so much rattles! Instrument panel rattles, something in the back of the car rattles (I think its the hatch) Also, CD player scratches the CD when braking! You can actually hear it, if you lower the volume. This is my first Toyota, and it is dissapointing. Is mine the only one doing all this????

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  Toyota is not reliable anymore!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Julie - August 12 - 11:03 pm

  Fantastic for the first 3 years. Fits a bunch of stuff, comfy to drive long distance, stylish, and great fuel economy. After 3 years our drivers side window totally broke, not related to the recall. Fixable, but only with a new door. We are living without working window. Then at 95,000 miles our engine blew a rod and needs to be totally replaced. WHAT!?!? Warranty only went to 60,000 miles and despite the fact that we maintained the car properly Toyota refuses to take responsibility for the bad build - acting like it is normal for cars to die this young. We expected to drive this for 250,000 miles based on reputation. Well, Toyota is bunk in our book. Honda here we come.

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  Kudos to Crossovers - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By runinbob - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The Matrix combines the best of looks, function and economy with bullet-proof Toyota reliability. i have downsized from a truck and find the flexibility of the cargo hold perfect for my needs which includes camping, home improvement chores and daily commuting. Interior space is deceiving based on the vehicles exterior dimensions. I have owned the car for 4 weeks and have gotten 30 mpg, right in the middle of the estimated city/highway mpg. All in all a great buy and a solid drivng experience. The only downside is a lack of power. It didnt make sense however to ante up for the bigger engine with only 5 lb-ft more torque at such ridiculous RPMs.

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  Lots of good; some bad - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By JoshB - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The Matrix is a good car if you need headroom - Im 66", and it fits me perfectly with room to spare. It is an economical, reliable, relatively capacious car. It gets great mileage (low to mid 30s) and has not had any mechanical problems after 32,000 miles. It has decent cargo and passenger room. I would prefer that there be more lateral space, but its a compact car, after all. The interior build quality is VERY poor - the dashboard rattles everywhere. The exterior paint is VERY easy to scratch. The stock tires (Continental) are rubbish.

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  2003 Toyota Matrix Base - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By hazelnut323 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I have mixed feelings about my Matrix ... its definately an attention getter(8/10 scale Lexus RX300), somewhat fun to drive, very practical and fuel efficient ... on the other hand its relationship with Pontiac Vibe is rather apparent ... Dash is very tasteful, but its a chore on the sunny day, cheap GM, seats are too soft and covered with something that would look appropriate on inside 1984 Celebrity, not XXI century Toyota.