Overview & Reviews

Introduced last year, the Matrix carries over unchanged into 2004.

• Versatile cargo area, good gas mileage, smooth ride, generous standard equipment list, available all-wheel drive.

• Modest torque output from engines, non-sporting driving experience.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 276.00

• 

  Help, Im trapped in the Matrix... - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Adam Smith - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This was a great little car off the lot. However, with 5000 miles under its belt, the novelty has worn off. First off, Toyota overstated the HP rating of the XRS for 2004 (actually 173hp), and has offered no resolution other than "oops! sorry! have a nice day." I paid a premium for the XRS, did I not? At least get your spec sheet right, or give me a rebate. The revisions to the engine also lower the gas mileage, whee! Im also having numerous interior rattles, the dash is falling apart, and my transmission doesnt want to go into gear. My clutch is also acting up (wont engage right often), and im not an abusive driver.

• 

  What Toyata Quality - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Sad - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I dont recomend the Matrix. Its expensive for a car that is put together so cheaply. Push on the front fender panels and watch them wabble back an fourth. The console under the shifter will not stay shut if you put anything in it. The car is really underpowered.

• 

  Could be much better - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Barshel - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The Matrix does not live up to the thoughtful design and comfort of my previous Toyotas. Unfortunately, Toyota borrowed some of the worst GM features, such as the recessed gauges, trim, and radio. The front underbody spoilers are poorly designed and flimsy. One was ripped off by a tire tread on the freeway and they are constantly scraping small road obstacles or curbs. There is no low-end torque so you have to press heavy on the gas pedal to obtain decent acceleration, resulting in a noisy take off. I bought the car because I needed utility and wanted decent gas mileage (24-26 mpg, mixed driving). There’s potential here, but for now, Toyota missed the mark.

• 

  Buckboard ride - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert F - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded in this torchure chamber after one month of ownership because it had such a harsh suspension that it gave me back pain. I had the dealership check the suspension and then tried the higher profile softer ride tires my tire guy suggested with no significant benefit. To aggravate things,the drivers seat was pretty uncomfortable as well. Too bad because the car is the prefect size, in 2- wheel drive, it is amazing on ice and snow, and the engine even with auto, ran well in the Colorado mountains. What a bungle on an otherwise good design. The final straw came when I met another drive of the same car who was having the identical experience.

• 

  Matrix XRS - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Tanamoor - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it was so much fun to drive and had a lot of acceleration. But at 11,000 miles, the transmission had to be replaced. Ever since then, there is not as much acceleration and you have to fight with the gears (sometimes cannot get it to go into the gear). I am very disappointed. This is not the car I bought. I have been to the service department and they say there is nothing wrong with it. I would not have bought this car as it drives now.

• 

  Good, but could be better. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix04 - January 28 - 12:26 am

  Electric windows rattle, grind and pop. Dealer could not address problem. Eventually a window fell out. Engine surges while stopped at light or in traffic. Dealer could not address problem. The door handles have a "metallic" finish that peels away. Occupants have cut their fingers on the edge of metal/plastic that was coming away. Eventually got worse to where you could see the white plastic handle underneath so I peeled away the remaining sharp edges and caution occupants. Dealer offered to repair at my expense. Contacted the Toyota Customer Service Experience Center and was referred back to a dealer.

• 

  Seat issues - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By john riley - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The car is ok, except the drivers seat is really uncomfortable for me. Too much side bolster and not enough lumbar. I realize one seat does not fit all, but there is no option from Toyota to do anything about the problem, like getting an optional seat.

• 

  Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By G James - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Poor Performance. Steering is very sluggish

• 

  I was willing to sacrifive perormance... - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By sol-kat - December 19 - 10:00 am

  For efficiency. But arguably the Matrix has neither. Not only do I miss the torque of a 6- cylinder, but I miss the range of a larger gas tank. I am averaging only 31 miles per gallon and 325 miles per tank. The Matrix is stripped down to a price point. The fact that no cargo mat is provided, doesnt mean that one isnt needed. I have carried the usual items in the rear--skis, tools, groceries-- but it is clear that Toyota did not design the cargo area for wear and tear. The lack of an integrated roof rack is disappointing since the cargo area is so flimsy.

• 

  Not Toyota Qualioty - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Campy0537 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a cute car but having owned/leased 6-7 Toyota vehicles this is by far a real piece of garbage. Between the buzzing noise coming from behind the dash and the rattles in the rear I go nuts when I drive it. The engine could use more spunk with less buzzing. Havent had it long enough to experience any problems other than an AC problem right after delivery. The took good care of it with no problem. I wouldnt buy it again or tell my friends about it. Heard rumors that the engine might be the GM 4 banger.