Overview & Reviews

There are no major changes to this year's Toyota wagon, although new SAE testing procedures have resulted in lower horsepower ratings.

• Versatile cargo area, roomy rear seats, good gas mileage, generous standard equipment list, availability of all-wheel drive and stability control.

• Modest torque output, less fun to drive than its styling suggests.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 135.00

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  Great car, leaks oil - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Randy - July 3 - 8:16 pm

  My 2006 Matrix has had an oil leak at the timing chain tensioner repaired 4 times. I just finished my arbitration hearing today, and Im not hopeful of much help there. Toyota wont admit that there is a real problem, and therefore isnt willing to do anything to help me. This is my first foreign car, and certainly will be my first, last and only Toyota.

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  The car I will most gladly trade-in - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By robert - October 22 - 12:46 pm

  Engine noise is predominant especially when revving engine. Steering is easy to handle with more grips on the road. Instrumentation controls stinks.

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  Do Not buy it, if you are a highway crusier - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By path - February 22 - 12:43 pm

  This car is OK for local driving, and it can haul stuff from Ikea when back seats folded down. It is quick from 0-30, and is quite slow beyond that. So, plan ahead when merging into busy highway. MPG has been bad so far with 15K mikes, 20 for city and 27-31 on highway at 80 mph. The biggest problem is noise. Annoying at 65mph, and unbearable at 80 mph. It takes many hours to recover from dizziness after 2-3 hours driving. I recently found a trick to deal with the noise - ear plugs, inspired by a coworker who works in a room with 2-3 hard working pumps used to create near absolute zero (0K) temperature.

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  Must have picked the lemon - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By chosepoorly - January 16 - 4:13 pm

  Bought the car new and am a very careful owner. My last car, a Chevy housed outside in the elements, was 12 years old when I traded it in with very little problems. After 2 years, the fuel pump went. After 2 1/2 years, electrical system and sensors failed. Just after the warranty expired, multiple systems failed, requiring a new battery and $400 worth of repairs. I have to drive long distances for my new job and have to trade it because I dont know when or where it will fail next. Disappointing, considering Toyotas supposed quality.

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  2006 Matrix 5spd - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By shartman - August 20 - 4:53 am

  I truly expected more out of this 18,000 dollar vehicle. It is very roomy, good on gas and is a pretty color. That is about all I can say. I have had no major problems with it. The stereo sounds terrible. And the hydraulics that open the hatch dont work well. I have to push it up. I really expected more out of this Toyota. I also have to mention it runs like a car that is 6 or 8 years old. It idles very hard and rough for only having like 11,000 miles on it. Not what I expected!

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  Practical Ride - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By MTC - November 7 - 7:56 pm

  Chose the Matrix for its AWD and price. We had a pretty bad winter in New England last year and the car performed well. The gas mileage is less to be desired for a car this size. So if you are using this car to commute, watch the needle. Also noticed an awful howling noise on windy days coming from around the side mirrors. Upgraded sound system and speakers arent worth the money, buy your own. I guess for the money small quirks come with the territory. Pros: AWD, cargo space, sporty looks, minimal time at the service dept. Cons: Fuel economy, horrible acceleration, wind and road noise, sound system.

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  Front seat - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Pat - April 27 - 8:16 pm

  I bought the Matrix because I love the exterior design of the car. After driving it home, I notice how sore the under part of my leg just above the knee was. I have written to Toyota and the dealer where it was purchased for some help or advise to no avail. I do like the car except for that but I think it is also a little under horse powered.

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  Needs some improvements! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By goat herder - January 31 - 12:23 pm

  Handling in any slightly icy or wet weather is very poor. Gear shifts are poor with the tachometer spiking up and down as automatic shifts into gears. No room in tire hold for a real tire. I prefer not to use the donut. When I was removing a package from the passenger side, a handle flipped over the gear shift and the car jumped into reverse! (Ignition was still on but had been in park.) Fueel economy is nowhere near the sticker. Best I have gotten (100 per day highway driving) is 26 mpg. Whenever the weather is cold or wet, fuel economy drops and the "sticking" problem with the gears increases. At times it feels like I have to push the car to get it to move.

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  Could be better. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By CJ - December 20 - 6:20 am

  Had a 93 Corolla. Decided to buy a Matrix based on experience w/ Toyota. This is a typical Toyota, very well built, drives fine. Driver legroom is not good, Im 6-0. Right leg has very little room between the dash and center console. Drivers seat is very uncomfortable. I seem to fall to the right side in it. Hope it just needs breaking in but fear otherwise. Odometer/trip meter cycles with small button behind wheel that you cant push while driving. Cant see both trip/odo @ same time. I like to always see the odo. Air controls badly placed behind shifter. Cargo cover chintzy. Forced to buy cargo pad as none standard, cargo will shift w/out one. Based on legroom & seat comfort may not keep car very long.

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  Expensive Regret - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Expensive Regret - April 26 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle based on Toyotas reputation. Within 2 years of use I have spent around $3500 to fix repeat serpentine belts, 02 sensor, rotors, brakes (at 40,000 miles), 1 battery and whatever the other belts are for on this vehicle. This vehicle was purchased new and by an experienced, nonabusive driver. It now has 47000 miles mostly highway and I do not trust that I will not be stranded by this vehicle. I am waiting for the clutch / transmission to fail after reviewing other complaints filed by resentful consumers. I should have kept my jeep regardless of the high fuel cost.