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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  In the Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By 86Ciara - June 25 - 10:26 am

  I love this car. For a 4 cylinder this car is smashing!! For some reason this car just likes to go fast. Got a speeding ticket doing 97 mph :0 & no the paint did not peel off while I was re-entering the atmosphere. Steep upgrades not a problem just flip the OverDrive button and youre climbing!! I keep up with regular oil changes & maintenance to keep my baby running smooth.

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  Mixed emotions - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Alex - June 10 - 9:23 am

  I really like Toyota. Their fuel economy is superb. I guess I just expected a little more from the Matrix. 126HP is just not enough to really pull a 2,700 pound car. Maybe if they made it 400-500 pounds lighter, it would have better gas mileage and be a bit faster (Civic gets 40mpg HWY and has more power). Its very spacious, and comfortable for passangers, but the drivers seat stands too tall. It shifts beautifully, and the interior design is very sporty, but the chrome trimming has to go. Handling is like any econobox; average, comfortable, sometimes smooth or bumpy, but that can always be changed with aftermarket products.

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  2006 Matrix 5 speed - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By sprice - January 18 - 10:23 pm

  Unbelievable fuel economy and interior space. Fun to drive, handles well. Not much acceleration at turnpike speeds (which is one reason why its so stingy with gas), but pretty peppy below 60 mph.

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  cool Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By vjns - October 6 - 7:16 pm

  Excellent design and quality. Although the ride is higher compared to my civics, it still feels very sporty and responsive. Since it is designed as a ULEV crossover, it is really versatile, affortable and comfortable. Auto transmission is really smooth and gas mileage is great. Very happy with the car since I got it new and fully loaded in Mar 2006. Great price and great looks, all my friends love it at my work place. Only other car that generate so much attention at work is a 2006 Mustang GT but he is suffering with his gas bills and insurance.

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  Happy Matrix Owner - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Happy Matrix Driver - September 15 - 12:16 pm

  Bought to replace my wifes 1995 4-Runner 4X4 with many miles on it. Although we knew we were giving up power (from 6 cyl to 4 cyl), the Matrix has performed well for us. During wet roads or windy conditions, the AWD keeps the vehicle on the road. The windshield and windows provide excellent visibility. We have averaged about 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (2500 miles on the car in the 1st month), which is at least 50% better than the 4-Runner gave us. Overall we like the Matrix because it provides us flexibility: we can haul 4 or 5 people with decent leg room, or haul loads where the front passenger seat folds down. For the price, we enjoy driving this car.

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  Poor Mans MINI Cooper - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By JAMINOFF - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Matrix is like my sone MINI cooper for $10000 less. Great car, quality, reliability, fun and roomy. Only changes I recommend would be remove coin slot under handbrake, very hard to get to. Left side instruments have no lighting at night.

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  No rear a/c and poor driveability - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By smezbryant - March 22 - 5:40 pm

  No fun to drive! Plenty peppy for 4 cyl, but handling isnt fun. I got the base model which was a mistake--it didnt have basic safety like ABS or side curtain airbags. Its super cute on the outside, has good room in the backseat. Front cup holders are too skinny for most drinks.

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  Not really excited - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Threadbunny - December 22 - 1:33 am

  Traded in my 2003 Honda CRV for this car which does have much better gas mileage, but The hatch back is extremely small especially when hauling groceries and book bags. Outside scratches too easily despite having the protective clear coating applied. Standard is a little slow on the pick up. Inside is nice though. Seats are comfortable and does have nice leg room. Just not big enough for a family of 5.

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  Happy with car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By J Lewis - December 18 - 3:23 pm

  I did look at five different makers before I decided on the Matrix. It offered everything I wanted for the money. I knew it had the same proven engine that the Corolla had, this was a big factor.

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  Matrix XR - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Tom - April 1 - 2:00 pm

  Bought Matrix XR in a 5-speed, which is an absolute must. This is not a fast car even with a manual; I can imagine how slow an automatic would be. But with gas over $3, horsepower is highly overrated. I didnt get the option for ABS, but wish I would have. The standard, stock brakes are average at best and dont leave me feeling too confident in them. Stopping distance seems really long. I really enjoy the way it drives. Its very roomy inside. Im about 62" and I feel very comfortable in the car. Tons of room in the back. Plenty of headroom for backseat passengers. Plus, it looks cool. I would definitely get the XR with the cooler looking bodykit over the base model.