Overview & Reviews

The Matrix receives a revised front bumper, taillights and grille to freshen up the exterior, along with a new audio head unit design, optional side curtain airbags and other minor interior changes. Stability control is also newly optional.

• 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 181.00

• 

  Great Matrix! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jon cartridge - September 30 - 10:00 am

  this is the car for anyone who wants comfort, style, and a reliable car!

• 

  Best choice for us - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By alvin lau - August 24 - 7:36 pm

  My round trip commute is 50 miles. I needed a safe, reliable, practical and economical car. After studying the competition (Honda CR-V, Subaru Legacy wagon, etc.) I decided on a Matrix XR 4WD & havent been disappointed yet. The build quality appears good, the car has enough pep for stop & go traffic as well as cruising at 70+mph. Despite carrying two full-sized adults w/ defrost always on, I average 26mpg so far. The interior is quite roomy for a small car and the flexibility of the fold-flat seats is great. Things do slide around the back a bit but there are cargo nets and tie-downs. My Matrix is easy to maneuver, fun to drive and Toyota is generally reliable - recommended!

• 

  Not What I Expected - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Dissapointed - August 16 - 9:50 pm

  This vehicle replaced a 2005 Toyota Corolla, The Corolla was nearly a perfect vehicle. The Matrix isnt even close to the quality or integrity of the Corolla. The interior plastic is of very poor quality and appearance. The gas mileage as far, far less than the Corolla. Its hard to believe the Matrix is a Toyota. I am not at all pleased with the Matrix. This vehicle has caused me to substantially lower my opinion of Toyota.

• 

  I love my Matrix! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By WeatheringC - July 31 - 11:06 am

  I had a little Honda before I bought my Matrix. When it came time to purchase a new car I had a tall list of things I wanted. I wanted to get my skis in the back, the ability load it up and haul things, and great gas mileage was essential since I was making an 800 mile round trip at least once a month. The Matrix was the only car to satisfy all those needs. I looked for a month before I found a hard to find used Matrix in my area! As soon as I test drove it I knew it was the car to get. The enginering of the interior is exceptional and makes it very versatile. I show it off to everyone. Its enginered well and the styling is classic. I love my Matrix!

• 

  old blue - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By hamilton - June 25 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to drive,great MPG. its kinda slugish on the pick up but i wanted a car thats gonna last for at least 10 yrs. i just bought it the other day but i owned a toyota celica 91 and i put well over 100K on that car & never a problem and i have faith in this one too.

• 

  The Mini SUV - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By WorkerE - February 11 - 9:53 pm

  Compared this to a Corolla on the dealer lot and was immediately amazed by the amount of interior space and the fact that you dont feel like youre falling into the seat. You are almost sitting at the same level as some SUVs on the road. Gauges and interior controls are well placed and easy to operate. Handling and performance is ok for what you get in this model which is relatively basic. Plenty of room for family of four to get around - even on relatively long trips. We really like the hatchback design. Biggest gripe is the tire wear - were at 47000 miles and just had to replace tires for the 3rd time and they aint cheap for this car. Told that Matrix design just burns through tires.

• 

  Better than an SUV! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Nancy - January 26 - 11:10 pm

  Great compromise car for those of us who need a roomy interior & 4 wheel drive but dont want the size of a gas guzzling SUV.

• 

  Downsize - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Lamar Winters - October 16 - 10:50 pm

  Having driven this car for only the best part of a week I must say that I am impressed, despite the "expert" evaluations. Just coming off a Lexus RX330 I had no big expectations but needed to down size and I am a big Toyota fan. I really enjoy the driving experience and my height(510") and arm length adapt to the driving position nicely. I dont have a problem with the engine performance because for me its a change in driving style and a willingness to adapt. Road noise is not all that bad and all this fuss about engine noise I dont get at all. I drove the AWD car initially but did not like the color or performance and was please when I drove away in the FWD, Shadow Mica ... cool!!

• 

  2005 Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Carol - August 14 - 7:43 pm

  I like the car but was terribly disappointed with the gas mileage, I only get 26 mpg around town and very little more on the Hwy. I have a 1984 Mazda GLC that gets better mileage around town. Also I hit the edge of a patch of black top which had been removed to replace (approx 2") and the car jumped all over the road. Scary! I had hoped to save a lot more on gas and to feel pretty safe, for a small car--I dont. I make many trips to No. California and am back to driving my 4- Runner as the 4 miles a gallon I save is not worth the loss of space and security. And kill the seatbelt warning which goes off every time I have my small dog in the car or a briefcase. well, I wish I had something else

• 

  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ryan - June 13 - 12:43 pm

  When we were looking to buy, we had a few primary concerns: cargo space, being able to park it in NYC, mileage, price, and of course safety. Were thrilled with the Matrix because its delivered on all fronts. Playing in a band, I need to haul alot of equipment around with me- it has more than enough space and the plastic cargo area is durable and eases loading in/out. Its shorter (though taller and wider) than the Corolla, and parking even in tight spots has been a breeze. the MPG has been at around 28-32, depending on where im driving (city or hwy), and this will go up over the next year or two. i paid 15,000 for it, which i was happy with! and its gotten great safety ratings!