Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Matrix was essentially a tall yet compact wagon, with a dash of cool, sporty style thrown in. It was typically marketed toward younger shoppers, though buyers of all ages were drawn to this car's many desirable attributes. Based on the Corolla sedan of its time, the Matrix was exceptionally versatile and well suited for hauling bulky cargo or transporting adult-sized passengers.

The main downside to the Matrix was that, apart from the relatively rare XRS variant, it was never particularly rewarding to drive. But for the practical-minded, this will likely be of little concern. Toyota sold two generations of the Matrix, and both boasted high fuel economy, a smooth ride, a roomy cabin, available all-wheel drive and reliable Toyota genes. Overall we think the Matrix is one of the best choices available for a used small wagon or hatchback.

Used Toyota Matrix Models

The second generation of the Toyota Matrix was produced from 2009-'13. Initial trim levels consisted of base, midlevel S and sporty, top-dog XRS.

The base model was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional -- both driving the front wheels. Upgrading to the Matrix S or XRS got you a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The S also offered an all-wheel-drive option. With this engine and front-wheel drive, one could choose between a five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic, while the AWD version only came with a four-speed automatic.

Standard feature highlights for the base L trim initially included air-conditioning, a 60/40-split/folding rear seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Besides the more powerful engine, the Matrix S gained a rear wiper, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry and a premium audio system. The AWD version of the S gained foglights and an independent rear suspension. The Matrix XRS featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, sport-tuned suspension and steering, upgraded seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Key options, depending on trim level, included a sunroof, a JBL sound system, satellite radio and a navigation system. More standard features, such as full power accessories and cruise control for the base trim, were fitted as the years progressed.

Inside, the Matrix had enough space to carry items up to 8 feet long, and the cargo area's durable plastic load floor allowed one to transport a variety of items, from home improvement materials to bicycles to a kayak. It was also pretty comfortable for both front and rear passengers. The very easy-to-use controls were another positive.

On the road, the base Toyota Matrix was a bit pokey in terms of acceleration, though its engine did provide pretty good fuel economy. The extra torque from the 2.4-liter engine made the driving experience more relaxed, particularly in regards to passing. Driven around corners, the Matrix was balanced and predictable, and overall ride quality was very comfortable. Still, the second-generation Matrix was not a very exciting car to pilot, largely due to its numb-feeling steering.

Changes throughout the Matrix's second generation were usually minor, consisting of added standard features and shuffling of  trim levels. Stability control became standard for 2010 but the XRS and its sport-tuned suspension were discontinued for 2011. For 2012, Toyota renamed the base version the L.

The first-generation Toyota Matrix was introduced for the 2003 model year and ran until 2008. Toyota offered it in base, XR and XRS trim levels. The lower two trims came with a 130-hp, 1.8-liter engine and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The XRS came with a high-winding 180-hp 1.8-liter engine and an exclusive six-speed manual transmission. In 2006, the XRS' final year, the engine was re-rated to 164 hp due to new testing procedures, but actual performance was unchanged.

 In editorial reviews, we noted that the 1.8-liter equipped Matrix offered adequate acceleration in most circumstances, but its dearth of low-end torque was apparent on uphill grades. Manual-equipped Matrix wagons tended to offer more pep than those equipped with automatic transmissions. Handling was somewhat less than engaging; still, commuters and road trippers will likely appreciate the wagon's smooth, comfortable ride.

Inside, this Matrix charmed with its solid quality and versatility. Fit and finish was above average, and the cargo area and backside of the rear seats were finished with an easy-to-clean plastic as well as specialized cargo tracks.

If you're interested in a used first-generation Toyota Matrix, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, early Matrix models were missing a couple of important safety features: side airbags and stability control. These features were added (as options) in model-year 2005. Also note that stability control was offered only on models equipped with an automatic transmission. You also might encounter all-wheel-drive versions of the Matrix or Matrix XR; they produced slightly less power and came with the automatic only. All-wheel drive was discontinued for the 2007 model year.

User Reviews:

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  I love My Matrix XRS - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By tiffyJ - September 10 - 3:23 am

  I fell in love with this car when it first came out. I saw it when I went to see a movie on the pre-movie commercials and fell in love and several years later I was still in love with it. I traded in my 99 4 door civic and I am so glad that I did!

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  Matrix - Just what I was looking for!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Twiggy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I been looking for a new vehicle for a while. I needed room for kids, great gas mileage, a sporty drive, & reliability. The Matrix has it all. Ive only had the vehicle for 4 days, but Im really impressed! I do a lot of highway driving & so far Im managing 42.6 mpg with the 5-speed. All my friends think the car looks great & it has room to haul all my kids stuff to boot! Also, Im not worried about the reliability since its a Toyota. A excellent car so far, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a small, sporty SUV.

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  2004 Matrix XRS - Love it!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jeffxrs - August 29 - 10:00 am

  1 Year of ownership. 12,500 miles. Great gas mileage. Only complaint is storage bin undewr shifter pops open frequently. Have not mentioned to dealer yet. Excellent dealer service so far. Car is my first Japanese after 2 Germans, 3 Americans.

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  First toyota - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By otto mattioli - August 22 - 2:30 pm

  Excellent entry/exit makes this the best size for my wife and I, both in or late 60s. We dont have to crawl under a steering wheel like some of the newer cars or climb up like some of the big suvs seat/steering wheel adjusment is great. Would recommend this wagon to anyone I can.

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  Fun, Comfortable & no problems in 4years - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Zach - August 21 - 11:06 am

  I have had this car for 4 years and havent had a single problem with it! I bought it brand new when got tired of investing too much money into a 93 Ford Explorer that was going downhill. Toyotas MPG ratings are right on. I never get less than 25mpg around town and on the freeway I get 32mpg. This car is great for traveling and road trips. The cargo space is wonderful too. I play music and needed to fit my 2 bass cabs, amp and guitars into the car and they fit just fine. My buddy bought a Matrix cause he needed a new car and liked the roomy-ness (he is 64", 250lbs+). He fits his whole drum set and monster keyboard in his!

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  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

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  Love my new Matrix! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By ystapdoognabel - August 9 - 9:53 am

  Ive only driven my new 2008 manual transmission basic Matrix 200 miles but as of this moment, its my favorite car Ive ever had. It just feels like the "perfect fit". I guess its really too early for me to say much but so far, so good. I like the way it drives. I like the looks of the inside and outside. I like the amount of visibility it has. The seats are firm but very comfortable on the back. I test drove a Honda Fit Sport and was surprised at how much more I like the Matrix.

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  Super Cool - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By JW - August 6 - 1:36 am

  The Matrix feels like an SUV, but it is very low to the ground so theres a low risk of rolling over. It looks very sporty and feels very nice to drive. It is, afterall, a Toyota-- what more could one ask for?

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  Very Average - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By speedycommute - August 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought a 2010 Matrix 5 speed manual base model at the beginning of 2010. This is a functional car that is very average. I found a few significant drawbacks too, primarily in poor design and build but also in very poor visibility. I think there are better cars available in this category and wouldnt buy the Matrix again. PROS: roomy interior, great fuel economy, reasonable cost CONS: very poor visibility(huge pillars, small raised rear window), water drips from roof onto seats when doors open, cheap interior feel, doors sound tinny, matte finish dashboard collects scuffs when you touch it and has rough seams, clunky manual transmission and hard to shift into reverse

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  I love my Toyota - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert - July 31 - 1:26 pm

  I have now over 186,000 miles and the only major expense I had was brakes and tires and the rest was just periodic oil changes. I drive this car for work and pleasure. Let me tell you, aside from the so so fuel economy, this is a car that does everything and never lets me down.