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:

• 

  Love this car! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyota lover - June 8 - 7:56 am

  Oh my I love this car! It is peppy when passing other cars, who needs the 2.4 ltr, sacrificing the gas mileage is not worth it. Gas mileage so far is about 32mpg and that doesnt include any highway. The handling is amazing and it runs really quiet, hardly any road noise at all! Sound system is nice and the interior is positioned very well. The back seat is adult friendly and you can pack a ton of stuff into the back when the seats are down. This car is great, the best one we could have chosen for sure. There is nothing bad about it so far! Buy one, youll love it!

• 

  WISH I HAD GOTTEN A MURANO(NISSAN) - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cr928008 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I WISH I HAD GOTTEN A MURANO FOR THE MONEY, IT IS A NICE CAR BUT DOES NOT HAVE VERY GOOD PICK=UP AND IT HAS POOR CRAFTMANSHIP ... THING RATTLE WHEN DRIVING.GLOVE COMPRTMT, SEATS AND A LOT OF OUTSIDE NOISE. MY OLD CAR WAS A VOLVO OF 10 YRS.

• 

  Great 4wd CUV - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Tom Jones - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My Matrix is great. Once I was in some mud and it pulled right on out.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Garrett Hughes - May 27 - 1:43 am

  Purchased just this week, sorry I cannot tell how good the fuel efficiency is yet. Purchased the AWD due to northeast driving conditions and because it handles like a go-cart! Steel wheels offer better ride than 17" alloys. "road noise" mentioned by others is the AWD, they are all a little noisy. Interior design is ergonomic, S model offers nice perks for little than $15k more. Recommend mudflaps and rear bumper protector (hatch step). I am 6 tall 220 lbs and with the telescopic column and adjustable manual seat I fit comfortably, arm rest could be 4" longer. Great pickup, car cruzes at 80 MPH without too much noise, stock radio is fantastic. 115V outlet is very cool for lap top charge.

• 

  Gets the job done - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Beth - May 21 - 7:10 pm

  I just had my car break down on me, the dealership had it for a week because they couldnt figure out the problem. IT was the VVTI sensor and the oil pan sensor. I was pretty upset considering my car only has 17,000 miles on it. The gas mileage is definitely not right. All in all I have been pretty happy with this car. I love the way it drives.

• 

  A Good Overall Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mr. B - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix is a very well thought out vehicle. The electronics and comfort controls inside the vehicle are easy to use and at easy reachand see. The exteior styling is unique and resembles nothing else forged by Toyota. This car is fun to drive and has given me no real problems. The only downside to the vehicle is that it does not perform extremely well in accidents. I was involved in an accident at less than 25 miles an hour and the car did not respond as it should have. All things considered, this is a great car for any driver who likes to have fun with a little dash of function. Also I would recomend getting the XRS model if at all possible.

• 

  Fun and versatile - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Dogdoc - May 20 - 4:36 am

  I retired a big SUV after 10 years and 160K miles to buy a new Matrix. It always gets noticed, and everybody likes the looks. I volunteer at a high school, and the kids have dubbed it "cool" and "so cute", about the highest praise available from teenagers. It seats five with good comfort (Ive taken some of those same kids on a two-hour trip, and they stayed cheerful in the back seat) and it has the cargo room needed by a homeowner and business owner making weekend trips to Lowes and Home Depot, and the plastic surface and abundant tiedowns and cubbies make the cargo area very useful. And it sure was nice to see the dials on the gas pump start with a "2" instead of a "4".

• 

  Trixin it 2004 - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill Harkins - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This little car is an awesome performer. I have put 46,000 to date with out any returns to the dealer for anything. The only complaint I have with this car is that I feel Toyota should look into using a more forgiving paint, As for the car has more paint ship down to the bare metal than for Ford Contour had after 150,000 miles. I would reccomend this car to anyone. Great Car.

• 

  Love my Matrix! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Kath - May 9 - 4:10 am

  I bought my 2002/2003 Matrix used with 50,000 miles on it..its still tight and silent. I love the 5 speed (though it does stuggle up the nearby mountain highway.) Lots of room for handbells and gear, as well as a roomy back seat...far bigger than any of the bigger SUVs I looked at (even the Mercedes C- Class and Honda CRV.) The dealer put the same tires on it that he puts on his BMWs so the car hugs the road and handles very well. I removed the back seat head rests since they block my view, but will replace them if I have back seat passengers. The cargo net is in good shape but its use is a mystery. Very heavy duty jumper cables were included...yea, Toyota!

• 

  You must judge this car from the inside - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By MyNameIsNeo - May 4 - 7:26 am

  Function. The Matrix is superior in every aspect of why you want an affordable 5 door hatchback. Cargo, comfort, driving pleasure wrapped under $17k. Comfort. It simply has the best interior passenger ergonomics in this, or perhaps any, class. Cargo? Perhaps the coolest thing about the car- flat bedliner flooring with tie downs and under flooring cubby holes. Fun. Forget the horsepower numbers. It wont snap you kneck, but it will crack your smile.