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 161 through 170 of 181.00

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  A Car for all Seasons - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By New Englander - February 14 - 4:03 am

  Having recently moved from Manhattan, where I spent my entire adult life, I was completely overwhelmed about the car choices before me. I researched virtually every model of every make of every 2005 car. What did I end up choosing? The Toyota Matrix. First off, I loved the styling. Its got a very Eurosmart kind of feel to it. Secondly, although the 4WD does not get the kind of mileage that the FWD manual does, it is still efficient. Thirdly, I can pack virtually anything into Trixie. Not only that but the multiple folding seat options, various cargo nets and tie-downs rock. The 4WD worked beautifully on those snowy days, yet shes petite enough to park on tiny NYC streets.

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  Expensive repairs - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By A.Barnett - January 27 - 10:46 pm

  I switched from SUVs to this car for fuel economy. It is fun to drive, but repairs are costly. Air conditioner repair was over $1000 and the brake rotors warped at 39000 miles -another $550. Toyota acknowledges no responsibility. This is my last Toyota.

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  Mainly happy - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By GMcGuire - January 11 - 3:30 pm

  Ive been mainly happy, when you treat the thing like a motorcycle and bang off the redline at 6,000 rpm in 1st thru 3rd it works not too badly. Engine slow idle is a bit lumpy, and it lacks a bit of power with the a/c on. Absolutely must have 4 good snow tires installed, its very light and it steps around quite a bit even on wet pavement. Great gas mileage, lots of room and functionality.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Greg - December 11 - 12:46 am

  This may be the best car Ive ever owned. Very well designed from an ergonomic standpoint. I now have 147000 miles on it and havent spent a nickel on it for maintenance beyond the obvious (oil changes, brakes, tires and the like). I check my gas mileage at every fill-up, that being my "thing," and get 30mpg if I have been throwing caution to the wind, and upwards to 33 mpg if I slow down; most of my driving is on the highway. It isnt the quietest car I have been in but it is comfortable. I do find I have to be quite careful to look backwards for a blind spot. However in this age of craving hybrids, this is a great car with the standard internal combustion engine.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By The Barbarian - December 8 - 7:10 am

  I bought the matrix because I needed a utility vehicle that had good gas mileage. The back seats fold perfectly flat, and with the front passenger seat down, I have 8 ft of plastic covered space I can haul lumber and gardening stuff in for home projects.

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  Dont look any further - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jjehly - October 26 - 1:23 pm

  This car is a LOT of fun to drive. The ride is a little more stiff than the Camry and its a little louder. The guages are extremely easy to see even in direct sunlight and are very well thought out. All of the controls are within easy reach and make sense where they are placed. The drivers seat has a height adjustment so my wife (on the short side) can see out just as well as I can when she lifts it up. Our 3 kids fit in the back without any problems and my 10 year old still has plenty of leg room and room to grow even when I have the seat as far back as I need it. The seats folding and creating a flat loading space is great, durable and easy to clean.

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  Too much fun (causing some guilty) - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Don Huffman - September 29 - 10:46 am

  Style finally grew on me (been looking at it for 3 years)- I was waiting for a Corolla station wagon - to no avail. I love the tight handling. Love the access to the controls. Very accessible for passengers and cargo (love the small liftback door). Well accessorized. Red instruments are difficult to read (I am a little color blind).

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  My Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Lexie - September 3 - 11:20 pm

  Id recommend the Matrix to anyone, for one, the AWD is fantastic (I live in Upstate NY and the AWD was spectacular this winter), even with the AWD, I average 32 mpg. I love the 60/40 split seat, and the hatchback room is impressive. What is also great is that the front passanger seat folds into a desk which is great if you are porting your laptop (which can be powered by the AC outlet in the dash). Everywhere I go, I get compliments on my car.

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  Versatile - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Watercooled - August 29 - 8:43 am

  Very versatile car. Great ride. Range is a bit on the low side. Has enough power for city driving and merging with traffic. Have yet to take it on a long roadtrip with a load of luggage, kids, bikes on the back, and the A/C running while that 18 wheeler is running up behind me...

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  Beware of this!!! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Beware - August 28 - 10:56 pm

  My husband and I have been through 9 cars and we bought and paid off this vehicle in full because we like that it was a Toyota (great reputation in quality and durability) it was a four door and had great space and very attractive and sporty look. Unfortunately weve had the worst experience ever out of 9 cars!!! It only has 15,000 miles and Ive been in the service deptarment more than I ever did for all my cars combined!!! To all who are looking into this car be aware that some matrix have been know to have a "long-crank" problem (mine is one of them). Sometimes it wont even start and I have to keep trying to start it with the key until it finally does. Very scary especially for a mom!