Overview & Reviews
The Matrix is an all-new model from Toyota. It offers sporty looks, enhanced cargo-carrying abilities and useful features not commonly found in small cars.
- Versatile cargo area, good gas mileage, available all-wheel drive, plumped-out features list.
- Modest torque output from engines, numb steering.
User Reviews:
Showing 271 through 280 of 325.00-
Matrix XR with AWD & with automatic - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By Keith Vaughn - August 11 - 2:00 amThis is a fine overall car. Automatic is dandy. Engine is too. AWD makes it almost impossible to spin out, amazing thing. The AWD and the automatic do hurt the performance and mpg, but you know that already and cant have it both ways. AWD price does include ABS, which is good, but still only drums on the rear, which are sufficient. The standard Goodyear 16" tires are peachy and the sunroof is a fun thing. Darn good overall car for anyone, although most will skip the sunroof and AWD in southern Nevada.
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Toyota Matrix XRS, 6-speed - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By Keith Vaughn - August 11 - 2:00 amI have the XRS-6speed & I have had more smiles per gallon with this car than anything Ive ever had. No need for a lot of shifting, as with the low gearing and close rations, you can skip 1 or 2 gears.Only car Ive ever had, where I cant beat the EPA ratings though. Its as advertised, so far, and although Toyota insists, my research, + personal experience, is that it does NOT require 91 octane, but 89, is much better for it. It seems to run slower and loses 2mpg, city/hwy, using 91. Runs fine on 87 too, in normal use. Only options are the 17"tires, side airbags, & stereo.The shocks, handling, brakes, seats, comfort, great!It is plenty quiet & smooth.
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Matrix XRS: Sportscar for the Pragmatist - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By bkcohen - August 6 - 10:00 amThe 6-speed Manual XRS is a kick to drive. Good blend of a sports car with a practical small wagon. Nice interior design: red backlit guages, intuitive placement of all controls and dials, cupholders within reach but never in the way. Seats--especially front ones-- are very comfortable. (My wife has arthritis and has never found the seats in my cars comfortable. She says these are.) The car also has lots of big places to store stuff up front: change compartment to left of steering wheel, "secret" compartment centered under the shifter and the cavernous storage under the armrest.
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Awesome CAR - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By Eugene Antunes - July 16 - 10:00 amThis car is simply FUN to drive!!!
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Great Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By aurigus - July 14 - 10:00 amThe absolute #1 reason for getting this car is its versatiliy. We didnt know what was ahead for us, AKA moving, jobs, kids, etc - and this car fits any situation. The exterior design of it is something people either love or hate. I stand in the middle, I am perfectly ok with it. Overall I am very satisfied with the design. The interior is very nice, roomy, and great for long trips. Even the back seat has plenty of leg room, and my tall friends never complain when riding in the back. The red-guages, sunroof, power plugs are all "gotcha" features. Also the upgraded sound system packs a nice punch.
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Kudos to Crossovers - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By runinbob - July 4 - 2:00 amThe Matrix combines the best of looks, function and economy with bullet-proof Toyota reliability. i have downsized from a truck and find the flexibility of the cargo hold perfect for my needs which includes camping, home improvement chores and daily commuting. Interior space is deceiving based on the vehicles exterior dimensions. I have owned the car for 4 weeks and have gotten 30 mpg, right in the middle of the estimated city/highway mpg. All in all a great buy and a solid drivng experience. The only downside is a lack of power. It didnt make sense however to ante up for the bigger engine with only 5 lb-ft more torque at such ridiculous RPMs.
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Just plain fun - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By rigor01 - July 4 - 2:00 amI used to rent cars for a living and have driven many different makes and models, so I knew what to get and not to get. I had my heart on the XRS when I went to the dealership but just couldnt swing the payments. Just before I left, I test drove the XR and bought it on the spot. Its fun to drive, has Toyotas reliability to back it, and because theres not a lot of them out where I live, it turns heads and makes people ask what it is. It has that young, sporty look and the interior gauges pretty cool. It has a lot of headroom, decent interior space, and enough standard features to fulfill almost all of my needs. All for well under $20,000.
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Plenty of zip, style, and versatility - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By isosceles - June 29 - 2:00 amThis car is a pleasure to drive. I couldnt be more satisfied. It suits my needs perfectly.
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Good Value - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By doomer - June 23 - 10:00 amStylish car with a lot of room for the size. Very dependable and a nice ride for the money.
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The test drive opened my senses! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
By J.R. - June 4 - 10:00 amI was originally looking for a Corolla S 5-speed, and waited a month with no luck. My salesmans nephew (also a salesman)suggested I test drive the XRS Matrix. I said, "OH no...the Matrix is DEFINITELY not me..." And he said, "Allow the car to speak for itself." I stepped inside and he pulled the car off the lot and ZOOOOOM! Then he let me drive it, and here I am now with a Indigo Ink Pearl (Blue) XRS Matrix! It actually has all the features Id ever want and more. Designers truly had versatility & performance in mind. I love this car =)
