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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  Great Family Wagon - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By brianmc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  After exhaustive research and numerous test drives of the competetion I finally bought a Matrix Xr. It is the best in its class beating the PT and Mazda P5 Hands down on comfort and ride. P5 was VERY loud and I felt EVERY bump in the road. I drove over a railroad crosing and I felt like I was in a soapbox derby car. PT felt cheap and was hard to see out of. Matrix is the right mix of a sporty car and family wagon. I think all car editors that do reviews tend to forget that not everyone NEEDS a car that can do 0-60 in 5.0 sec and take a corner at 65mph.. Who cares?!! Just give me an inexpensive, reliable and fun car to drive. Matrix fits that bill.

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  Horrible car. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By George M. - April 26 - 2:23 am

  The ride quality of this car makes a person feel as if hes being kicked in the rear end even on the smallest bumps. I think Youd get a jolt just running over a dime. The clutch is absolutely the worst Ive ever driven, and Ive driven manual transmissions of all sorts for more than 45 years. The shifter is notchy and imprecise, and with 6 speeds, some of them are not really needed and just make the poor clutch that much more noticeable. In addition, it appears that the body is put together with plastic pins instead of screws and bolts. The front valance hangs too low and can hit even the smallest curbs. (Mine was already damaged by a previous owner.) Drivers seat is uncomfortable due to excessive lumbar support and the aforementioned jolts from the suspension. Other plastic items are the cheap door handles, both interior and exterior (I guarantee theyll need replacement sooner than youd like). I cant wait to get rid of this pile of garbage. My sons early Kia was actually better built.

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  Greate commuter car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By long commute - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive (my teenage daughter LOVES it!) and great gas mileage. OK power for hwy cruising but not much power for passing.

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  Bad quality with Worse service! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By puffy - April 26 - 1:33 am

  Own 03 Matrix, driven 45000 miles. First when I got the car it had problem with radio and rattles in the back of the car. Toyota Central in LA refused to fix the rattle in the back, and took more than a month to replace the radio! They were supposed to call me when they receive the radio but never did! Now rear wheels locked up and does not move!!!! Had regulary serviced every interval but still got lots of problem!

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  Perfect balance between car and SUV - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Mike - April 21 - 4:03 am

  The Matrix is a great car. Its comfortable, roomy, and stylish. Folding down the rear seats creates a very roomy cargo space. The rear window opens upward, allowing long items to easily extend out the back. The seats are comfortable, the dashboard is futuristic. My passengers report plenty of legroom. Lots of little features like a flat-folding passenger seat and an ordinary AC outlet add up. I like it so much that when my 03 Matrix was totalled in an accident, I went out and bought an 06.

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  Very solid car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Andy - April 20 - 6:03 am

  We chose a Toyota given their excellent record and reliability. To date, we have not been let down. In retrospect, we should have spent the additional $$$ and gotten the sport version for added pick up. Perhaps the best feature about the car is its excellente fuel economy. Our other car is a Honda CR-V and it pales in comparison. With rising gas prices, we do appreciate having to fill up the Matrix less frequently.

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  208,000, and still love it! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By mamccoy - April 9 - 6:53 am

  My goal is to make it past 300000 miles on this car. I bought it with 144k, and was told by the owner that he had the transmission rebuilt at 100k by Aamco (though they sometimes may stretch the truth with a vehicles true repair needs). They said the Main drive bearing went out. I put in a new Catalytic converter around 145k, and ive been golden since then until now. Its time for more work on the tranny, but some are telling me its the clutch throw-out bearing (release bearing) and some tell me its the same issue that this car had at 100k. Regardless, I have loved the car and wouldnt hesitate on getting another. As for now, Ill fix it and go another 100k, Lord willing!

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  XRS no more AUTO?now 3/1/02 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By XRS - April 4 - 9:53 pm

  No XRS in Auto no more? 3/1/02? Car is only a month old and now stopping production of Automatics 180hp? No standard 3-1 radio/cass/cd No sunroof on XRX? Have to add on? No leather seats?

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  Loved my Matrix - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Speedster Girl - April 2 - 4:23 pm

  I was a previous Honda Civic owner when I purchased my Matrix for increased versatility. I found the car to be comfortable, roomy (for me at 5ft10in and my husband at 6ft3in), a blast to drive, and great for hauling anything I wanted to put in it. I also learned recently that the Matrix is also a very safe car. I was in a front-end collision with a Suburban the other day. I estimate the impact was at ~50mph. The car is a total loss, but I walked away with nothing but a scratch and few bruises (mostly from the seat belt). I would buy another 08 Matrix in a second if I could. Its a bummer the 09s are less fuel efficient.

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  The Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By zokari5 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  My Toyota Matrix and all Toyota Matrixs are the best fun to drive vehicle(s) in its class. It is realiable and very fun to drive.