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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  Love it - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By mvw - March 28 - 11:36 pm

  Bought the 2009 Matrix S a month ago with 10K on it. I love it so far. We traded in 2003 Kia spectra LS, and felt the Kia’s interior is built better with better materials. Some of the interior rattles and feels like cheap plastic. The engine of the 2.4 has great pick up. I am concerned about the paint on the car, it appears to chip fairly easy. This is the first Toyota I have owned so I do not have much to compare it to.

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  Buckboard ride - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert F - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded in this torchure chamber after one month of ownership because it had such a harsh suspension that it gave me back pain. I had the dealership check the suspension and then tried the higher profile softer ride tires my tire guy suggested with no significant benefit. To aggravate things,the drivers seat was pretty uncomfortable as well. Too bad because the car is the prefect size, in 2- wheel drive, it is amazing on ice and snow, and the engine even with auto, ran well in the Colorado mountains. What a bungle on an otherwise good design. The final straw came when I met another drive of the same car who was having the identical experience.

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  Maybe not too Thrilling but does the job - 2012 Toyota Matrix
  By drsuzuki - March 23 - 2:01 am

  Purchase my Matrix in May . Have about 2000km on it now . I am uninspired.... no excitement with this car . I am not saying I am disapointed with the car it seems big enough , sturdy enough, the milage is no screaming hell but acceptable consider i used to drive a one ton ford 5.4l truck. The car is eaisy for large people to get into including the back seat the roof racks haul alot of weight but sit to far back on the car to be really use full you will have a hard time puting on a ski box on the roof with stock racks. Lacks adjustment on the intermittent wipers (no settable delay feature). Interior color is light grey and stains with a touch

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  Look! Its a plane!? Its a MATRIX! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Lkn4fun - March 18 - 7:30 pm

  Just did what my friends called the unbelievable. I traded my 02 Acura TL- S in on my new Silver Streak Matrix XRS. To those who say I traded down I can only say that this car has brought back FUN into the driving routine. While I do miss the heated seats, thats all that I miss. Love the handling and the punchy little engine. The six speed and shifter feel Euro. The cargo space in this car is amazing. For those of you that are weekend warriors youll love the pop up rear window for 2 x 4s. Got all the toys except Nav. There were only two XRSs in my area. One was the color that I wanted. "Traded down?" Not in my book. P.S. - Stomp on her and still love the improved fuel economy!

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  Hatchback, SUV or Wagon, a GREAT CAR! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixfan - March 13 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw the car, even though I thought it was the right car for me, I was hesitant to buy it because of the looks. But now it looks better now that I am used to it. It is a great car, quiet and roomy, with good handling and braking. And because it is a Toyota, build quality and reliability will be sound. I love my car!

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  A little disappointed. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Art XR - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I am a little disappointed with the quality of the interior. Very hard plastic arm rest and many other components. Rattling noises all over. Inside the doors and under the dash. Loud under power engine. I enjoy the gas milage and smooth power train. Cant imagine to rev this engine over 6000 rpm to get extra horse power. I hope that Toyotas reputation will prevail again.

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  GREAT - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By P - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. handles like a sm car but has the storage of a suv

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  Good all round vehicle - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By aspenlakes - February 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the matrix because of mileage and the avalable manual trans. My two boys hate riding in it (ages 8+9), because they cannot see out of the rear passenger windows. The rear seat is deep, which makes it impossible to see out the windows.

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  Love this car ! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Mark - February 22 - 5:13 pm

  I wanted one of these cars for two years and finally bought one. I bought the XR AWD. I went on the lot and test drove it and loved it. It handles great, its comfortable, great gas mileage and you get good options. My only beef is it is way under powered, which doesnt bother me all that much because I drive slow anyway. But I wanted the 5 five speed manual to compensate this, but all they had was the automatic and I wanted to close escrow that day.

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  Do Not buy it, if you are a highway crusier - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By path - February 22 - 12:43 pm

  This car is OK for local driving, and it can haul stuff from Ikea when back seats folded down. It is quick from 0-30, and is quite slow beyond that. So, plan ahead when merging into busy highway. MPG has been bad so far with 15K mikes, 20 for city and 27-31 on highway at 80 mph. The biggest problem is noise. Annoying at 65mph, and unbearable at 80 mph. It takes many hours to recover from dizziness after 2-3 hours driving. I recently found a trick to deal with the noise - ear plugs, inspired by a coworker who works in a room with 2-3 hard working pumps used to create near absolute zero (0K) temperature.