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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  Is one Hell of a car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Hector L Torres - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Sinse the fisrt day I saw this car, I fell in love with it. Keep up the good work Toyota

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  Great car for tall people - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By HL - December 31 - 6:50 am

  Have 90,000 miles on this car and love it. Drove cross-country with 65" husband and had plenty of space for us and other large items. Mileage more than 36 mi/gal. Thanks.

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  Great little car for the Money. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Paul - December 27 - 12:40 pm

  Great Car. It rides smooth with crisp handling. It will stop on a dime and accelerate quickly through traffic. Its quiet running and its styling has an aggressive look. The fit and finish is amazing. It gets great gas mileage and its reliable, a great alternative to a gas guzzling Jeep!

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  Awful Gas Mileage - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By barryw1 - December 26 - 4:01 am

  Ive owned; Honda CRV - the Honda got much better gas mileage, Nissan Pathfinder V6 - comparable gas mileage, Saturn VUE AWD V6 - Saturn had much better gas mileage ... Do not consider this vehicle.

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  Nice Surprise But Do Your Homework - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Nisky16 - December 23 - 6:00 am

  So far this car has been pleasant to drive and is very versatile. Despite its sporty look, its not a sports car so if your aim is power dont buy it. It sits higher up than regular cars and feels more like a small SUV but with better gas mileage and handling. The emergency brake doesnt catch all the time when I park but is hopefully an easy fix. Ive had the car for 1 month and am undecided on whether I think the mileage is a good deal yet. Highway driving rated approx 360 miles/tank, mixed driving has been approx 300-325, city was less than 300. Hopefully the tank just needs more breaking in. Paint is durable - car was hit with hundreds of marble size hail and not a dent on it.

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  fun and practical - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By AJ - December 21 - 9:00 am

  Ive had this car for two years now. im pushing 100,000 miles. my dad bought this car and then i bought it from him. we have never had a single mechanical failure. this car has been in 8 accidents and will refuse to be totaled. the best part is the fuel economy mixed with the fun to drive factor. its low to the ground with stiff independent front and rear suspension. its almost too low though. ive scraped on anything from parking blocks to speed bumps. Very fun to drive and very upgradable. it only has 13hp stock but with a little tuning and performance parts it is now pushing an easy 200hp. not good pickup at low end but it makes up for it on the top of the rpm. perfect for a first car

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  solid little car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Martin Hanish - December 20 - 2:26 am

  We bought our Matrix early in January and have already put a few thousand miles on it. the conditions here in Maine have been tough - lots of snow, ice, temperatures down near zero. The Matrix has performed extremely well under all conditions. It is a safe, dependable little car.

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  Toyota Matrix review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bobbyb - December 16 - 7:36 pm

  Very good gas mileage. Very cheap to maintain. Can fit a surprising amount of things into the spacious "trunk". It is essentially a Corolla with a hatchback.

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  Fun Car/ Reasonable Price - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert Smith - December 15 - 2:56 am

  I bought a Radiant Red Toyota Matrix with a good sound system, sunroof, alloy wheels, sunroof, and even had the Toyota wheels chromed after added a limo tint to the windows. Added a personalized license and made the car fun to look at, and made it an eye catching vehicle around $20,000.00. People stop me in the parking lot to ask me about it, and the higher roof makes it roomy for a driver over 6 feet tall. So far, the car has been reliable and fun and I like it very much. I had a 300 HP V8 engine before this car, so the power is a bit slow, but Im used to that and appreciate the mileage at the gas station. I highly recommend the Matrix. Its FUN.

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  Rented for 600 miles in 3 days - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By saidiadude - December 12 - 9:00 pm

  Rented a brand new 06 Matrix (1K miles) on a vacation trip. We were thinking of buying one, so it was a great to test one out for an extended period of time. Gas mileage was great, but it lacked power (was very loud as it kicked into lower gears on hills - 2 people and luggage), accelerator was very sensitive, and the interior felt very cheap. Seats were comfortable for a few hours but sagged after a while. Should be OK for local commutes. Exterior shape is pleasing to the eye but put together cheaply. We hit a small pothole at low speed (5mph) and one side of the front air dam popped off. Found out that it was held together by plastic screws when I went to snap it back together!