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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  Bryans XR - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bryan D Potyk - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Mileage has been awesome. With AC about 32 MPG around town. Without I can do about 34-35 MPG. I drive the speed limit period. Great car I can fit 400 + pound of electric bass equipment in the car. Great all around car for comuting and the occasional short trip to the coast.

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  I love my Matrix! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ryan - March 17 - 7:10 am

  The car is great. Its everything I need- enough cargo space to haul around my music and A/V gear. Enough passenger space to carry 5 rather large guys to a ballgame. Better than average fuel economy (I live in NYC and get about 28 city and 38+ highway). Ive had no problems with it, and I still love starting it up and driving it. Its really a perfect marriage of form, function, and is extremely well designed.

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  Young look, old reliable toyota - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  I traded in a gas guzzling Trailblazer for this useful utility wagon. No complaint thus far and Im loving the sportiness relative to the big clunker.

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  Seems to have been an excellent decision - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By TEEJAY - March 13 - 11:13 am

  Well with almost 16k on it now we havent had one single problem! At first I thought my wife was crazy for wanting a 5 speed, but then I drove the Matrix. I love the intial acceleration that the manual offers. I leave all of those big gas hog SUVs sitting at the stop light and pass them again sitting at the gas pumps! We are averaging high 30s overall. On a long trip you can get over 40 mpg if you set the cruise at 70 mph. I plan on driving this thing well over 200k so I use synthetic motor oil and change every 5k when the maint. light comes on. I also installed a k&n filter which gives me a little more HP! Go Toyota!

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By dkadwell - March 12 - 10:35 am

  We bought this car in 2007 with 6000 miles already on it. We were replacing our Hyundai Elantra which gave us nothing but problems. We love this car. It folds down flat very easily and we have hauled everything in it from trees to our daughters complete nursery. We love it. It have never once given us an issue. It is a little tight with car seats, but still works for us at this point in our lives. It gets about 32/33 mpg city and closer to 36/37 highway. It has been great in these rising gas prices. We have about 104k miles on it and it is still running strong! Highly recommend this car if you want a little more than Sedan but dont dont need more than 5 seats!

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  brand new vehicle - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By cballou - March 10 - 12:56 pm

  This is a brand new vehicle. It could use a case for sunglasses like the tundra, moulding on the outside of the car to prevent dings from other cars opening their doors and I would have preferred the shifter on the column to allow for more leg room, aside from that, it holds my 300lb frame comfortably and gets great mileage.

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  I LOVE MY CAR! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Sarah Lee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  First let me thank all of YOU who have posted on this board, both the negative and positive comments. I have been looking for a vehicle for the last year. This message board definitely helped me make the decision to buy a Toyota Matrix. I used to have a Daewoo Lanos (BIG MISTAKE!!!!! - but lesson learned), and Courtesy Toyota (Winter Park) not only help me out of this car but got me into my new automobile.

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  Cant beat the Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Esemtee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  After months of looking over the various CUV models out there, we finally test drove our Matrix XR. Wow, we fell in love with this car instantly. Since this was replacing the 94 Mercury Tracer that my wife bought brand new, she test drove it first. As soon as we got back to the dealer, and the salesman answered a few questions of ours, my wife said "well take it". It has all the features we wanted plus some extras that were thrown in, for an unbelievable price. That first week we owned it, we showed all of our family and friends. There was an emphatic "wow" from all the people that we took it to.

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  Love My Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By yesenia - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the car very much. But as far as changes the seats can be a little more comfortable and when i want it to go fast i really have to step on it to go its not with the slitest touch but it still goes when it does and i love my car.

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  Sell price - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By carolle - March 7 - 11:43 am

  Tell me what is really necessary to maintain the actual warranty, ect. lube oil filter and full service. What is the actual re-sale value my car is actually a 2004 matrix