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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  Just a great value vehicle - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bzzd - November 15 - 12:33 pm

  We bought our 2003 Matrix used in 2005. It had just over 20K km on the clock. It now has 260K. It has really been trouble free motoring - replaced 2 wheel bearings otherwise only routine maintenance. It has maintained a very adequate fuel economy. We love this vehicle so much that we are buying a 2013 model with as close as possible the features of our present one. Everything still works fine.

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  My Trix What a car! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By sibordelik - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and drives great! Gas is no subject to my matrix~! The car is all around perfect!~ 2 probs.. a little difficult to get used to looking out the back of the car.. and once in a while in the winter you may get a egg smell from the tailpipe from the over oxygenized gas in the colder weather.. that is due to all the envirmental protection devices in the car.. its a zippy great looking car. I have gotten tooooooo many compliements on it!

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  Worth The Money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ttocsffej - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Although this is NOT a sports car, it is fairly peppy when prodded. The 4 spd autobox is smooth and gearing seems to work well with the 130hp engine. Frequently find myself going 10-15 mph over the speed limit, the sensation of speed is more like and SUV! Very versatile interior design, with plenty of room for 4 big adults. The ride is exceptional for a car this of size, and it is very quiet at cruising speed. The gas mileage so far is exceptional. Build quality, despite a few comments Ive read here is quite good. Maybe a year of production has helped iron out the glitches.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Mary Ellen Snyder - November 8 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned my Matrix for almost 4 years and I can say that this is the first car I have ever considered keeping beyond 4 years. I am dismayed that they eliminated the AWD option as it has been super through several New England winters. I am a nurse who has to get to work no matter the weather and it has never let me down. The car is fun to drive and gets great mileage considering that it is an AWD small SUV. I have transported furniture and bikes and all sorts of luggage in it. I am a scrapbooker and can carry all of my "stuff" as well as that of a friend in it and have room to spare when we go away for scrapbooking weekends. I have never been attached to a car before this one. Love it!

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  Best car ever! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert Sander - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. 1000 reasons to love it and I havent found a single disadvantage yet.

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  No problems yet - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Scott - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car with 85,000 miles on it from the dealership almost 3 years ago. It now has 116,000-17,000 miles on it and i havent had any issues yet. I keep up with all maintenance. She has never let me down yet, and I have a lot of future plans for her.

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  Fun But Also a Pain - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Tanamoor - October 26 - 7:56 am

  Pros: Good acceleration, great on trips. Comfortable inside, roomy for passengers, the seats lie flat, front passenger seat lies down - can carry long items. Has an AC outlet. I loved the 6 dsc CD changer and the moonroof. Nice looking exterior. The seat sits a little higher than most sedans and the shift lever is forward on the dash which is comfortable for me. Cons: gas pedal is very touchy. It is easy to stall out when starting from a standstill. Sometimes it has trouble going into 1st or 2nd gears. The engine is annoyingly loud. The "apron" or skirt deal under the front grill is very cheap and low to the ground so it gets scraped all the time.

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  MY 2003 Toyota Matrix XR is AWESOME ! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By James C. Byrd - October 19 - 2:00 am

  In the summer of 2003, just after purchasing this car, i made a trip to California from my home in central Florida. The route taken was north I-95 to West I-10 to California. We traveled up the coast to San Francisco and then journied back through the high country of Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, and on east to I-75 south, takin us back home to central Florida. The fuel mileage on the trip reached 28 city and 36 highway with less in the high mountain zones out west and in Tennissee, which was to be expected.

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  Fun car to drive - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Gerald Sutton - October 14 - 10:00 am

  The car body is to low to the ground causing you to hit parking stops if you pull in too far.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Rico - October 12 - 11:00 am

  The XRS model is just fun to drive. It moves when you need to move. The 6- speed is the way to go with this vehicle. Great steering that handles well.