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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  Nice little car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By BoxerChamp - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Downsized from a full size SUV to the matrix. Lots of room in the back I love how the back seats fold back and leaves you with a large area for storage. The gas mileage is a plus too.

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  GREAT all around car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix vibe owner - November 2 - 10:30 pm

  bought after reviewing all the amazing reliability reports and excellent gas mileage and have not been disappointed. ZERO issues! only changed the oil, flushed other fluids after 4 years and 140,000 miles. You will not find a better value around and quality to go 300,000+ miles

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  Spoiler is very low - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Nutan Jha - November 2 - 2:33 pm

  Pros: I bought Toyota Matrix because of its hatchback feature to transport kids back and forth from their college dorm. It is roomy and has lots of space inside. Cons: The spoiler is too low and I always hit and scratch it during parking. Not only that the spoiler is just a clip on and it keeps popping out. I am very disappointed due to that. I was traveling on one of the busiest bridge in New York at night and I felt I drove on something, later when I stopped at a gas station I discovered that the right spoiler was missing and the left spoiler was hanging out. I had to stop at a gas station to tie a string to it.

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  Fun Little Car - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Happy Owner - November 1 - 9:36 pm

  This is a peppy little car thats not so little. Lots of room for kids, groceries, or whatever you need to haul around. Its fun to drive, has a great safety rating and it doesnt look like a "mom" vehicle. Tint the windows and even the base model is quite sporty looking.

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  Toyota Fun - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Boopmak - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I would recomend this car to anyone ranging from teens to seniors. It is extremely comfortable, sporty looking and practical. Whenever I am ready to buy another vehicle, it will be a Toyota!

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  Two Months now - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By JC - October 20 - 9:23 am

  I brought this after having a Toyota Camry wagon for years, and a Subaru Outback for past 7 years. In two months I have put only 1500 on it. I love this car, got 34 with NO AC on a longer trip, getting 20-22 around town. Both above EPA estimates for this 2.4 auto. Love the handling and pep, the styling is distinctive and attractive, many compliments. On the practical side, hey I never buy a vehicle I cant sleep in, and this is no exception with lots of room, love the folding FPassenger seat. Roofrack is study for bike. Its a sporty hatchback/small wagon, and a welcome change from poor mileage with Subaru AWD, which I do not need in Central Virginia.

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  Love My Car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Charlie - October 16 - 9:10 am

  We bought the Matrix because the wife wanted an SUV and I wanted a Camry, this became our cross breed. The Matrix is a wonderful car, except when backing out of a parking lot, it is made a lot like the Camry, yet it is big enough to to feel like youre driving an SUV. We feel that we have made the best choice that we could have made at the time and are looking into buying a second Matrix.

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  I love my Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Brad - October 5 - 11:53 am

  I traded my IS300 Lexus for the Matrix XR. The car is great! It has virtually all the options as the Lexus, save a few. It handles well, and for my purposes has excellent excelleration. You will love the cargo space..it is the most versatile car I have owned. Quality-wise it is on a par with past Lexus and Mercedes I have owned. Bravo! You will not be disappointed and the gas mileage is very good. I get 26++.

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  No need to even look at the 09 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Cignal - October 1 - 8:23 pm

  I have the original 03 XR, loaded, nav, sunroof, 18 inch wheels. Looks great. But the best thing is the mileage. Consistently well over 30 mpg. On a trip to San Diego from Huntington Beach, all freeway, all cruise control, very flat-land trip, right lane, 52 mph, this beauty gave me 41.3 mpg. Not typical, but true. Came w/ factory navigation + 6 CD changer; still cost just over 19K. Great for making service calls and hauling Home Depot stuff. A little weak on HP; Id rather have the MPG anyway. Had to replace a faulty nav, sunroof motor, both under warranty. No reason to even look at the 09s. Only neg is the inst panel: hard to read in bright sunlight; remedy is to replace all gauges.

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  huh, r u talking to me? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By The King - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive, especially in the rave range,,,,VROOM! Solid and cool looking