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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  I love this car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By dmbjork - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Im not a car person and didnt really care so much what I bought as long as it was big enough, reliable and got good gas mileage. I went with the Matrix and the longer I own it and drive it, the more I love it. The only thing I dont like about mine is that its black. I looks really nice when just cleaned, but boy, does it look bad when its dirty! Ill never buy a black car again.

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  Fun, Sporty, Compact - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By ETNPNYS - August 25 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have done a LOT of research before purchasing this vehicle. We were sold on Toyota by the fact that her 97 Tercel has had no problems and just reached 90k miles. Their vehicles are just exceptional. This car is not the fastest on the road, but it is plenty fast. No other car on the market offers the versatility, performance, luxury, and low price.

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  Sadly disappointed with 2010 Matrix S AWD - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By sbuck2010 - August 19 - 7:57 am

  Pros: Cute, fun to drive, cool interior controls. Rear bumper can take an impact without breaking. Cons: Terrible. 14 city/ 23 hwy. Ive been told to wait until I hit 20,000 miles for it to break in by the toyota dealership. Not okay with me. The car rattles like crazy the second I go above 55mph. The radio volume is no longer speed sensitive. It stopped after about 6 months. Isnt starting properly - I have to hold key for about 5 seconds before it kicks on, otherwise it dies. Just started yesterday. Cloth seats got stained the first day because a bottle of water spilled... no joke. The seats absorb everything. Back seatbelts are made for children. No adult is comfortable.

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  Best for the money - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By PracticalCarBuff - August 17 - 11:23 am

  Clearly the best value choice for a new car at this price. The space and utility combined with fun to drive, features and economy cannot be beat. interior has incredible space and versatility. Though considered less sporty to drive than some others, I enjoy being behind the wheel very much. Has some clear shortcomings at this price in terms of quality and safety that are usually overlooked by reviewers but I find important in real use. Impossible to find perfection in any car at this price, but this vehicle does the best combination for space utility, reliability, efficiency and affordibility. If there was a Lexus version with more power, safety and nicer interior, same value, Id buy it.

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  Matrix XRS - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By DennisM - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Lots of room.

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  A Really Good Car! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Laurie - August 13 - 1:30 am

  I have a manual XR & it easily gets 34 mpg city & 41 + on hwy. With the back seats down, it sure can haul a lot of stuff. I think this car is under-rated. Ive not had a lick of major trouble, just usual mtce & oil changes, etc.

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  Toyota is not reliable anymore!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Julie - August 12 - 11:03 pm

  Fantastic for the first 3 years. Fits a bunch of stuff, comfy to drive long distance, stylish, and great fuel economy. After 3 years our drivers side window totally broke, not related to the recall. Fixable, but only with a new door. We are living without working window. Then at 95,000 miles our engine blew a rod and needs to be totally replaced. WHAT!?!? Warranty only went to 60,000 miles and despite the fact that we maintained the car properly Toyota refuses to take responsibility for the bad build - acting like it is normal for cars to die this young. We expected to drive this for 250,000 miles based on reputation. Well, Toyota is bunk in our book. Honda here we come.

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  Matrix XR with AWD & with automatic - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Keith Vaughn - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine overall car. Automatic is dandy. Engine is too. AWD makes it almost impossible to spin out, amazing thing. The AWD and the automatic do hurt the performance and mpg, but you know that already and cant have it both ways. AWD price does include ABS, which is good, but still only drums on the rear, which are sufficient. The standard Goodyear 16" tires are peachy and the sunroof is a fun thing. Darn good overall car for anyone, although most will skip the sunroof and AWD in southern Nevada.

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  Toyota Matrix XRS, 6-speed - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Keith Vaughn - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have the XRS-6speed & I have had more smiles per gallon with this car than anything Ive ever had. No need for a lot of shifting, as with the low gearing and close rations, you can skip 1 or 2 gears.Only car Ive ever had, where I cant beat the EPA ratings though. Its as advertised, so far, and although Toyota insists, my research, + personal experience, is that it does NOT require 91 octane, but 89, is much better for it. It seems to run slower and loses 2mpg, city/hwy, using 91. Runs fine on 87 too, in normal use. Only options are the 17"tires, side airbags, & stereo.The shocks, handling, brakes, seats, comfort, great!It is plenty quiet & smooth.

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  My aching back and shoulders - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Nicki - August 7 - 7:16 am

  I wanted a matrix for so long! I was so excited to finally get one! Unfortunately that excitement is turning into misery. First off, Im not terribly picky. Ive never considered a little road noise to be an issue or felt the need to drive a car with the high end comfort. Comfort was something I completely took for granted, until now, The steering position is so awkward! I have the seat all the way forward, but still I must reach for the wheel. This puts a lot of strain on my shoulders. And something is not right about the head rests, they push my head FOREWARD! The passenger seat and back seats arent bad, just the drivers seat. As for road/wind noise, Its really bad.