Overview & Reviews

The Matrix receives a revised front bumper, taillights and grille to freshen up the exterior, along with a new audio head unit design, optional side curtain airbags and other minor interior changes. Stability control is also newly optional.

• Versatile cargo area, roomy rear seats, good gas mileage, generous standard equipment list, availability of all-wheel drive and stability control.

• Modest torque output, less fun to drive than its styling suggests.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 181.00

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  Best small car wagon for the money - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By norbert - November 29 - 1:06 am

  Drives like the small car that it is. Very reliable. Great gas milage when you drive the speed limit and proper fuel saving driving techniques. 44 mpg on recent trip driving at 60 mpg in cruise control.

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  Poor Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By shane - November 25 - 11:23 am

  I love this car, it fit all my needs, even trips to Home Depot and Lowes for the occasional building material. I owned it for two years before I wrecked on I495. Now I am going to go buy another one in a different color.

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  Downsize - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Lamar Winters - October 16 - 10:50 pm

  Having driven this car for only the best part of a week I must say that I am impressed, despite the "expert" evaluations. Just coming off a Lexus RX330 I had no big expectations but needed to down size and I am a big Toyota fan. I really enjoy the driving experience and my height(510") and arm length adapt to the driving position nicely. I dont have a problem with the engine performance because for me its a change in driving style and a willingness to adapt. Road noise is not all that bad and all this fuss about engine noise I dont get at all. I drove the AWD car initially but did not like the color or performance and was please when I drove away in the FWD, Shadow Mica ... cool!!

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  First toyota - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By otto mattioli - August 22 - 2:30 pm

  Excellent entry/exit makes this the best size for my wife and I, both in or late 60s. We dont have to crawl under a steering wheel like some of the newer cars or climb up like some of the big suvs seat/steering wheel adjusment is great. Would recommend this wagon to anyone I can.

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  2005 Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Carol - August 14 - 7:43 pm

  I like the car but was terribly disappointed with the gas mileage, I only get 26 mpg around town and very little more on the Hwy. I have a 1984 Mazda GLC that gets better mileage around town. Also I hit the edge of a patch of black top which had been removed to replace (approx 2") and the car jumped all over the road. Scary! I had hoped to save a lot more on gas and to feel pretty safe, for a small car--I dont. I make many trips to No. California and am back to driving my 4- Runner as the 4 miles a gallon I save is not worth the loss of space and security. And kill the seatbelt warning which goes off every time I have my small dog in the car or a briefcase. well, I wish I had something else

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  Super Cool - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By JW - August 6 - 1:36 am

  The Matrix feels like an SUV, but it is very low to the ground so theres a low risk of rolling over. It looks very sporty and feels very nice to drive. It is, afterall, a Toyota-- what more could one ask for?

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  I love my Toyota - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert - July 31 - 1:26 pm

  I have now over 186,000 miles and the only major expense I had was brakes and tires and the rest was just periodic oil changes. I drive this car for work and pleasure. Let me tell you, aside from the so so fuel economy, this is a car that does everything and never lets me down.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By grannyjo - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Sporty and fun. Lots of interior room. Plenty of room to move things. Both back seats and passenger seat fold down to allow carrying misc. cargo. Passenger seat folds down to provide a table for backseat passenger. Plenty of leg and head room. Hatchback is convenient and cargo cover provides privacy. Average gas mileage is 33 mpg- -I drive mostly highway miles. I have owned car for 1 month and I have yet to regret purchase. Insurance is reasonable, also.

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  Everyone is happy - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By kass - July 17 - 10:00 am

  My family, 17 and 12 year old sons, 15 year old daughter, my wife and I all like it. Everyone has found something about this car that makes them smile. It is a Toyota and it is fun to drive.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ryan - June 13 - 12:43 pm

  When we were looking to buy, we had a few primary concerns: cargo space, being able to park it in NYC, mileage, price, and of course safety. Were thrilled with the Matrix because its delivered on all fronts. Playing in a band, I need to haul alot of equipment around with me- it has more than enough space and the plastic cargo area is durable and eases loading in/out. Its shorter (though taller and wider) than the Corolla, and parking even in tight spots has been a breeze. the MPG has been at around 28-32, depending on where im driving (city or hwy), and this will go up over the next year or two. i paid 15,000 for it, which i was happy with! and its gotten great safety ratings!