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 51 through 60 of 181.00

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  Peppy little car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By threesa - June 25 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my 2005 Matrix new and have been pretty satisfied with it. Its comfortable (even for passengers), spacious, reliable, and quite peppy. This car is not 4-wheel drive but it easily climbs dirt roads in the mountains. Probably the only fault with it is it doesnt handle inclement weather well at all (I live in the mountains so this posed a serious problem with the snow). I eventually had to put some sandbags down on the passenger foot areas to provide additional weight. Since my usual passengers are 3 dogs, this hasnt encumbered them but, for older children or adults sitting in the back, this would most likely be quite uncomfortable.

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  Sporty and Versatile - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By anniebananie - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Toyota because of its reliability, thats a given. This model is sooo versatile, yet sporty. The fold down seats afford ample room for all kinds of loads. I tend to haul a carload of people as well, which are sure to have plenty of leg room! Super comfortable! Lots of get up and go! And the Toyota name to boot! You cant go wrong with this one!

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  Love my Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Maggie Montgomery - June 19 - 8:00 am

  My 2005 Matrix is very well built, hugs the road so nicely, and makes not one unwanted sound. The motor is strong, has good pick-up, and handles easily. I feel quite secure driving. It has extra security with an engine immobilizer so that no one can start the car without a special key. Helps with my auto insurance.

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  No Highway Cruiser - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ron Fielding - June 11 - 9:20 am

  I bought this car for a winter traveler. It has proven to not be suitable for that. The AWD is great, it corners like a go cart, but the tiny gas tank is a pain. It goes pretty far on the first half of the gauge, but look for a station because you can almost see the level drop the second half. The engine is too small for the weight, so it it buzzy on the highway, and the mileage suffers if you push it on the hills. It does low thirties around town, but has gotten just over twenty, one tank, on the highway. That was in the mountains, and running the 75 limit. My wife is the primary driver when we dont travel, and she wont let me trade it for something else.

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  I love my Matrix xr - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By catathome2 - May 18 - 4:36 am

  my matrix handles like a dream, and I feel safe in it. It is not really powerful, but I dont care for a lot of power, it just gets me speeding tickets that i dont need.

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  What a great car!!! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Shai - April 19 - 3:20 am

  All right, Ill get straight to the point: This car in my opinion has by far the best value for the buck! Okay, so its only a 1.8 engine, but it has well enough power to accelerate on the freeway, and once we all reach "65mph" (yea, I mean 75-80-85mph) its all the same no matter what vehicle you drive right?. On the other hand, the Matrix XR has features that even a BMW doesnt. Its got a power outlet (115V) that turned out to be so useful, its versatilty is outstanding. Right front seat can become a table, hard plastic surface on the back of the rear seats can turn the Matrix to a mini SUV, the fuel consumption is great (29mpg combining city and freeway driving), handling is outstanding!

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  Biggest Little Car in Town! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By fb - February 21 - 2:16 am

  Terrific car. Ive fit sheet rock and lumber, furniture, and my critters (3 dogs and 2 cats) in this car with plenty of room to spare.

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  Not Your Mommas Station Wagon - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By thirtysomething - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We were shopping for a car that could hual 2 adults and 2 babies with all their gear and still be fun for under 25k. This is it. Forget reviews that suggested sticking to the XR - its fun to rev a car up to nearly 8 grand on the tach. Open the moonroof, turn up the great sounding JBL soundsystem with 6 speakers + subwoofer and let it scream. We needed practicality, we wanted fun, the XRS delivers both. Still a safe car - front and side airbags, ABS and the best brakes Ive ever stomped on. Comfy seats, roomy all over for a vehicle in its price range. Drive it and smile.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Jon - January 3 - 4:30 pm

  This car give you everything from good fuel economy, good space for cargo, great style, very reliable, fun to drive with the six speed manual and it is quick when its RPMs are in the 8,000 range. Good car over all and would buy another one with no hesitation.

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  Such a good Choice - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By CupidT - November 2 - 2:33 am

  It is my first car purchase and I LOVE IT. I love the shape of it, I love my red lights on the inside, I love being able to see the song playing on the radio. Im tall about 511 and my knees dont hit the steering wheel.