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 1 through 10 of 181.00

• 

  One for the Road - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By trippin - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Its sporty, practical & spacious: Handles like a sports car. Economical like a compact. Roomy like a wagon. Stylish like an s.u.v. Dependable like a Toyota!

• 

  1.8 Auto FWD - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By gordon k laurie - November 23 - 8:36 am

  Have 109k km (now 2009). Very functional, mechanically very sound, and will be difficult to replace. Watch the blind spots (thick windshield posts, small mirrors). Factory tires plain dangerous on wet/slush/snow. Road noise is high (even with undercoating). Single disk CD had to be replaced (jumped tracks). Sluggish initial acceleration but o.k. at highway speed (to be expected for 1.8). Signal light doesnt cancel with less than full turns (nuisance).

• 

  Sporty car for year-round fun - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By dennyvibes - October 24 - 8:35 am

  I have had my Matrix for 6 years in March 2011. I bought it specifically for the all-wheel drive needed for New England winters. The Matrix never gets stuck in the snow, though the standard tires are slippery and you have to drive slowly to keep from skidding in turns, and make sure not to stop too suddenly. Its possible getting standard all-season tires instead of the sportier ones will remedy that. I LOVE driving my Matrix on beaches, sand dunes, and any off-roading I can get. Its so much fun! It holds its own with any 4X4 truck for any typical rugged fun. I just got into an accident in snow on an unplowed road, at a sharp curve, doing down a steep hill. My Matrix kept me safe and sound!

• 

  Good Car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Always Working - October 1 - 4:06 am

  This was my first all-wheel-drive vehicle, and today was my first day in the snow. This was an excellent choice for me as its a solid, reliable car with some panache and good affordability (dont like spending a bundle on cars). Cargo area is surpisingly useful for a compact. Interior is not luxurious but fun and utilitarian. Good cup holders and a cubby just right for a garage door opener is included.

• 

  Great Matrix! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jon cartridge - September 30 - 10:00 am

  this is the car for anyone who wants comfort, style, and a reliable car!

• 

  XRS-2ZZ-GE - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Guy Hence - September 17 - 12:33 pm

  The Yamaha built engine in this car is terrific! Same as the expensive Lotus Elise and Exige! The XRS handles well and gets good mileage. Service is simple and low cost. This is a great car thats well built.

• 

  A Kick to Drive - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Pennysaver - September 12 - 10:40 am

  Ive owned my 5 spd. XR for a year. Storage is incredible(seats fold absolutely flat and can carry 15+ bags of mulch, for example), turning radius is excellent, head and rear seating space is great, performance is very reliable and its easy to maneuver. Would prefer availability of 5 spd. manual on XRS 4WD, slightly higher grade of comfort (leather seats, wood trim, more upscale features) but its economical (32 MPG city, 39 MPG hwy)and comfortable and thats what counts.

• 

  Best choice for us - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By alvin lau - August 24 - 7:36 pm

  My round trip commute is 50 miles. I needed a safe, reliable, practical and economical car. After studying the competition (Honda CR-V, Subaru Legacy wagon, etc.) I decided on a Matrix XR 4WD & havent been disappointed yet. The build quality appears good, the car has enough pep for stop & go traffic as well as cruising at 70+mph. Despite carrying two full-sized adults w/ defrost always on, I average 26mpg so far. The interior is quite roomy for a small car and the flexibility of the fold-flat seats is great. Things do slide around the back a bit but there are cargo nets and tie-downs. My Matrix is easy to maneuver, fun to drive and Toyota is generally reliable - recommended!

• 

  Not What I Expected - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Dissapointed - August 16 - 9:50 pm

  This vehicle replaced a 2005 Toyota Corolla, The Corolla was nearly a perfect vehicle. The Matrix isnt even close to the quality or integrity of the Corolla. The interior plastic is of very poor quality and appearance. The gas mileage as far, far less than the Corolla. Its hard to believe the Matrix is a Toyota. I am not at all pleased with the Matrix. This vehicle has caused me to substantially lower my opinion of Toyota.

• 

  I love my Matrix! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By WeatheringC - July 31 - 11:06 am

  I had a little Honda before I bought my Matrix. When it came time to purchase a new car I had a tall list of things I wanted. I wanted to get my skis in the back, the ability load it up and haul things, and great gas mileage was essential since I was making an 800 mile round trip at least once a month. The Matrix was the only car to satisfy all those needs. I looked for a month before I found a hard to find used Matrix in my area! As soon as I test drove it I knew it was the car to get. The enginering of the interior is exceptional and makes it very versatile. I show it off to everyone. Its enginered well and the styling is classic. I love my Matrix!