2004 Toyota Matrix - Great on gas.
I just sold my Matrix XR after 162k trouble free miles. The only problem I ever had with the car was the original battery failing at 6mo. Even normal maintenance was pretty cheap with the car; (obviously oil, belts, coolant, air filters are really time based and don't vary from car to car) the Matrix was very easy on brakes & gas and decent on tires too. The car drove well with that nice Toyota balance of good comfort and reasonable handling. The ability to haul stuff is excellent! The rear seats fold completely flat, the front passenger seat also folds, and you can open the entire hatch or just the glass. All together, the combined to make a great car for road trips or oven to the lumberyard for 2x4's. If I could change one thing it would have been power- another gear in the tranny an... (more)
I just sold my Matrix XR after 162k trouble free miles. The only problem I ever had with the car was the original battery failing at 6mo. Even normal maintenance was pretty cheap with the car; (obviously oil, belts, coolant, air filters are really time based and don't vary from car to car) the Matrix was very easy on brakes & gas and decent on tires too. The car drove well with that nice Toyota balance of good comfort and reasonable handling. The ability to haul stuff is excellent! The rear seats fold completely flat, the front passenger seat also folds, and you can open the entire hatch or just the glass. All together, the combined to make a great car for road trips or oven to the lumberyard for 2x4's. If I could change one thing it would have been power- another gear in the tranny and 20 lb-ft more torque would have really helped (was disappointed with Toyota when the next generation came out and didn't address these issues, they were the only problems with the design). If you're reading this, you're probably looking at a used Matrix... if it's been well maintained, go for it. It should treat you very well in the long run.
First off, the Toyota Matrix is based on the Toyota Corolla platform, so you know it is a dependable and affordable car to own. Where the Matrix stands out is in the way Toyota designers created A LOT of useable space inside the car, and a lot of nice ways to use that space, while at the same time being fun to drive - something not found in many cars today. I have owned my 2005 Matrix XRS for ... (more)
First off, the Toyota Matrix is based on the Toyota Corolla platform, so you know it is a dependable and affordable car to own. Where the Matrix stands out is in the way Toyota designers created A LOT of useable space inside the car, and a lot of nice ways to use that space, while at the same time being fun to drive - something not found in many cars today. I have owned my 2005 Matrix XRS for three years without any issues, and have meet other Matrix owners who have reported over 250k miles of trouble-free driving, so I believe the car will last me a long time. Just as important, though, is how fun the car is to drive. I just love how the car can be a comfortable ride on the way to work, but then become a joy to drive in the corners on a weekend drive! And again, the Matrix is able to do this with the same cargo hauling utility of a small SUV... vehicles that never come anywhere close to being fun to drive. Also, in my opinion, I believe the Matrix looks like a much nicer car than the Corolla does...and everyone knows the Corolla as the 'entry level' Toyota but the Matrix does not seem to have that stigma. Now if you are looking for sporty, then definitely get the XRS model, that puppy needs to be driven to be appreciated - night and day different than the X and XR versions of the Matrix. I'm surprised Toyota ever made such a sporty car, it's fantastic! I personally like the 2005-2008MY vehicles, as they seem to be the best built cars and have the good looks of the face lifted design introduced in 2005. In 2009, Toyota began to cut a number of corners with the Matrix in engineering and design, so while they are newer, if you are looking to buy a Matrix, I'd choose a nice example 2005-2008MY car first. Additionally, if you are looking at the XRS models, again, in 2009 the XRS lost it's 'zing' and became just another Matrix. Not a bad car, just no longer the sporty car the earlier XRS had been. So to wrap up - the Matrix is an overall great car, able to do most anything you ask it to do, and with this in mind, dollar for dollar, the Toyota Matrix is one of the best automotive values around.
Great on gas.
Great on gas.
Not good for long trips, small space inside.
Not good for long trips, small space inside.
2004 Toyota Matrix - Great car for getting around
The Matrix has provided a comfortable, safe feeling ride since we bought it a couple months ago.
It drives smooth, even over the many speed bumps of San Antonio. I don't feel jostled around when driving over bumps. It's also not too low to the ground and doesn't grind when going over speed bumps.
This is not a fast accelerating vehicle- making it perfect for new drivers (IE teens!) And those who don't need to get up and go. It does accelerate appropriately for the highway but is far from being a race car.
With proper maintenance this has been a reliable car. Less than a day after purchasing it, the transmission light came on, which is normally a major issue. After troubleshooting with at the Toyota dealership, they recommended changing the transmission fluid as a low cost, temporary... (more)
The Matrix has provided a comfortable, safe feeling ride since we bought it a couple months ago.
It drives smooth, even over the many speed bumps of San Antonio. I don't feel jostled around when driving over bumps. It's also not too low to the ground and doesn't grind when going over speed bumps.
This is not a fast accelerating vehicle- making it perfect for new drivers (IE teens!) And those who don't need to get up and go. It does accelerate appropriately for the highway but is far from being a race car.
With proper maintenance this has been a reliable car. Less than a day after purchasing it, the transmission light came on, which is normally a major issue. After troubleshooting with at the Toyota dealership, they recommended changing the transmission fluid as a low cost, temporary fix. It turned out the fluid hadn't been changed in what looked like years so this fixed the issue (no light in three months).
I enjoy having a reliable car that I can use to bring my puppy with me. The air keeps him cool and he has plenty of space to sit or lay comfortably on the back seat. My previous vehicle did not offer this peace of mind.
I enjoy having a reliable car that I can use to bring my puppy with me. The air keeps him cool and he has plenty of space to sit or lay comfortably on the back seat. My previous vehicle did not offer this peace of mind.
The seats are low enough for our puppy to jump in and out on his own. Families with children or older folks may find this as a benefit as well.
The trunk is spacious- the spare tire (and accessories that go with it) are tucked away smoothly, there are two compartments built into the side of the car, and there are three sections where you can attach hanging net compartments (nets are included) to keep things organized.
The back seat folds down flush with the trunk, creating extra space when needed. The puppy's crate is too big for the trunk but with the seat down it fit without a problem.... (more)
The seats are low enough for our puppy to jump in and out on his own. Families with children or older folks may find this as a benefit as well.
The trunk is spacious- the spare tire (and accessories that go with it) are tucked away smoothly, there are two compartments built into the side of the car, and there are three sections where you can attach hanging net compartments (nets are included) to keep things organized.
The back seat folds down flush with the trunk, creating extra space when needed. The puppy's crate is too big for the trunk but with the seat down it fit without a problem.
The gauges are easy to read and well lit. I can glance down and check what I need to without being distracted.
The A/C blasts nice and cold. Electronic windows.
The car automatically locks after a few minutes of being turned off if the remote is not in the car (preventing being locked out).
Although the back seat can accommodate three, the comfort level suffers greatly. Three could fit in a squeeze but I really recommend only two people ride in the second row.
There were a couple factory recalls on parts to do with the air bag system. My husband had them taken care of as soon as we found out so we never had a problem with the system but it is worth looking into if you are buying the car used.
As mentioned before, this car doesn't have the fastest acceleration. To some, this may be a con.
Although the back seat can accommodate three, the comfort level suffers greatly. Three could fit in a squeeze but I really recommend only two people ride in the second row.
There were a couple factory recalls on parts to do with the air bag system. My husband had them taken care of as soon as we found out so we never had a problem with the system but it is worth looking into if you are buying the car used.
As mentioned before, this car doesn't have the fastest acceleration. To some, this may be a con.
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