Toyota Matrix 2003 - 2008 review
The 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix is a practical, reliable and easy-to-maintain tall compact wagon based on popular Toyota Corolla. Toyota Matrix is one of the most fuel efficient wagons you can find. With the rear seats down, the Matrix offers 53.2 cu. ft. (1.51 m³) of flat cargo space covered with a durable plastic.
 Toyota Matrix 2005. Photo: Toyota Canada |
 Toyota Matrix 2005. Photo: Toyota Canada |
 Toyota Matrix 2005. Photo: Toyota Canada |
The 2003-2008 Matrix was available with front- or all-wheel drive, although AWD models are rare. The base 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine is the same as in the Corolla. This engine uses a maintenance-free timing chain; there is no timing belt to worry about. The sporty XRS model was offered with a 180-hp version of the 1.8L engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Either of these two engines is very reliable if maintained well.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are optional (standard on XRS).
Inside, the Matrix is roomy, with generous headroom in the front and back. The dashboard looks sharp and sporty, with round gauges and chrome trimming. The driver's place offers tall seating position and easy to use controls. A 115V power outlet is among available options.
The rear hatch window opens separately for easy access. The split rear seat folds down flat, offering plenty of cargo space. The cargo floor is covered with an easy to clean plastic. The front passenger seat back folds down too, transforming into a table.
Toyota Matrix has sharper handling and more sporty ride, compared to the Corolla. Overall, it's a nice car to drive, but during a strong side wind you can feel that this is a fairly lightweight vehicle. The 1.8L engine feels a bit underpowered and noisy, but it's a trade-off for better fuel economy. The 2008 1.8L Toyota Matrix is rated at 25/31 mpg or 9.4/7.6 liters per hundred kilometers city/highway. This means you can get estimated 321 miles (516 km) on one 13.2-gallon (50-liter) tank of gas.
In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2003-2004 Toyota Matrix received five stars for both the driver and the front passenger. The 2005-2008 models received five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in the same tests.
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- Reliability
- Stylish sporty look
- Practical roomy interior
- Cargo space
- Rear hatch window opens separately
Cons
- Interior materials could be better
- The engine is a bit noisy
Problems are rare and mostly minor, like noisy serpentine belt idler, check engine light and alike.
Overall
The Matrix offers a combination stylish sporty look, generous space, versatility and fuel economy; Toyota Matrix is one of the most fuel-efficient wagons on the market. Add to this good reliability records and low maintenance costs and you are looking at a very attractive deal. Pontiac Vibe is a mechanical twin of Toyota Matrix and can be also considered as an alternative. When buying a used Toyota Matrix, first check the history records to find out if there were any reported accidents in the past. Check the maintenance records if available. Watch for excessive use of a car perfume - Toyota Matrix is a popular "Dog car." Check the oil level; a low oil level could be an indication that the engine consumes oil. Watch out for engine noises. During the test drive, watch out for noises from a manual transmission; there are complaints about manual transmission failing. Read our used car buyer's checklist with photos for more tips what to look for. Before buying, have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice. After you bought a car, check with a Toyota dealer if all safety recalls have been performed.
A few words on maintenance: Have the oil changes done regularly to keep the engine in good shape; synthetic oil can provide extra protection for your engine. Toyota Matrix is a lightweight car; if you want better traction on snowy winter roads, consider installing winter tires. Change transmission fluid regularly, using Toyota transmission fluid. Use original Toyota parts, they are not very expensive.
More on maintenance:
 10 simple tips how to keepyour car running longer » |
 Easy car maintenance checklist with photos » |
Toyota Matrix problems
There was a technical service bulletin (TSB) on 2005 Toyota Matrix describing a problem with the automatic transmission exhibiting a harsh shift condition with the MIL light ON and the code P2716. The recommended repair involves replacing the ECM (engine computer) with an updated part. Another TSB for 2005-2007 Matrix also recommended replacing the ECM if the engine cranks but won't start with the trouble codes P0601, P0606, P0607. Another TSB for 2004 Toyota Matrix recommended reprogramming the ECM as a solution for the code P0133 (Oxygen Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1). Read more about trouble codes. There was also a recall for a faulty ECM in 2005-2008 Toyota Matrix. You can check for recalls at: Safety Recalls - NHTSA or Transport Canada - Road Safety Recalls Database. Another TSB for 2003-2007 Toyota Matrix described an issue with a bad drive belt tensioner causing squealing and/or rattling noise coming from the engine compartment. The recommended repair involved replacing the drive belt tensioner with an updated part. There is a number of reports about problems with a manual transmission due to a faulty bearing.
Toyota Matrix short specifications (2006 model)
| Dimensions: | |
| Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: -with 16" Alloy: -with 17" Alloy: Wheelbase: |
171.3 (4350 mm) 69.9 (1775 mm) 60.6 (1540 mm) 61.0 (1550 mm) 102.4 (2600 mm) |
| Turning circle: |
35.5 ft (10.8 m) |
| Seating Capacity: |
5 |
| Cargo volume: | |
| behind rear seats: with rear seats folded |
21.8 cu. ft (617 liters) 53.2 cu, ft (1506 liters) |
| Engine: | |
| Matrix Standard / XR: Matrix XRS: |
1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line twin-cam, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i, aluminum alloy block and head; model 1ZZ-FE 126/118 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2WD/4WD) 122/115 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (2WD/4WD) 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line twin-cam, 16-valve DOHC with VVTL-i, aluminum alloy block and head 164 hp @ 7,600 rpm, 125 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy (US mpg, L/100 km): | |
| Matrix Standard / XR 2WD Manual: Matrix Standard / XR 2WD Automatic: Matrix Standard / XR 4WD: Matrix XRS 6-speed Manual: |
city: 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) hwy: 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) city: 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) hwy: 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) city: 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) hwy: 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) city: 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) hwy: 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) |
| Recommended Fuel: | |
| Matrix Standard / XR: Matrix XRS: |
87-octane unleaded 91-octane unleaded |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
13.2 US gal or 50 liters (4WD: 11.9 US gal or 45 liters) |
| Engine Oil capacity: | |
| Matrix Standard / XR: Matrix XRS: |
3.7 quart (3.5 liters) 4.2 quart (4.0 liters) |
