2003 Toyota Matrix Review
2003 Toyota Matrix Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile cargo area, good gas mileage, available all-wheel drive, plumped-out features list.
Cons
- Modest torque output from engines, numb steering.
What’s new
The Matrix is an all-new model from Toyota. It offers sporty looks, enhanced cargo-carrying abilities and useful features not commonly found in small cars.
Edmunds says
Sporty, versatile and affordable. The Matrix is a strong competitor in just its first year out.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$154/mo for Matrix Base
Matrix Base
vs
$180/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
All right, what is it? A wagon? An SUV? A five-door hatchback? A jellybean with attitude? Toyota claims its new Matrix is a crossover utility vehicle, or CUV. How about we just call it a "cargo-friendly small car" and leave it at that?
The Matrix is based on the new 2003 Corolla platform, as is its sister car, the Pontiac Vibe. The goal of both cars is similar to the one set by Chrysler's PT Cruiser: offer the interior functionality and flexibility usually associated with larger vehicles but in a compact package. To that end, the Matrix features room for five passengers, a wealth of storage space, zippy powertrains and an affordable price.
In terms of cargo space, the Matrix is very similar to a compact SUV. The tailgate opens upwards, and the rear glass can be raised independently. Doing so reveals a rear cargo area that can hold 21.8 cubic feet of cargo. A special cargo-floor track features eight adjustable tie-down hooks. Underneath the floor is a hidden storage compartment. The 60/40-split rear seats can be folded flat, thereby expanding cargo room to 53.2 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folds forward, allowing items more than 8 feet long to be carried with the tailgate closed.
Three trim levels are available: standard, XR and XRS. Each comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers of the standard and XR are offered a choice of either front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. With front-wheel drive, the engine makes 130 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. It also gets good gas mileage and is clean enough to warrant an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rating. The four-wheel-drive model has a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) rating and makes slightly less power (123 hp). A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available with 4WD, while front-drive cars can also be ordered with a five-speed manual.
The front-drive XRS is the sportiest trim. It comes standard with a 180-hp engine, four-wheel disc brakes and a six-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is also available. Toyota isn't skimpy with the wheel packages: All Matrix models come standard with 16-inch wheels and 205/55R16 tires. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are an option, as are 17s with 215/50R17 tires (XR and XRS only). Antilock brakes are standard on the XRS and four-wheel drive models.
Most major amenities are either standard or optional, depending on trim. Highlights include air conditioning; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; a power moonroof; a six-disc CD changer; and side airbags. For the directionally challenged, an optional DVD-based navigation system is available. Perhaps the coolest feature is a 115-volt household auxiliary outlet. Imagine the possibilities! Now you, too, can plug in your dancing and singing Elvis doll and have him with you at all times!
The Matrix (along with the Vibe) is an intriguing choice. Our pick for trim would likely be the XR. It's affordable, sporty and comes with just the right amount of useful features. Should you desire more, nearly everything can be had on the XR. Regardless of trim, the Matrix should be on your list if you're looking for a sporty wagon, err, hatchback. SUV. CUV. Whatever.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Toyota Matrix.
5 star(73%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
332 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
380k miles and going
Oscar R., 09/17/2015
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this matrix xrs brand new. Zero miles on it back in April 2002. Now it's September 2015 with 380,130 miles on it. Yes it's miles not km. this car is a beast.
original engine and Six speed transmission
Original air conditioning, power steering, alternator,radiator fan.
Major parts replaced:
Starter
Water pump
Catalytic converter
This car still gets 30 mpg, best car ever owned. … My target is to hit 500,000 on it.
Odometer will stop at 299.999 miles. To replace odometer it's about $850 to do it. I just use my trip gauges to keep track of mileage. The key is keep up with the oil changes.
5 out of 5 stars
Legendary Toyota reliability, fun to drive
Richard, 08/07/2015
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
I bought a 2003 XRS w/190k for $3k, fuel efficient, absolute blast to drive! Exceptional ride and build quality. Most importantly, this vehicle saved my life! I was struck from behind by a Cadillac doing well over 60 mph, I forced the driver door open and walked away unscathed!(5-star frontal and rear crash ratings)
A sporty look with very practical storage options. As far is I'm … concerned, one of the best overall cars ever produced. Only drawback is this engine requires premium gasoline, but with nearly 30 mpg it's not that big of a deal. A true driver enthusiast's car.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Quite the Warrior
jones3kn, 03/21/2014
2003 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
My mom and dad bought this car new and when I turned 16 in 2008, they turned it over to me. Before I had it, my brother drove it and got in a wreck with a large SUV and it survived with just a large dent in the front end. Since then, I have put this car through the wringer. I'm a rock climber, so I am constantly travelling and the storage capacity is amazing with the folding back seats. … This is my go-to road trip car. It's now 11 years old and I just took it up through the Adirondaks, White Mountains and to Maine and back to Ohio. It has a little over 150K and it's still running strong. I'm actually planning a trip across the country to visit my brother in Portland, OR from Ohio.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Toyota matrix XRS
codywindham, 01/21/2014
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I am 16 years old and bought this as my first car. It has 241000 miles on it but it still runs like its new. It has great pickup and great handling and is really fun to drive. It gets decent gas mileage. The only thing I had to do was change the hoses but that is normal with cars with a lot of miles. I highly recommend this car.
2003 Matrix Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,670 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $154/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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