2004 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews

Toyota does not stand by its owners

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned the car and it was a great fun car could ignore the minor problems such as a defective battery in the first week and minor fit and finish problems. After 3 years and 37k my clutch went and looking on the internet I found out that 03 and 04 Matrix have hundreds of reported problems with early failure of transmissions.BTW,many of those posts are on the Edmunds forums Toyota has refused to acknowledge there is a problem Now at 79K I find the clutch and transmission is going All my previous standards have gone over 100k
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GREAT all around car

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

bought after reviewing all the amazing reliability reports and excellent gas mileage and have not been disappointed. ZERO issues! only changed the oil, flushed other fluids after 4 years and 140,000 miles. You will not find a better value around and quality to go 300,000+ miles
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practical commuting

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The exterior is great, sporty, yet classy (best looking economy hatchback) - that's something many modern models can't get right (even the new matrix). The interior is roomy and tasteful, the only problem is the low quality storage compartment under the shifter, it kept falling out. Auto on/off headlights are a must. Seats could be more comfortable ('01 elantra was very good). This car does not accelerate very fast and has a noisy ride. AWD shines on the snow. If you go over 75 mph, the car starts vibrating and otherwise complaining about the speed (although once you push it over 80 it can be smooth). Handling is fine, suspension too soft for sharp turns. High winds push it around at 75+
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'04 Matrix XRS 150K Miles Review

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I am a driver. The transmission is very well matched. Replaced clutch at 110K miles. Only normal maintenance required. I love the sound it makes at high revs.
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Matrix Headache

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I purchased this car new with the intent of keeping it a long time with Toyota's reputation. This is the 5th brand new car I have purchased and my first Toyota. It is also my last Toyota. I have never had more problems or put more money into maintaining a car than this one. I just traded this car in with only 83,000 miles on it because I did not want to sink any more repair money into it. Unusual problem areas: neck to gas tank was rusting and would not allow gas cap to seal so car will not pass state emission tests - cost of total repair was over a thousand. Transmission failures after 80k on Matrix (cost over 3k).
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Best Toyota yet

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased this car new. No major problems, only had to replace a battery and the headlamps after 5 years! Comfort is excellent on long trips, have driven 1K miles a day in it on trips. Gas mileage is also excellent. At 63 MPH have obtained better than 36 MPG, did 38.1 MPG once, no complaints here. The AWD is an excellent advantage in extreme rain drenched roads and snow. Never have been able to spin the tires. I am using Michelin Hydroedge tires, the car really handles quite well. Just keep the required maintenance up and this car will last a long time.
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Excellent car

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We bought this car new. It has not had any problems. We even pull a 10'X6' trailer around town three or four times a year. It has 106,000 miles on it. My kids have broken the back exterior door handles due to pulling down instead of just out (due to their height). Other than that - it is a great car and we consistently get 31 mpg. There is a funny noise it makes when it is 45 degrees or colder until it warms up.
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Practical & Reliable/Lacks Fun Factor

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I like the Vibe's styling better, but I got the Matrix because of the yellow color. It's extremely practical, like an SUV w/o the bad gas mileage. I've fit a push mower and a old clunky stationary bike in the back with the seats folded down (not at the same time although that wouldn't be impossible). The gas mileage is good too; I've averaged 27-30 mpg depending on how hard I've driven. It doesn't bother me but if you're gonna get a yellow car be aware that bugs like yellow cars like they like streetlamps. Compared to other cars the A/C is quick to start cooling during the summer. My only issue with it is that it's not very fun to drive. Maybe next time I'll go for the HHR SS,or the Audi A3.
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Surprised by the poor quality of Toyota

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is the first Toyota I've ever owned. My husband and I bought this car because we wanted a small, fuel-efficient car to get us around town with the capability of expanding cargo space when needed. Unfortunately, I have been sorely disappointed in some of the features of the car. Within the last two years, both rear door handles have completely broken. The replacement cost for each door handle is $200. The rigid metallic coating of the interior door handles has loosened and actually cut my fingers. Various other compartments (while clever and convenient) have broken or become loose. The bumper pops loose easily and can drag.
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Turns heads around

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The most elegant looking, economical spacious like a van and the best value for money. Compare the looks with a 40K Lexus RX 330 and compare the storage space after folding seats with an Odyssey. (I own that one too!) My biggest pleasant surprise after 5 yrs of use and fully paid auto loan I have an asset with book value of 11K !!
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