2004 Toyota Matrix Review
Fuel Economy
24 - 28 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Versatile and affordable, the Matrix is the best compact wagon for hauling people and cargo in this price class.
Pros
Versatile cargo area, good gas mileage, smooth ride, generous standard equipment list, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
Modest torque output from engines, non-sporting driving experience.
What's New for 2004
Introduced last year, the Matrix carries over unchanged into 2004.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best Toyota yet
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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.
Favorite Features
The AWD with the right tire combination makes the car very road worthy and quite safe to drive where other cars would be questionable under the same circumstances.
Suggested Improvements
Engine could be a bit quieter, but considering the performance so far, quite a fair trade off.
Excellent car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Practical & Reliable/Lacks Fun Factor
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
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.
Favorite Features
The Color, gas mileage, large cargo space, Cassette Player, A/C, Dash Design, Rear Legroom.
Suggested Improvements
Up the fun factor... a lot, Make Leather seats available, Make rear wipers standard, improve road noise, Better armrests, Height adjustable seat, Longer seat track. Make a hybrid version to compete with the upcoming Fit hybrid. That pretty much covers it.
Surprised by the poor quality of Toyota
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
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.
Favorite Features
The flexibility of cargo space. When the back seats and front passenger seat are folded flat, it has the convenience of a pick-up.
Suggested Improvements
luggage rack, improved quality of materials, better ground clearance
Turns heads around
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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 !!
Favorite Features
Good young looks, fuel economy.
Suggested Improvements
They should introduce a 6 cylinder engines in this model and navigation with rear camera monitor.
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