Skip to main content

Used 2003 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
332 reviews
2...

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.63 out of 5 stars

Versatile sporty car 2003 XRS 2wd

matthewinaz, 08/30/2012
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
30 of 31 people found this review helpful

I purchased used from a friend with 90k miles and now has 160k miles and not one problem with it. There is so much room in this car. When it was 150K miles I did preventative maintance on it myself(saves money). Front struts, radiator hoses, spark plugs, all fluids, serpintine belt and tentioner

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

My Matrix Jewel

lover of the Lord, 09/18/2006
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

The Matrix I purchased has been a complete joy for me to own. I have had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever. The only thing i had happen with the car is to bottom out in a pot hole and mess up my front bumper. Other than that I'd buy another one, no questions asked, unless they were to make changes to it that I didn't like.

Report Abuse
2.13 out of 5 stars

crappy car

tully2, 10/19/2005
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I would NEVER buy this car if I could do it again! I bought one of the first ones and it is a total LEMON and the dealership won't replace it. drawers and pannels fall off all the time, chrom has fallen off. The AC has broken 3 times and now the engine and transmission have a serious problem and the dealership won't fix it because it is 5,000 miles past the warrenty. I have taken good care of this car and done all the oil changes but it doesn't seem to matter. I expected more from toyota and I also expected a transmission and engine in ANY new car to last longer than 3 years!

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Put to the test, and it passed!

Jake, 09/19/2015
2003 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Let me start by saying I am not gentle with anything I own. I picked this car up with 180,000 miles for $2500 and it had not been taken care of. I learned how to drive stick on it and took it everywhere from the lower Sierra Nevada mountain range on trails where you need a 4x4, to out in the mohave desert where I jumed it so high I ripped the wheel wells out when I landed. It does not quit! The AC has always blown cold and the only thing that I've ever done is give it an oil change, new tires, and a new clutch (that last one was my fault). Now sadly, just short of 200,000 miles the transmission has given out and it is on its way to the junk yard. But it has seen and done more than most trucks ever will and it has never left me stranded no matter where I go. The only thing that could be better is it has a little road noise and it doesn't shift very smooth, plus you have to put the clutch to the floor to shift. Mabey that's just mine but either way I am more than pleased with this car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

3.13 out of 5 stars

Advice

ready, 10/25/2010
2003 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful

I am currently dealing with nightmare of the 2003 AWD Matrix. I do have a warranty. I am looking in to my rights under the lemon law. It seems to me that these cars are coming up with the same transmission problems and the transmission is different in the AWD then from other Matrix's that the trans is Faulty. And Toyota should be responsible. If anyone feels the same way or has any advice for me post on this forum ill be looking out. Thank you

Report Abuse
2...
Items per page:
5