2004 Toyota Matrix Review
2004 Toyota Matrix Review
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Used Matrix for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
Introduced last year, the Matrix carries over unchanged into 2004.
Edmunds says
Versatile and affordable, the Matrix is the best compact wagon for hauling people and cargo in this price class.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 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 $3.54 per gallon for regular unleaded in Montana.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Montana
$155/mo for Matrix Base
Matrix Base
vs
$175/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Toyota Matrix.
5 star(80%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
286 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing car all around
Michael, 12/23/2015
2004 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I've never owned a car I liked better. In fact, when kids came along and we needed to upsize one of our cars to a mini-van, I traded in my newer Honda Civic which had a lot fewer miles. The Matrix had proven itself a better car all around. This car is very comfortable for someone under 6 feet tall. It's robust, has tons of cargo space and gets good gas milage 30 mpg hwy. I use mine to … commute 50 miles to work everyday and another 50 miles back home. Last time I checked it had about 240,000 miles on the odometer.
5 out of 5 stars
167k Trouble Free Miles
Original Owner, 07/21/2015
2004 Toyota Matrix AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I just sold my Matrix XR after 162k trouble free miles. The only problem I ever had with the car was the original battery failing at 6mo. Even normal maintenance was pretty cheap with the car; (obviously oil, belts, coolant, air filters are really time based and don't vary from car to car) the Matrix was very easy on brakes & gas and decent on tires too.
The car drove well with that … nice Toyota balance of good comfort and reasonable handling. The ability to haul stuff is excellent! The rear seats fold completely flat, the front passenger seat also folds, and you can open the entire hatch or just the glass. All together, the combined to make a great car for road trips or oven to the lumberyard for 2x4's. If I could change one thing it would have been power- another gear in the tranny and 20 lb-ft more torque would have really helped (was disappointed with Toyota when the next generation came out and didn't address these issues, they were the only problems with the design).
If you're reading this, you're probably looking at a used Matrix... if it's been well maintained, go for it. It should treat you very well in the long run.
4 out of 5 stars
Reliable, practical, it's been a great car.
thomkatt, 01/26/2013
2004 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Matrix used in '08 with 52k. It's currently at 103k and I still haven't had any problems with it, aside from regular maintenance (oil/filter changes, replaced tires/brake pads). It's my first car and I've really enjoyed its mix of practicality, fuel economy, and relative sportiness. That's sportiness relative to a camry or corolla; it's relatively fun to drive around town, … but the fun is limited beyond that. I'm a college student, so the flexible cargo area is great for the frequent moves, group trips to the grocery store, and weekend getaways. As far as style, the asymmetrical dash is cool and the exterior is sporty enough (the solar yellow paint helps). It's been a great car.
5 out of 5 stars
2004 XRS 6speed 166k miles
eddiem325, 04/05/2014
2004 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
We bought or XRS new, fully loaded except for navigation. We have driven our car all over the east coast. It has never left us stranded. My wife usually drives it and baby's it. When I drive it, I drive it like I stole it. Besides replacing the a/c compressor and switch, the only thing we've had trouble with was cheap plastics and the clutch. Our 1st clutch went at 80k miles and is ready … to go up again at 166k miles. Will invest in the heavy duty clutch this time. A small oil leak developed at 150k miles on the valve covers. We love our '04 matrix so much we are looking for another "03 to '05 before they're all gone and high mileage.
2004 Matrix Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,670 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $155/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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