2004 Toyota Matrix Review
Price Estimate: $590 - $982





+10
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.
For sale near Mount Juliet, TN
31 listings
- 230,320 miles
- 2 accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- Cars of Kentucky (162 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Richmond, KY
Thank you for browsing our available inventory with Cars of Kentucky! Since '85. Please contact us to confirm vehicle availability.Call Us: 8**.6**.2...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T1KR32E14C182117
Stock: 182117-1
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-20-2025- Not provided
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- K & J Auto Sales (180 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Morristown, TN
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2T1KR32EX4C182133
Stock: R11108
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-24-2025
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 $2.77 per gallon for regular unleaded in Tennessee.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Tennessee
$121/mo for Matrix Base
Matrix Base
vs
$146/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Toyota Matrix Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(80%)
4(15%)
3(4%)
2(1%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Amazing car all around
5 out of 5 starsMichael, 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.
167k Trouble Free Miles
5 out of 5 starsOriginal 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.
Reliable, practical, it's been a great car.
4 out of 5 starsthomkatt, 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.
208,000, and still love it!
4.75 out of 5 starsmamccoy, 05/03/2012
2004 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
My goal is to make it past 300000 miles on this car.
I bought it with 144k, and was told by the owner that he had the transmission rebuilt at 100k by Aamco (though they sometimes may stretch the truth with a vehicle's true repair needs).
They said the Main drive bearing went out.
I put in a new Catalytic converter around 145k, and i've been golden since then until now.
It's time for more … work on the tranny, but some are telling me its the clutch throw-out bearing (release bearing) and some tell me it's the same issue that this car had at 100k.
Regardless, I have loved the car and wouldn't hesitate on getting another.
As for now, I'll fix it and go another 100k, Lord willing!
2004 Matrix Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,670 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $121/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.8 cu.ft. |
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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