Used 2005 Toyota Matrix Wagon Consumer Reviews
Matrix XR
Good car for the money. It's not for racing, but for everyday drive is comfortable.
Mazda3 Hatchback vs. Toyota Matrix
This is a great looking car that handles great, and is very versitile. The Mazda3 is quite comparable, but it has a bigger engine (2.3L vs. 1.8L)and is also 5 inches longer. The matrix however sits higher the mazda which is great if you hate sitting in trafic and having low visability. It is higher then sedans and slighly lower then a Rav4 in terms of seating. Matrix is slightly wider and taller then the mazda3. Unfortunately I did not get to test drive a mazda3 before I purchased this car, as I fell in love with it the moment I took it for a test drive. It won out when I test drove a Rav4 and a camary before this one. Very comfortable seats, great for long trips. Toyota = Reliable!!
- XR WagonMSRP: $4,500329 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,995338 mi away
- XR WagonMSRP: $6,400407 mi away
Great mileage, looks, handling, & space
Just purchased the car (2005 model). . . I'm 6'2" and about 250lbs. and was amazed at the room this car offers for its size. Cost of this vehicle was excellent, looks great, offers excellent features, and has great versatility. This is the first Toyota I've ever purchased, so I hope it's as reliable as my 3 Nissan's were. I like this vehicle much better than my 2001 Ford it replaced.
Love my Matrix
After driving SUV's for 20 years, it is a pleasure to drive this car. Love the handling and fuel economy and cargo capacity is greater than expected. I would definitely buy this car again. I do not ride "offroad" and the all wheel drive handled the snow easily. I feel very confident when driving in heavy rain with this car.
Great car, all around!
I downsized from a Ford F150 Super Cab, and haven't missed it. My fuel bills have been cut by 2/3. I'm 6'4" and surprisingly fit very comfortably, even with our family of 5 in the car. It's a lot of fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission.
Chose Matrix over Mazda 3 Hatchback
I spent a lot of time investigating and researching for my next vehicle to replace a 2001 Ford Escape. Had it down to the Matrix or the Mazda 3 Hatchback. I test drove the Mazda, it was nice although couldn't really tell that it had more power than the Matrix. Bought the Matrix because we had a 2004 Corolla that has been great and the price was over a $1000 less than Mazda. The Matrix has not disappointed. Plenty of power, even some wheelspin! Have been getting a consistent 29-30 mpg for a mix of city and highway travel. Ride is great, better than the Escape. Lots of little extras make this a super Corolla with fantastic hauling capacity.
almost perfect
I have had my Matrix XR for about 600 miles now. It's everything the reviews said. It's sporty, roomy inside, handles great thanks to the Goodyear Eagle tires and keeps suprising me with it's great features. I've only ran one tank of gas so far and got 28mpg on mostly city driving, no highway. That's a little less than I hoped for but still pretty good. Yes, the seating position for the driver takes a little getting used to. (See improvements below) But once the seat is adjusted you have little problem. The sunroof and ABS brakes are terrific as is the upgraded stereo system. The stereo rivals my home system when you are playing a CD. The dash lighting (red on black) is wonderful.
Good Car
This was my first all-wheel-drive vehicle, and today was my first day in the snow. This was an excellent choice for me as it's a solid, reliable car with some panache and good affordability (don't like spending a bundle on cars). Cargo area is surpisingly useful for a compact. Interior is not luxurious but fun and utilitarian. Good cup holders and a cubby just right for a garage door opener is included.
OCEAN MATRIX
FUN CAR TO DRIVE, REALLY ROOMY EXCEPT IN THE FRONT SEAT
In lust with my Matrix
When I went shopping for a new car, upgrading from a tiny 95 Geo Metro LSi hatchback to the Toyota Matrix was like going from a studio apartment to a 4 bedroom home. I love everything about my sporty red Matrix, even though I had to wait 2 months for the color, it was well worth it. At 5'10" tall, I am very comfortable in both the front and back, though my 6'4" husband prefers the front, he says he could handle an hour long trip sitting in the back. Recently we moved and I was able to pack my car with 5 large rubermaid totes and some bags and still see out the rear window! I feel like the space never ends -- it is deceiving for such a sporty looking car. With tinted windows, it is hot!