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Used 2005 Toyota Matrix Wagon Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
190 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

It's a Keeper

Sparky, 01/03/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car, needing a daily commuter that got good gas mileage, but with enough room for when I'm hauling the 4 kids. I have occasionally kicked myself for not getting the Scion tC instead, bigger engine, more power, more stylish and fun, auto transmission etc., but opted for the Matrix because of the headroom, especially in the back seat, my 13 year old son is nearly 6 ft tall. But all in all, the more miles I put on this car, the better I like it. It has been rock solid since day one, and the mileage keeps getting better! (currently averaging 35.9 over the last 5k miles. Cargo room is unbelievable, I can easily fit two large Costco carts of groceries inside!

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5 out of 5 stars

matrix

jay w, 11/13/2004
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

good on gas roomy as a 4-runner.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A Kick to Drive

Pennysaver, 11/13/2004
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned my 5 spd. XR for a year. Storage is incredible(seats fold absolutely flat and can carry 15+ bags of mulch, for example), turning radius is excellent, head and rear seating space is great, performance is very reliable and it's easy to maneuver. Would prefer availability of 5 spd. manual on XRS 4WD, slightly higher grade of comfort (leather seats, wood trim, more upscale features) but it's economical (32 MPG city, 39 MPG hwy)and comfortable and that's what counts.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Best for the money

PracticalCarBuff, 01/04/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Clearly the best value choice for a new car at this price. The space and utility combined with fun to drive, features and economy cannot be beat. interior has incredible space and versatility. Though considered less sporty to drive than some others, I enjoy being behind the wheel very much. Has some clear shortcomings at this price in terms of quality and safety that are usually overlooked by reviewers but I find important in real use. Impossible to find perfection in any car at this price, but this vehicle does the best combination for space utility, reliability, efficiency and affordibility. If there was a Lexus version with more power, safety and nicer interior, same value, I'd buy it.

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5 out of 5 stars

outstanding value

rilchard, 12/08/2004
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This littele car handles like a dream. We sold our Lexus and got this and do not regret the move at all. Good gas mileage, good ride, a bit noisy, turns on a dime, hauls our kayaks, and we get lots of compliments on it. We added on to our house ourselves and it hauled lots of building materials from the yard to home. We probably abused it some doing that but it still purrs right along.

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2 out of 5 stars

Bad quality with Worse service!

puffy, 12/08/2004
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Own 03 Matrix, driven 45000 miles. First when I got the car it had problem with radio and rattles in the back of the car. Toyota Central in LA refused to fix the rattle in the back, and took more than a month to replace the radio! They were supposed to call me when they receive the radio but never did! Now rear wheels locked up and does not move!!!! Had regulary serviced every interval but still got lots of problem!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

I love my Matrix

Brad, 02/28/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I traded my IS300 Lexus for the Matrix XR. The car is great! It has virtually all the options as the Lexus, save a few. It handles well, and for my purposes has excellent excelleration. You will love the cargo space..it is the most versatile car I have owned. Quality-wise it is on a par with past Lexus and Mercedes I have owned. Bravo! You will not be disappointed and the gas mileage is very good. I get 26++.

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5 out of 5 stars

WOW! Says it all!

dlogan, 01/03/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Researched, looked, drove mid-sized SUVs for months before accidently coming across this wonderful spot of RED in the dealer parking lot! I have back trouble and needed a TALLER vehicle for comfort, this unexpectedly fit the bill! Went in stopped the paperwork on Jeep and have been extremely happy! Travel about 2000 miles per month and have a great time doing so! Love it with 3 kids and a TALL 6'1'' husband!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Good

Brittany Huneycutt, 12/11/2004
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a wonderful car that turns heads in all the right ways and has great control and handling.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

What a great car!!!

Shai, 02/27/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

All right, I'll get straight to the point: This car in my opinion has by far the best value for the buck! Okay, so it's only a 1.8 engine, but it has well enough power to accelerate on the freeway, and once we all reach "65mph" (yea, I mean 75-80-85mph) it's all the same no matter what vehicle you drive right?. On the other hand, the Matrix XR has features that even a BMW doesn't. It's got a power outlet (115V) that turned out to be so useful, it's versatilty is outstanding. Right front seat can become a table, hard plastic surface on the back of the rear seats can turn the Matrix to a mini SUV, the fuel consumption is great (29mpg combining city and freeway driving), handling is outstanding!

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