Used 2005 Toyota Matrix Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Fun, Sporty, Compact
My wife and I have done a LOT of research before purchasing this vehicle. We were sold on Toyota by the fact that her '97 Tercel has had no problems and just reached 90k miles. Their vehicles are just exceptional. This car is not the fastest on the road, but it is plenty fast. No other car on the market offers the versatility, performance, luxury, and low price.
wife's 1st new toy
After searching for about 6 months we finally decided to go with the Matrix. We test drove everything from a Mazda to a Pontiac and decided on the Matrix. With two children and two adults in it on a road trip it was excellent. Not a complaint about room or my side your side stuff. All of our friends and family couldn't believe for the money how many features we got.
- XR WagonMSRP: $4,90086 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,50095 mi away
- XR WagonMSRP: $3,995106 mi away
NEW NEW NEW
LOVE IT. What more can I say? Could use a bit more passing power but I don't want to give up the mpg. We got the automatic but I recommend the stickshift. If I had to do it over I wouldn't get the auto. It sucks too much juice out of the engine at high speeds. Otherwise I wouldn't change a thing.
One for the Road
Love this car! It's sporty, practical & spacious: Handles like a sports car. Economical like a compact. Roomy like a wagon. Stylish like an s.u.v. Dependable like a Toyota!
Traded Lower for a Pleasant Surprise
Traded in a top of the line 2001 Honda CRV because I wanted a vehicle that got better mileage, cost less, and was a bit smaller. Got all that with the Matrix and more. It is quieter, shifts more smoothly, and has a peppier engine than my old CRV (by the way, I had no trouble with my CRV - liked it but wanted to trade for reasons listed above). My ONLY problems with it so far (have owned it for only a few weeks) are that I find it disconcerting that I can't see much of the front of the vehicle while sitting in driver's seat - hard to judge how much is in front of me (I expect this "feeling" will go away with time.) So far, I'm getting MUCH less gas mileage than what is advertised.
Toyota Fun
I would recomend this car to anyone ranging from teens to seniors. It is extremely comfortable, sporty looking and practical. Whenever I am ready to buy another vehicle, it will be a Toyota!
Silver beautiful
The Matrix is an owner's delight to own. It handles great, fuel mileage is wonderful, my wife just won't let me have it. Guess I gotta get another one lol. Great job Toyota. Highly recommend this car for anyone on the car market looking for room and fun.
Fun Car/ Reasonable Price
I bought a Radiant Red Toyota Matrix with a good sound system, sunroof, alloy wheels, sunroof, and even had the Toyota wheels chromed after added a limo tint to the windows. Added a personalized license and made the car 'fun to look at', and made it an eye catching vehicle around $20,000.00. People stop me in the parking lot to ask me about it, and the higher roof makes it roomy for a driver over 6 feet tall. So far, the car has been reliable and fun and I like it very much. I had a 300 HP V8 engine before this car, so the power is a bit slow, but I'm used to that and appreciate the mileage at the gas station. I highly recommend the Matrix. It's FUN.
very fun car
I traded in a 2002 Nissan XTerra for this cars so I went from 14 mpg to 32 mpg. I love it. I drive 250 mi a week to work so I need great mpg, but to get a fun car that definitely can move out of its own way is great. Thinking about purchasing the supercharger from TRD. This will give it the same power as the XRS model for about the same price. Otherwise I am very pleased at the power above 4000 rpm for a little 4-cylinder engine. We shall see what winter brings without a 4 wheel drive anymore it will be interesting.
Don't look any further
This car is a LOT of fun to drive. The ride is a little more stiff than the Camry and it's a little louder. The guages are extremely easy to see even in direct sunlight and are very well thought out. All of the controls are within easy reach and make sense where they are placed. The driver's seat has a height adjustment so my wife (on the short side) can see out just as well as I can when she lifts it up. Our 3 kids fit in the back without any problems and my 10 year old still has plenty of leg room and room to grow even when I have the seat as far back as I need it. The seats folding and creating a flat loading space is great, durable and easy to clean.
matrix
This car has a great design, very well thought out designs by Toyota like the anchors in the back. Seats sit up pretty high so it give you a good view of the road and of course the build quality of this car is outstanding.
Fun and versatile
I retired a big SUV after 10 years and 160K miles to buy a new Matrix. It always gets noticed, and everybody likes the looks. I volunteer at a high school, and the kids have dubbed it "cool" and "so cute", about the highest praise available from teenagers. It seats five with good comfort (I've taken some of those same kids on a two-hour trip, and they stayed cheerful in the back seat) and it has the cargo room needed by a homeowner and business owner making weekend trips to Lowe's and Home Depot, and the plastic surface and abundant tiedowns and cubbies make the cargo area very useful. And it sure was nice to see the dials on the gas pump start with a "2" instead of a "4".
Everything I Expected
I've owned my 2005 Matrix XR 5-speed for 4 months and so far have nothing but good things to say about the car. My Matrix is fun to drive, has very comfortable and supportive seats, lots of passenger room, and gets very good gas mileage. The lowest I have gotten is 31 MPG, and that was on the first tank of gas from the dealership. Since then it has averaged 34 - 36 MPG, depending on how much highway driving is included. I know people who have bought Hybrid vehicles (Civic and Prius) who don't get that much better mileage (40 - 45 MPG) to justify the higher price. My Matrix was under $17K OTD. The car has no squeaks or rattles and feels like it will hold up well for the next 10 years.
Everyone is happy
My family, 17 and 12 year old sons, 15 year old daughter, my wife and I all like it. Everyone has found something about this car that makes them smile. It is a Toyota and it is fun to drive.
Happy to be downsized!
I love this car. We downsized from a Grand Caravan (talk about a lemon!!) and had the requirements of high gas mileage and serious reliability with enough cargo room to carry a labrador... this car fits the bill for sure! Two months later and I love it. It handles well (helped me lose the minivan-mom image), has gotten 29 mpg the last two tanks (combined driving but mostly city) and with the Toyota name on the back I know it will satisfy my need to not dump money into expensive repairs. The cargo area is all plastic, which works great with the dog and my husband wishes he could pull the super-comfy seats out of my Matrix for his Scion XB.
Love it but kind of weak
I've been wanting this car for years. But before I got this car, I had a 2000 Ford F-150 truck so it was really powerful but it guzzled gas like no other. I sold it and got the matrix. I just love the matrix but I miss the power that I had before. The car is very roomy and fun to drive especially during the summer.
I love it but
I love the my matrix its very confortable with its high seats, it sits high like a SUV so that you will have a better view of the road, good pick up, but there is one thing that needs improvement and that is the mirrors they don't fold in, and that can be problem when parking on a busy or narrow street. But its still a great car.
Matrix XR
Good car for the money. It's not for racing, but for everyday drive is comfortable.
A great car
I just got a 2005 model and i think it is the GREATEST. I have the XR model. It rides GREAT. The seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room. The back seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room. There is plenty of storage space with all kinds of extra pockets. The fit and trim is exclent. The turning radis is GREAT. It drive like a car only better.
Good Deal.
We purchased a Matrix after owning four long lived Toyota's. For '05, the tail light design is sportier and the ground effects incorporate the fog lamps. The Matrix has plenty of room for two kids. The front seating position is very comfortable. Most small cars in this category make me feel like I am sitting in a hole. So far so excellent. Not one complaint. Then again, it is Toyota.
Not just a wagon...A mini SUV!
What a fun car! I don't need a step ladder to get in and I'm sitting eyelevel with some SUV's but with much better gas mileage and the ability to park just about anywhere. The AWD holds the road especially well in rain. I find the sensors really useful to let me know if a passenger is not properly belted in.
My 2005 Matrix
A very nice automobile. We have owned other Toyotas and I am equally happy with thi one. We just took it on a 200 mile trip and it was very comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle. We got good fuel economy, approximately 29-30 MPG.
very impressive
this car was very cool and a delight to test drive i enjoyed it very much handle great ,a lot of comfort for a small car every body must test drive this car the price is right on the money ,this is what i call a trip car for the gas mileage
Versatile
Very versatile car. Great ride. Range is a bit on the low side. Has enough power for city driving and merging with traffic. Have yet to take it on a long roadtrip with a load of luggage, kids, bikes on the back, and the A/C running while that 18 wheeler is running up behind me...
I LOVE MY MATRIX
Car is excellent on gas.... great for moms like me with active kids.... big cargo for groceries. I downsized from the Toyota sienna... also an excellent auto... just too big for me... no more strollers or diaper bags to lug around... matrix doesn't look like the big wagon from the 70s. Nice and sporty for the on the go mom.
Vroooooom
Bought this in June of 2004. Get about 28 MPG in the city. Has nice grab on the road. Nice tight corners. Back seat is roomy. Love the fold down seats (including passenger front seat.) Sometimes the front passenger seatbelt has to be buckled to prevent the beeping-alarm from going off, if I have a package on the seat. For some reason when I locked myself out of the car, Toyota said they didn't cover the locksmith to unlock me, and after debating it with them for 10 minutes, they discovered they were wrong. Blamed it on the computer system not being accurate. That was fustrating. But it is a reliable car with good gas mileage. I'd buy it again.
Awesome
I love this car. I just replaced my 90 Corolla with the Matrix, and I am so impressed with this ride. It's so high and comfortable and has plenty of pep.
Excellent car to have
I love my Toyota Matrix XR, its fun to drive I get excellent gas mileage and there is plenty of run for the kids and for other things
First toyota
Excellent entry/exit makes this the best size for my wife and I, both in or late 60's. We dont have to crawl under a steering wheel like some of the newer cars or climb up like some of the big suv's seat/steering wheel adjusment is great. Would recommend this wagon to anyone I can.
best compromise
Vechile purchased to meet mileage, saftey and poor road conditions( rain/snow). Driver comfort a plus due to long commute. Interior space very good for both front and rear seat passengers. Interior space accomodations for items very good due to flat fold seats and deck material. Standard features and xr option packages left little to be desired.
my baby
i luv this car..its my very first car and its awesome.....i loved toyota ever since my dad had his toyota...
EXCELLENT
This car is awesome. It has everything you would want to have a fun and safe drive. You get excellent gas mileage and it is awesome and extremely quiet to drive. Not to mention the little 4 cyl engine puts up all it has and this car is great to rely on!
Magnificant Matrix
With the rear seats down its a cargo van. Seats 4 comfortably but taxes the engine somewhat. I am averaging 33-34 mpg. With the gear shifter in the park position the heater/ac/fan switches are hard to access. Handles like a sports car. Corners flat and precise.
Exceeded my expectations; Love it
I've had my 2005 XR AWD for 3 months now. It has really exceeded my expectations. Not one problem, and it's so solid, practical and well designed that I don't know why it doesn't get more attention (maybe a name change would help). It's perfect for my needs, great for shopping and transporting stuff, and the mpg are in line with the expected rating. I don't miss my jeep v8 grand cherokee at all (especially the gas guzzling). So comfortable and easy, great value for the $$$, a real joy to own and drive. What a nice surprise!
My little car.
My car is just the car for northern Michigan. I live off the main road about 589 feet and to get to the hwy I have to drive up a pretty good grade. The 4 wheel drive is just great amd gives me a sense of confort. I also like the way the seats fold down for storage and the cover piece that keeps things out of view. The controls are placed very conviently and are easy to use. All in all I really think it's a great car.
old blue
this car is fun to drive,great MPG. it's kinda slugish on the pick up but i wanted a car thats gonna last for at least 10 yrs. i just bought it the other day but i owned a toyota celica 91 and i put well over 100K on that car & never a problem and i have faith in this one too.
Great car but needs bigger engine
It's best on the highway. Handles great. Super gas mileage. it made LA to Vegas with less than 9 gals doing 85 to 95. It carries tons of stuff with the back seats down. I chose the xr instead of the XRS because the extra 50 hp comes on after 6000 rpm and most of my driving is under that. The XRS engine is is great if you want to race or been drinking. I do nether. I've had an Integra GSR and that car had a very similar power band. If they put the lexus Is300 engine and transmission, it would be really hot.
Downsize
Having driven this car for only the best part of a week I must say that I am impressed, despite the "expert" evaluations. Just coming off a Lexus RX330 I had no big expectations but needed to down size and I am a big Toyota fan. I really enjoy the driving experience and my height(5'10") and arm length adapt to the driving position nicely. I don't have a problem with the engine performance because for me it's a change in driving style and a willingness to adapt. Road noise is not all that bad and all this fuss about engine noise I don't get at all. I drove the AWD car initially but did not like the color or performance and was please when I drove away in the FWD, Shadow Mica ... cool!!
05 Matrix My Ride
My 2005 Matrix is outstanding. The interior and seats are comfortable. The gauges are well positioned and well put together, good storage. The 05 Matrix has a great ride.
Sporty and Versatile
I bought a Toyota because of it's reliability, that's a given. This model is sooo versatile, yet sporty. The fold down seats afford ample room for all kinds of loads. I tend to haul a carload of people as well, which are sure to have plenty of leg room! Super comfortable! Lot's of get up and go! And the Toyota name to boot! You can't go wrong with this one!
my Matrix
This vehicle has been flawless since the day I bought it. I have not had a single problem with it. I have had 4 8foot in it and was able to close the rear hatch window so there is plenty of room. The driving position could be a little more comfortable and a little more horsepower wouldn't hurt but otherwise no complaints.
Super Cool
The Matrix feels like an SUV, but it is very low to the ground so there's a low risk of rolling over. It looks very sporty and feels very nice to drive. It is, afterall, a Toyota-- what more could one ask for?
2004 Toyota Matrix XRS
The Toyota Matrix XRS is a real unique car. Its hard to classify what it is. Is it a car, wagon, or suv? People have called it a cuv, which is crossover utility vehicle. I'm really pleased to have purchase this car. I always get compliments from strangers.
Zoom Zoom !!!!!
Owned now for one year, drove 15,000 miles, I love my Matrix!! great on gas, fun to drive, zips in and out of traffic, I never bought anything that would not fit into the car!!! Toyota has a real winner here!!! I have had 8 back surgeries and the height and comfort of the seats is great,mine is an automatic, I get between 30- 35 mpg depending on my lead foot, a true driving pleasure!!!!
MY RED MATRIX
I LOVED THE MINUTE I SAW IT . I THINK IT LOOKS BEST IN RED OR WHITE. IT HAS SO MUCH ROOM . I LIKE EVERYTHING.. THEY GAVE ME A CAMARY TO DRIVE WHILE THEY DID A FEW THINGS TO MY CAR AND WONTED TO KNOW IF I WONTED TO TRADE....NO WAY!!!!!!!MINE HAS SO MUCH MORE STYLE..IN THE DASH.. LAYING THE SEATS DOWN GIVES YOU TON OF ROOM....THE DASH IS JUST...COOL!! I HAVE HAD THREE FULL SIZE PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT..AND NOT ONE COMPLAINT!!!WHICH IS AMAZING IN ITS SELF....YOU JUST WOULD JUST NOT BELIVE THE ROOM...GREAT PRICE...I HAVE SUNROOF.POWER DOORS AND WINDOWS.KEYLESS ENTRY..GROUND EFFECTS,FOG LIGHTS, 17 INCH.WHEELS..SIX SPEAKERS,
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!!
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.