Used 2005 Toyota Matrix Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used Matrix for sale
Reliability NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Larry, 08/09/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is the most underpowered vehicle on the planet. We have the XR 4WD, why didn't it come with the S motor? It is dangerously slow! We get passed by semis on the hi-way all the time. The Toyota auto-power locks are terrible, everytime you want to get into a door, it locks itself. And you cannot manually turn off the headlights, this is very annoying if you are approaching someone's place late at night it is like a plane landing. Why does the window lock disable the driver's controls?? Poor interior lighting control. Overall a BIG disappointment. Poor interior colors, shows all the fuzz and dirt, poor tire wear, poor disc brakes.
Expensive repairs
A.Barnett, 06/29/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
I switched from SUVs to this car for fuel economy. It is fun to drive, but repairs are costly. Air conditioner repair was over $1000 and the brake rotors warped at 39000 miles -another $550. Toyota acknowledges no responsibility. This is my last Toyota.
2005 Toyota Matrix for sale near you
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Small car with big feel
ckp, 12/21/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to save money on gas over my F-150 4x4. The mileage is great at between 29-32 MPG city driving back and forth to work. I'm 6'5" and am amazed at how comfortably I fit into it. It's a very reliable car, in 18 months, I have had no problems. I change the oil and put gas in it. The interior is awesome with multiple seat configurations when I need space. The outlet in the dash is cool, as are all of the other features I have (premium sound, 17" wheels, sun roof, cruise and A/C). With the 5 speed, it runs very well (not a race car), to include highway traffic with the A/C on - no problems!
Best little beast of a Car!!
Kathy, 06/20/2021
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2005 Toyota Matrix new. I have had it now for 16 years. Drove highway miles of 75 miles one way to work every day. The odometer only goes to 299,999! I was so disappointed, I was literally waiting to see it turn to 300,000. That was 4 years ago!!! Still a daily driver to work!! It has to be over 400,000! No Kidding!!
1.8 Auto FWD
gordon k laurie, 07/27/2009
2005 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Have 109k km (now 2009). Very functional, mechanically very sound, and will be difficult to replace. Watch the blind spots (thick windshield posts, small mirrors). Factory tires plain dangerous on wet/slush/snow. Road noise is high (even with undercoating). Single disk CD had to be replaced (jumped tracks). Sluggish initial acceleration but o.k. at highway speed (to be expected for 1.8). Signal light doesn't cancel with less than full turns (nuisance).
A Car for all Seasons
New Englander, 07/17/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Having recently moved from Manhattan, where I spent my entire adult life, I was completely overwhelmed about the car choices before me. I researched virtually every model of every make of every 2005 car. What did I end up choosing? The Toyota Matrix. First off, I loved the styling. It's got a very Eurosmart kind of feel to it. Secondly, although the 4WD does not get the kind of mileage that the FWD manual does, it is still efficient. Thirdly, I can pack virtually anything into Trixie. Not only that but the multiple folding seat options, various cargo nets and tie-downs rock. The 4WD worked beautifully on those snowy days, yet she's petite enough to park on tiny NYC streets.
Good little car
Mike St-Pierre, 12/16/2007
2005 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Good little car, only a couple small complaints. The fan belt squeaks in damp weather (replaced it twice). And the rear tires seem to wear down very fast. Very easy to get in or out,large cargo area. Fuel mileage not too bad. Getting about 33 mpg on highway.
Enter The Matrix
ANGWX, 04/15/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
A MATRIX is a compromise, especially for me. I'm an SUV guy in a $2/gal world. With that in mind, I commend Toyota for building sich a fine, cool, LARGE interior non-wagon wagon that allows a guy's guy to drive it.
This is our LAST Toyota
Nita, 04/28/2008
2005 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
We've always owned Toyotas, but the flimsy interior and easily scratchable exterior have convinced me to look elsewhere. I hate the plastic in the cargo area because it cracks and breaks. Our '89 Corolla looked much better inside and out after 16 years than this hunk of cheap junk does after 3 years. Toyota should be ashamed of itself for making this crummy product. I also dislike the engine hesitation, the whistling wind from the closed front passenger window, and the way the electronic window controls broke for no discernible reason.
2005 toyota matrix ( caa)
clay adams, 04/26/2008
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Interior road noise, brakes squeak, brake pads wear out. Outside mirrors are a little too small. Seats are a little too low sitting