Used 2005 Toyota Matrix Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used Matrix for sale
4
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Look! It's a plane!? It's a MATRIX!
Lkn4fun, 12/22/2004
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just did what my friends called the unbelievable. I traded my '02 Acura TL- S in on my new Silver Streak Matrix XRS. To those who say I traded down I can only say that this car has brought back FUN into the driving routine. While I do miss the heated seats, that's all that I miss. Love the handling and the punchy little engine. The six speed and shifter feel Euro. The cargo space in this car is amazing. For those of you that are weekend warriors you'll love the pop up rear window for 2 x 4s. Got all the toys except Nav. There were only two XRS's in my area. One was the color that I wanted. "Traded down?" Not in my book. P.S. - Stomp on her and still love the improved fuel economy!
Matrix XRS
Ron Hill, 01/02/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Matrix XRS is a thrill to drive. It red lines as 8200 rpm with a six speed manual trans. It will not fit into one category well, but does well in many; wagon, sport-wagon, mini SUV, pocket rocket sport car, midget mini van, or many other. With the more powerful engine with Yamaha heads, I still get 30 mpg no matter how hard I run it. The VVTI kicks in at about 6500 rpm and feels like a dirt bike's power band, really puts you back in the seat. A definate 10 on the fun to drive scale. A sport car with unlimited trunk space.
I love my Matrix xr
catathome2, 01/03/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my matrix handles like a dream, and I feel safe in it. It is not really powerful, but I don't care for a lot of power, it just gets me speeding tickets that i don't need.
My 05 just rolled 10k, I love it!
JML, 01/05/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car! I am a mother of two, I camp, have pets a home and work. I can do so much with this car. Tons of space, fun to drive, great on gas, smart features, and the stick gives a bit more power than the automatic. Always wanted a Toyota, and have always owned Fords or GM, never again. Very veristile, nimble and comfortable. Also can hold it's speed well. Narrow tires great in the snow, even without the AWD. Well worth it car.
Best car so far
Bill-B, 01/14/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Acceleration is to slow. Very good car. Best car ever for around $20,000
'05 Matrix
Jay Yabo, 01/14/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Comfortable seating, the seats are high so legs aren't streched out. Handles very well, esp in inclement weather. Great visibility all around. Gets on the average 27 mpg. Range 325 miles. Smooth ride.
Best choice for us
alvin lau, 01/14/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My round trip commute is 50 miles. I needed a safe, reliable, practical and economical car. After studying the competition (Honda CR-V, Subaru Legacy wagon, etc.) I decided on a Matrix XR 4WD & haven't been disappointed yet. The build quality appears good, the car has enough pep for stop & go traffic as well as cruising at 70+mph. Despite carrying two full-sized adults w/ defrost always on, I average 26mpg so far. The interior is quite roomy for a small car and the flexibility of the fold-flat seats is great. Things do slide around the back a bit but there are cargo nets and tie-downs. My Matrix is easy to maneuver, fun to drive and Toyota is generally reliable - recommended!
One of Best Cars I Have Owned
A Thomas, 02/05/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful automobile. Had 2004 Toyota Matrix XR and liked it so much that we bought another Toyota Matrix when 04 Toyota was wrecked. Most people I have talked to who saw car after wreck did not understand how I came away without so much as a scratch esp. since car was totalled. Very, very safe vehicle. Well-built and handles very well. Strongly recommend this car for anyone needing economical vehicle, but also needing room for lot of people. I can put 5 in including myself. 04 Matrix had good value and depreciated very little (much less than many other cars over the course of 1 yr).
Love my Matrix
Maggie Montgomery, 02/19/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2005 Matrix is very well built, hugs the road so nicely, and makes not one unwanted sound. The motor is strong, has good pick-up, and handles easily. I feel quite secure driving. It has extra security with an engine immobilizer so that no one can start the car without a special key. Helps with my auto insurance.
2005 Matrix
Carol , 02/20/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the car but was terribly disappointed with the gas mileage, I only get 26 mpg around town and very little more on the Hwy. I have a 1984 Mazda GLC that gets better mileage around town. Also I hit the edge of a patch of black top which had been removed to replace (approx 2") and the car jumped all over the road. Scary! I had hoped to save a lot more on gas and to feel pretty safe, for a small car--I don't. I make many trips to No. California and am back to driving my 4- Runner as the 4 miles a gallon I save is not worth the loss of space and security. And kill the seatbelt warning which goes off every time I have my small dog in the car or a briefcase. well, I wish I had something else
BEST VEHICLE UNDER $20K
Joe Madsen, 03/05/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Paid $17K with 20 miles on it. Ours had the power package (pw/pl/cruise/keyless entry) It has everything you need. Panic button on the key adds extra security. For this price you get a vehicle with 26/31 MPG (best of all AWD vehicles) Winner of 2003 Compact Wagon Comparison Test on this site. You can't go wrong with this Matrix!
My Matrix
Kristin, 03/07/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first new car I've ever driven and I love it! The seats are so comfortable I don't mind sitting all day in them. The stereo is awesome. I just love it. I couldn't ask for a better car.
What else can I ask for?
New Toyota Lover, 03/10/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought mine during the President's Day sale at $17400 after the $500 rebate with the Pkg #2 & the 6-CD system. Ample rear seat space. I'm 5'11". When I sit in the back, at least 2" b/w my knees and the bk of the front seat. The ride comfort is sacrificed by the sports tuned suspension for better cornering. I was able to keep up with my friend's Mustang at a sharp turning exit ramp while the other cars just gradually became smaller on my rear-view mirror. I expected more from the premium 6-speaker stereo though. The old 4-speaker stereo in my '03 Camry sounds a lot better. You will love the versalite cargo space, trust me! Other cool features incld. 110V outlet, tire pressure monitor.
Such a good Choice
CupidT, 03/17/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is my first car purchase and I LOVE IT. I love the shape of it, I love my red lights on the inside, I love being able to see the song playing on the radio. I'm tall about 5'11 and my knees don't hit the steering wheel.
Roomy and sporty!
nwpassages, 03/19/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a Nissan Pathfinder for 16 years and I was terrified of buying a new car when I had such success in the past. This is the perfect car for someone who needs cargo space, AWD and decent gas mileage. I have been absolutely pleased with it from driving around town to long road trips.
wife's 1st new toy
Clean Matrix, 04/24/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
NEW NEW NEW
Matrixlove, 05/06/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Traded Lower for a Pleasant Surprise
John Bridges, 05/09/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Silver beautiful
TONY23, 05/19/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Robert Smith, 05/25/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
smo302, 05/24/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
jjehly, 06/03/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Fun and versatile
Dogdoc, 07/30/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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".
Great Matrix
Toyota Matrix XRS, 07/31/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think it has great get up and go. The handling is very nice. The design inside and out is also great. It looks and feels very sporty. Perfect for a modern mom and cool enough for my husband to commute to work in. It handles hills & mountainous roads very well (and very fun). I have a baby and a toddler and the car seats fit fine (even with my husband in the front seat... he's 6'5".) Our full size stroller fits great in the back cargo area with room to spare... NO COMPLAINTS!
Happy to be downsized!
COZigs, 08/23/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Too much fun (causing some guilty)
Don Huffman, 09/06/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Style finally grew on me (been looking at it for 3 years)- I was waiting for a Corolla station wagon - to no avail. I love the tight handling. Love the access to the controls. Very accessible for passengers and cargo (love the small liftback door). Well accessorized. Red instruments are difficult to read (I am a little color blind).
Great Ride
The Barbarian, 09/06/2005
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the matrix because I needed a utility vehicle that had good gas mileage. The back seats fold perfectly flat, and with the front passenger seat down, I have 8 ft of plastic covered space I can haul lumber and gardening stuff in for home projects.
Beware of this!!!
Beware, 02/10/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I have been through 9 cars and we bought and paid off this vehicle in full because we like that it was a Toyota (great reputation in quality and durability) it was a four door and had great space and very attractive and sporty look. Unfortunately we've had the worst experience ever out of 9 cars!!! It only has 15,000 miles and I've been in the service deptarment more than I ever did for all my cars combined!!! To all who are looking into this car be aware that some matrix have been know to have a "long-crank" problem (mine is one of them). Sometimes it won't even start and I have to keep trying to start it with the key until it finally does. Very scary especially for a mom!
2005 XR 5-speed
John, 03/02/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been completely satisfied with my Matrix after 1 year of ownership. It has been completely reliable and gas mileage as good as advertised at 33-36 MPG. It won't win any races for speed, but I knew that when I bought it.
Matrix-Great buy
Matrix, 04/18/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Matrix for little over a year now and love it. The gas mileage is great and its fun to drive. Wonderful if you have kids in sports.
Good Car For The Money
Jon, 07/08/2007
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car give you everything from good fuel economy, good space for cargo, great style, very reliable, fun to drive with the six speed manual and it is quick when its RPMs are in the 8,000 range. Good car over all and would buy another one with no hesitation.
I love my Matrix!
WeatheringC, 09/17/2007
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a little Honda before I bought my Matrix. When it came time to purchase a new car I had a tall list of things I wanted. I wanted to get my skis in the back, the ability load it up and haul things, and great gas mileage was essential since I was making an 800 mile round trip at least once a month. The Matrix was the only car to satisfy all those needs. I looked for a month before I found a hard to find used Matrix in my area! As soon as I test drove it I knew it was the car to get. The enginering of the interior is exceptional and makes it very versatile. I show it off to everyone. It's enginered well and the styling is classic. I love my Matrix!
BEST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED!
ezflex, 05/03/2023
2005 Toyota Matrix AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2005 Toyota Matrix AWD in 2013 with 74,000 miles on it. To date, 2023, I've replaced the starter and serpentine belt (due to it being brittle) and the faulty Takata airbags. Otherwise, I've only had to replace batteries, tires and have gotten general maintenance. This car is super easy to drive. Since my cutie is now losing her paint, she is currently getting a new paint job. My Matrix and I have many more miles to travel and she'll probably outlast me!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Poor Matrix
shane, 08/11/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car, it fit all my needs, even trips to Home Depot and Lowes for the occasional building material. I owned it for two years before I wrecked on I495. Now I am going to go buy another one in a different color.
Matrix, a class by its own......
Ziggy, 09/07/2006
2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
driving this one of a kind vehicle in its own class is quite intriguing with me. Besides purshasing at a reasonable price is well deserving.It should if not pass the rate of the corolla.
4