Used 2006 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews
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.
Practical and Functional
I traded in my 2001 Celica for this, mainly because I wanted something with more utility while maintaining the fuel economy I had become accustomed to. Engine is weak in low revs, better as they build, and the transmission upshifts way too soon when merging or passing. The interior makes this car worth owning, for sheer cargo space, you'd be hard pressed to find something this light and economical with this much space. Handles well. I'd gladly buy the upcoming replacement, as long as it gets more grunt, a better transmission, and disc brakes in the rear. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone, knowing that my only hang-ups are its lack of sportiness.
Great utility vehicle
We are happy with the car but did have an electronic component plug come loose after one week that cut the power to most of the car. After repair there has been no reoccurrence.
- XR WagonMSRP: $6,40065 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,29594 mi away
- XR WagonMSRP: $4,800120 mi away
A great little car
This is my first foreign car. I bought it based on its reputation for durability and reliability. As of this writing I have @ 900 miles on this car with absolutely no problems at all. It holds four adults in a greater degree of comfort than I would have expected for a compact station wagon. Its very economical around town, and once I get past the 1000 mile engine break-in period we will take it on an extended vacation where I expect it to get at least the advertised fuel economy of 34 mpg. Its a great little car.
Get One Before They're Gone
I love the 2006 Toyota Matrix. It's a well-built, peppy, fuel economic car that's fun to drive. The only problem we have with it is that the small rear windows (hatch and behind the doors) create bigger blind spots, but once you get to know the car, it's not so bad. My husband and I bought this car after our 2005 Matrix was totaled. A speeding drunk driver jumped a sloped median, landing his Jeep Cherokee V8 on the hood of our Matrix, then flipped over and crushed part of our roof. My husband and I were injured, but WE WALKED AWAY, vowing to buy another Matrix since that one saved our lives. I heard that the Matrix may be replaced in Toyota's line-up, so get one while you can!
Front seat
I bought the Matrix because I love the exterior design of the car. After driving it home, I notice how sore the under part of my leg just above the knee was. I have written to Toyota and the dealer where it was purchased for some help or advise to no avail. I do like the car except for that but I think it is also a little under horse powered.
Dead spot
I really like most things about this car. It fits my need for comfort, space, versatility, and mileage. However, the clutch to acceleration from first gear bogs down unless I really rev the RPMs. I have been put in some dangerous positions due to this.
The car I will most gladly trade-in
Engine noise is predominant especially when revving engine. Steering is easy to handle with more grips on the road. Instrumentation controls stinks.
Matrix Best Little Car
This car is easy to drive and get into small parking spaces.
You just can't hate this vehicle.
I did not like this car in the beginning. But ever since my wife bought one I just can't stop driving it. Where else can you find a reliable under 20K brand new vehicle (fully loaded) that can haul a 30+ inch tv and some, but still get 28 miles to the gallon. And with Toyota reliability and resale value, you really can't go wrong.
2006 Matrix 5spd
I truly expected more out of this 18,000 dollar vehicle. It is very roomy, good on gas and is a pretty color. That is about all I can say. I have had no major problems with it. The stereo sounds terrible. And the hydraulics that open the hatch don't work well. I have to push it up. I really expected more out of this Toyota. I also have to mention it runs like a car that is 6 or 8 years old. It idles very hard and rough for only having like 11,000 miles on it. Not what I expected!