Used 2006 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews
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Do Not buy it, if you are a highway crusier
This car is OK for local driving, and it can haul stuff from Ikea when back seats folded down. It is quick from 0-30, and is quite slow beyond that. So, plan ahead when merging into busy highway. MPG has been bad so far with 15K mikes, 20 for city and 27-31 on highway at 80 mph. The biggest problem is noise. Annoying at 65mph, and unbearable at 80 mph. It takes many hours to recover from dizziness after 2-3 hours' driving. I recently found a trick to deal with the noise - ear plugs, inspired by a coworker who works in a room with 2-3 hard working pumps used to create near absolute zero (0K) temperature.
It's fun - and cheep
Was looking at new Lexus ES 330s and decided their cost was more than I really could afford. Started looking at lesser cost mini SUVs. Had really never paid attention to Toyota other than the Lexus. The Matrix caught our eye and we grabbed it for the inherent quality we knew Toyota has. If you're looking for high Resale, overall Quality, Sporty good looks, very Economical, good Comfort and a deceptively Roomy little rig,, look at the Toyota Matrix as your next car. We very much like ours because it fills our and most peoples needs.
Review
A good car. Will pass when I want too. has room for my long legs and large frame. mileage is in the high thirtys and above all has room in back for a big labrador retriever.
Solid and versatile
I have owned the Matrix for a little over 8 months and living in the Northeast have driven it in all types of weather with complete confidence. I have found the ride comfortable and the handling enjoyable. The interior room is superior to many larger cars. And I feel the versatility in unmatched. Other reviewers have stated that the vehicle could use more power. Yes, more power would be nice, however, only if the MPGs would increase or stay the same. I have yet to experience a situation where the engine power was not sufficient and most of my driving includes highway miles.
Great little car for the Money.
Great Car. It rides smooth with crisp handling. It will stop on a dime and accelerate quickly through traffic. It's quiet running and its styling has an aggressive look. The fit and finish is amazing. It gets great gas mileage and its reliable, a great alternative to a gas guzzling Jeep!
Very Good
I like my Matrix, however, I would like it even more if it came with a cruise control. It was the only 2006 on the lot, and at the time did not think it would matter. After owning one, I find that it does matter. Because it drives so smooth on the highway that before realizing it, I catch myself speeding. It would also be nice if it had an interrior dome light. All the other things it comes with are awesome! But without the cruise control and the interrior lights, I'm thinking about trading it in for one that has it. But looking around, it's amazing how having those two features jacks-up the price of the car way too much.
My little battleship
I purchased this car in 2006 with 60 miles on it. Today I’m still driving 80miles a day back & forth to work and my mileage is 324,238 and it passed with no problems for my inspection sticker! Love my car!
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Best Car Hands Down
I bought my matrix in 2016 with 115k miles and since then, put about 40k miles on it. In the entire time, outside of oil changes and spark plugs/brakes, I had to change.....a headlight bulb. That’s it. I once owned a BMW X3 that had more problems in one day than this has had in 5 years. Yes it drives like a toaster, no it’s not fast, but you know what it is? A dependable, roomy, gas saving, haul anything workhorse who will not quit. I’ve driving it on the Bonneville salt flats, gone through deserts, and now in Chicago 1.5 ft of snow all with no issues. I just wish the ride was a bit softer/nicer. Looking to get 300k. THANK YOU Toyota
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Love my Matrix
I bought this car specifically to travel in the US to go hiking. It is perfect for what I intended. Roomy back with tie downs and a smooth ride. I still have it today and it still looks and rides amazing.
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Toyota Matrix Do or Don't
A Toyota Matrix is an amazing car as we owned one before. We bought this one a couple years newer.
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Still loving it
Had my Matrix for almost 3 yrs. and still loving it. Do it yourself maintenance it's easy on it. Wife loves the AWD cause it kicks on Chicago's snowy streets. All around room and versatility also great. Very reliable, car feels as solid as it did on day one.
Seems to have been an excellent decision
Well with almost 16k on it now we haven't had one single problem! At first I thought my wife was crazy for wanting a 5 speed, but then I drove the Matrix. I love the intial acceleration that the manual offers. I leave all of those big gas hog SUVs sitting at the stop light and pass them again sitting at the gas pumps! We are averaging high 30s overall. On a long trip you can get over 40 mpg if you set the cruise at 70 mph. I plan on driving this thing well over 200k so I use synthetic motor oil and change every 5k when the maint. light comes on. I also installed a k&n filter which gives me a little more HP! Go Toyota!
Very happy with purchase
We have had the matrix now for over about 1.5 years and she has performed beautifully. 17k miles and not one trip back to the dealership. Gas mileage is 35 combined. the manual is fun to drive and has good acceleration. I bought this for my wife, but I admit that I enjoy driving it every now and then when I want to give my truck a rest.
Don's Review
The car rides so smooth. the seats are very comfortable, and the interior is very roomy. The exterior stlying is really nice, and the color Cosmic Blue is the greatest. The Dealer is very accommodating, and I feel like I'm the only person who has ever bought a car there.
Room & great mileage
Have owned since 2/06. XR model auto, it gets the best gas mileage! People always asks us is we have a hybrid, as they can't believe the mileage, as well as the room. This age of over $4 per gallon gas. It has been a godsend as we are on disablilty. Even though we only have 4000 miles and have owned it for 2 yrs 4 months, we have not had any problems. It is a well made vehicle.
Poor Man's MINI Cooper
Matrix is like my son'e MINI cooper for $10000 less. Great car, quality, reliability, fun and roomy. Only changes I recommend would be remove coin slot under handbrake, very hard to get to. Left side instruments have no lighting at night.
Needs some improvements!
Handling in any slightly icy or wet weather is very poor. Gear shifts are poor with the tachometer spiking up and down as automatic shifts into gears. No room in tire hold for a real tire. I prefer not to use the donut. When I was removing a package from the passenger side, a handle flipped over the gear shift and the car jumped into reverse! (Ignition was still on but had been in park.) Fueel economy is nowhere near the sticker. Best I have gotten (100 per day highway driving) is 26 mpg. Whenever the weather is cold or wet, fuel economy drops and the "sticking" problem with the gears increases. At times it feels like I have to push the car to get it to move.
Mixed emotions
I really like Toyota. Their fuel economy is superb. I guess I just expected a little more from the Matrix. 126HP is just not enough to really pull a 2,700 pound car. Maybe if they made it 400-500 pounds lighter, it would have better gas mileage and be a bit faster (Civic gets 40mpg HWY and has more power). It's very spacious, and comfortable for passangers, but the driver's seat stands too tall. It shifts beautifully, and the interior design is very sporty, but the chrome trimming has to go. Handling is like any econobox; average, comfortable, sometimes smooth or bumpy, but that can always be changed with aftermarket products.
Love It!!!!!
I have just purchased my Matrix and I am thrilled about it. A friend has one & she loves hers also (one of the reasons I bought mine). It is stylish, gets better gas mileage than expected (38 mpg) and fun to drive. Not a lot of pep but knew that going in - I'll take the great gas mileage any day. Wanted a white one, got a dark grey and it is just beautiful - glad I didn't get what I thought I wanted!!!!! Lots of space inside - front and back seats and hatch back is awesome!
What's wrong with Toyota
I don't understand why Toyota does not advertise the Matrix. It's a wonderful little car and all the other companies are now coming up with their version of this same size. I have never seen a commercial for a Matrix. Not everyone wants a vehicle to decide if "theirs is the biggest" and not everyone wants a sedan. This little car is sporty, handy, economical and I traded in a Camry to get it. I love it. Yes it took me a little while to get used to the lower power but now we work well together.
A Great Little Car
I purchased my Matrix 5-20-2006, there is now over 3600 miles on it. Before I purchased the Matrix I had a Tundra, great vehicle but I grew tired of putting $60.00 a week in gas. The Matrix took a little getting used to but now it's fun to drive, roomy, economical, turns on a dime and cute. (A real chick term, Sorry guys.) It would help to have adjustable steering wheel and a little more ground clearance but no vehicle is perfect. I am more than satisfied with my purchase.
Matrix XR
Bought the Matrix because of an expected addition to the family. I am personally not the family car type of guy, but this car is awesome. The exterior styling is great, with the sports car edge to it. Tons of room inside, plenty of leg room, and plenty of rear storage space. Only drawback is it needs a hair more pep.
We named it Eon
So far, this car has been very impressive in terms of comfort, performance and gas mileage. Great ride quality, and almost no wind noise. We considered a Prius, but since most of our driving is highway, it didn't make sense to spend extra money for the hybrid. We love the look of it, and it has every feature except AWD.
Great Cool Car
Bought car based on styling, comfort, economy, and reputation. I'm not disappointed in any area. Regularly gets mid-thirties on the highway at 70-75 mph, and mid twenties in town with a lot of traffic lights. That is with me in the throttle pretty hard, because this is no sports car. Very comfortable ride for a small car. Love the sunroof. Has 44,000 miles and all I've done is changed the oil and put on a pair of tires because I cut a sidewall. Goodyear triple-treads have cut down on front wheel spin on wet roads.
Just Right
I was hesitant to trade in my 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara mainly because I didn't want to give up the 4WD capability. Having one kid and another one on the way however, the lack of back seat room was a killer. The Matrix is just right!! Better fuel economy, plenty of room and I get to keep the AWD for those snowy winters here in Chicago. Before the Matrix I looked at the Chevy HHR and the PT Cruiser, neither one offers AWD and the Toyota quality jumps right at you when you compare them, no contest!!!
Matrix XR
Bought Matrix XR in a 5-speed, which is an absolute must. This is not a fast car even with a manual; I can imagine how slow an automatic would be. But with gas over $3, horsepower is highly overrated. I didn't get the option for ABS, but wish I would have. The standard, stock brakes are average at best and don't leave me feeling too confident in them. Stopping distance seems really long. I really enjoy the way it drives. It's very roomy inside. I'm about 6'2" and I feel very comfortable in the car. Tons of room in the back. Plenty of headroom for backseat passengers. Plus, it looks cool. I would definitely get the XR with the cooler looking bodykit over the base model.
I just purchased
I traded my Explorer for better fuel economy, I did love my truck. But 37 miles to work and back. I did research on several cars for a few months. I like the cargo area, I am always packing things around and there is plenty of room. My husband is over 6'0 and has plenty of head room. Driving is fun, and solid. I feel pretty safe with the airbags ect. So far so good!
Happy with car
I did look at five different makers before I decided on the Matrix. It offered everything I wanted for the money. I knew it had the same proven engine that the Corolla had, this was a big factor.
Fun to Drive
The XRS model is just fun to drive. It moves when you need to move. The 6- speed is the way to go with this vehicle. Great steering that handles well.
Excellent Value, ride and quality
I traded a Tundra for the Matrix. I thought I would miss the truck. Not at all. This car is amazingly roomy and comfortable. Great fuel economy and pep for a 4 cyl. I have owned Toyotas for over 30 years and will not buy anything else. While you might pay a "little" more than other vehicles, in the long run, you will come out way ahead.
Love It!!!!!
This is a very gun car to drive and I love the gas mileage I am getting. I average over 35 mpg on the hwy. and 30 mpg city - even better than expected. This car will be with me for a very long time so I chose a car I would love for a very long time. So far, it is definitely the right decision. I think several people will be getting a Matrix because of me!!
Very Versatile Car
Owned our Matrix for 2 months. We have taken it on several Arizona dirt/rocky roads since we like to hike a lot. Very good ground clearance for a car, never bottomed out. Hauled 22 boxes of tile and some roofing material in it. Easy to switch from a four seater car to a two seater hauler. We have a blowup mattress that fits perfectly in the back when you lay the seats down. Just plug it in to the ac outlet up front and you can be camping for the night. The cargo nets are nice to separate some permanent storage stuff in the back (blowup mattress, sleeping bag, quilt, water, etc.) which you need in the desert. It is a very versatile vehicle which fits our many needs perfectly!!!
Comfort, Style, Affordable
The car rides smoothly. It's good on gas. It is roomy inside, with a large storage capacity.
A great vehicle
I bought my XRS 2 days ago and I am already loving it and have no buyer's remorse. It is not as fast as I would hope that it would be, but I don't need it for racing anyway.
Pretty good car overall
Fuel economy is great and I can carry lot of things in the back. Good exterior look. Reliable mechanics.
Great Car For Tall People
The Matrix fits in well with our two car family (we have a Camery also), this is my primary car going to and from work. Gas mileage is very good. It is very convient to run around town with the kids. The kids like riding in it more then the Camry (who knows why).
Great Buy...Most reliable car!
The 2006 Toyota Matrix XR has been the best purchase I have ever made. I enjoy climbing into my Matrix and driving the busy streets of Chicago. I find its acceleration to be very impressive for a wagon its size. The shifting is very smooth. Most of all, I think I like the sharp, crisp handling of the 2006 Matrix XR. This car just has such attitude when driving a aggressive road. It seems to laugh at the competition. Overall, I give the Toyota Matrix XR a grade of A++! Great job Toyota, and keep up the good work with these new sharp looking models you are introducing. P.S.- Let me know if you need help test driving any models...I love these rides!
Expensive Regret
I purchased this vehicle based on Toyota's reputation. Within 2 years of use I have spent around $3500 to fix repeat serpentine belts, 02 sensor, rotors, brakes (at 40,000 miles), 1 battery and whatever the other belts are for on this vehicle. This vehicle was purchased new and by an experienced, nonabusive driver. It now has 47000 miles mostly highway and I do not trust that I will not be stranded by this vehicle. I am waiting for the clutch / transmission to fail after reviewing other complaints filed by resentful consumers. I should have kept my jeep regardless of the high fuel cost.
Practical Ride
Chose the Matrix for its AWD and price. We had a pretty bad winter in New England last year and the car performed well. The gas mileage is less to be desired for a car this size. So if you are using this car to commute, watch the needle. Also noticed an awful howling noise on windy days coming from around the side mirrors. Upgraded sound system and speakers are'nt worth the money, buy your own. I guess for the money small quirks come with the territory. Pros: AWD, cargo space, sporty looks, minimal time at the service dept. Cons: Fuel economy, horrible acceleration, wind and road noise, sound system.
Bargain matrix
Design of metal sometimes looks like something hit it. Only difficulty is pulling coins out of secondary coin holder because it's directly under hand brake. otherwise comfort and roominess, driving characteristics are a bargain for the money. Too bad didn't come with standard tape cassette player.
Fun Drive
This is the perfect car for me. It is a fun ride, a safe vehicle, very reliable, high quality construction and very economical. For those who want something smaller then the RAV4 this vehicle is perfect. I urge you to get the anti lock brakes, and the AWD. I had owned a Corolla SR5 in the 80s and loved it. This is the evolution of that car which captures the spirit of the SR5 and also gives you the versatility of a wagon. I have owned some nice cars, the Matrix is at the top of the list.
Love this CUV
This is a cross between a car & suv, and gives great mileage. This is my 3rd Toyota and I'm LOVIN' IT!
A roomy car with a good ride
The car is very roomy, has a good ride, good pickup, but the engine groans when shifting into higher gears.
Nice little car
With just a little over 1,000 miles on the odometer am getting about 27 mpg average. This is a nice quiet little car and seats five easily. Runs smooth and handles well. I like the cruise and all the power options. It does ride quite low to the ground, which is nice on clear dry roadways, but not for winter driving conditions. The AWD is fantastic. We can rely upon it to keep everything moving in slick conditions. I am hoping that the mpg will increase a little over time. But very satisfied so far.
Great car, leaks oil
My 2006 Matrix has had an oil leak at the timing chain tensioner repaired 4 times. I just finished my arbitration hearing today, and I'm not hopeful of much help there. Toyota won't admit that there is a real problem, and therefore isn't willing to do anything to help me. This is my first 'foreign' car, and certainly will be my first, last and only Toyota.
Happy Matrix Owner
Bought to replace my wife's 1995 4-Runner 4X4 with many miles on it. Although we knew we were giving up power (from 6 cyl to 4 cyl), the Matrix has performed well for us. During wet roads or windy conditions, the AWD keeps the vehicle on the road. The windshield and windows provide excellent visibility. We have averaged about 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (2500 miles on the car in the 1st month), which is at least 50% better than the 4-Runner gave us. Overall we like the Matrix because it provides us flexibility: we can haul 4 or 5 people with decent leg room, or haul loads where the front passenger seat folds down. For the price, we enjoy driving this car.
my wife loves it!!
well with about 1k miles on it now and 6 weeks of ownership, we are real happy with our choice! the matrix handle well, gets excellent gas mileage and seems to be a well engineered vehicle! in fact i found out that toyota uses the same oil filter on the 1.8 lt that they used on tha 2.2 lt in our camry we owned for 12 years and 200k.
Good Workhorse
Have had this car for one month. Love it. I'm a mobile computer service tech, it's great for my job. I've put 4k miles. Previous owner drove it 28k mi/yr (now has 84k mi on it). Drives/ looks new. Stores and accesses tools/equip. easily. I like the independent window and door hatches in back. Very roomy. Slept in back area seats folded down. 110volt power is handy for laptop. I just happen to have front ABS brakes with upgraded Toyota TRD pads and rotors (slotted and drilled). EXCELLENT STOPPING POWER!!! I live in CA and it's saved me multiple times. My '97 accord did not stop like this. Also, if you want, this car can tow a 1,500lb. trailer, but haven't tried it. Might be kinda slow.
My First Toyota
Picked the Matrix because of its versatility and AWD. Decent room inside and Toyota quality all around, it just feels solid. So far so good with the AWD system on the snow. It handles pretty well and the sporty looks are a definite plus. I chose the silver streak color and after I blacked out the rear windows people are always coming up to me asking what kinda car is it.
Happy with Matrix
I purchased the 5 speed matrix. I am very happy with it. The handling is very responsive. The sound system is enjoyable. My only complaint - the shifter makes kind of a cheap clicking sound when you shift. Also - all of the beeping for everything makes me crazy - but I guess this is true with all new cars. I am convinced I got the best car available in it's class for the least amount of money - a bonus - my teenage son thinks the car "is cool."