Used 2006 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews
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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.
- Base WagonMSRP: $6,750382 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,150553 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,495568 mi away
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."
Always good to go!
Just back from our first road trip to taos, all kinds of weather, rain, snow, ice everything. car performed beautifully as expected....fuel mileage ave. 34 mpg..interior was comfortable
Roomy car with good looks & good mileage
I was looking at a hatchbacks: Toyota Matrix, Honda Fit, Kia Spectra5 and the Mazda 3 hatch. The Matrix had more pick-up on the test drive, more room and less cabin noise.
Fun to drive
I love this car its small fun to drive.The fuel economy is great.The interior is simple and nice the seats are soft.On are matrix xrs we did the TRD racing shocks the ride is firm we also did cross bars on the car because there was a lot of body roll. When geting on the gas pedal the car has a very hard time finding traction you think when toyota was building it they would of put a limited slip in it. But once you get passed that the car takes off once out of first gear and into second when you get over 61000RPM the second cam opens the car takes of. Its fun to drive easy to take care of and its fun to drive
Love My Matrix XRS
I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it. At the time, I was unaware of the particulars of the XRS trim level. I liked the idea of a manual... bonus was that it is a 6-speed. It is the best of both worlds because I can haul the kids around, then my band equipment, then on the weekends unload it and cruise around town with a little power under me. Even with the extra power my, mostly highway, fuel economy is around 30 mpg. Have almost 50,000 miles and not even a hint of trouble. One of the best, most fun to drive cars that I have ever owned.
Terrific Car
I staked out this specific vehicle with the options and found it at the local dealership, it had only been on the lot 3 days. Red, black interior; we added leather; all the feathers. My wife is short and is a teacher and she needed something that would accomodate her business needs along with a cool stylish and economical vehicle, this one made the grade.
Great Vehicle
The Matrix is a best kept secret. I had forgotten Toyota made it. The vehicle handles great. Has allot of room inside and I enjoy the leather seats mine came with. The transmission is smooth and the gas mileage is great. I get 32 mpg on the highway and 29 in town. The ride is quiet as well. I set the radio volume when I start up and never need to adjust it. I am very pleased.
The cool BIG little car!
Toyota Matrix. This is my first small car. I have always owned trucks. This was not a difficult adjustment. I am so happy with my Matrix! Lots of headroom inside. I do not feel the squished feeling some small cars have. I am tall and I am very comfortable behind the wheel. The pick up is great. The ride is smooth. It handles easy. It's great looking! I am getting compliments on the styling all the time! I got caught in a blizzard and my front wheel drive plowed right through. Great little car! See you out there!
Toy
Have driven car approx. 10,000 miles since purchase and really enjoy driving it. My wife is main driver using it mostly going to and from work. She really appreciates the gas mileage and pep getting through traffic.We also use this car for trips for the above reasons.
Not really excited
Traded in my 2003 Honda CRV for this car which does have much better gas mileage, but The hatch back is extremely small especially when hauling groceries and book bags. Outside scratches too easily despite having the protective clear coating applied. Standard is a little slow on the pick up. Inside is nice though. Seats are comfortable and does have nice leg room. Just not big enough for a family of 5.
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.
Great little car!
I have researched all the cars in this class and I decided that I really liked the matrix better, it looked nice and has lots of room, we are a family of four that fit inside comfortably. Quiet ride and great handling and good on gas.
Just Got It
Just picked up the Matrix, so far, great car. Very smooth and quite on the highway and around town. Also picked up a 4Runner, so this one will be the gas saver. Save money and go for the lease, this is my first lease, but I think it will be good.
Just what I wanted
I've owned the car for 5 months and enjoy driving it everyday. The ride and manueverablity are outstanding. Gas mileage is excellent. I just feel comfortable driving it.
6 months and loving it
Economical, comfortable, and easy to get in and out for a smaller vehicle. For around town and highway driving the power is sufficient. I am happy with that since more power will sacrifice economy. The fold down seating allows for more hauling capability. It has roomy and comfortable back seating.Also the sound system is good. One thing I don't like is the clutch pedal has to be pushed all the way to the floor to start the vehicle.
a little rocket
i can beat many expesive cars on acceleration. It's a great fun to drive car. roomy interior, which surprises guests. the only things that bothers me it taking a coin from the coin slot under the handbrake is difficult and the digital readout on the dash of milease is too dim and too small. The outside body looks as if someone hit it when you approach it from certain angles. otherwise it's a bargain.
My husband wants a Matrix too.
Searched far and wide for a vehicle that I could manage back and forth comfortably to my professional job. Driving included highway and stop-go city traffic. My husband and I tested several vehicles to learn about interior, outward view all around safety and its road manners. The Matrix far exceeded all competing manufacturers. Toyota - always moving forward.
Matrix is a true quality Toyota
I have 45K on my Matrix, and I have done nothing but change the oil and repair curb collision damage. Nothing rattles, nothing wheezes. I'm going to have to take it in at 50K just out of discipline. What a car.
Awesome Car
I stumbled into this car and whoa, I love it. The best of both worlds... sports car mixed with reliabilty, utility, and fun. This car utilizes Toyota's 2zz-ge engine, and boy does it go. The 6-speed takes some getting use to, as does the tighter suspension, but once you feel comfortable, look out. I have a hard time no wanting to push this car everytime I drive it. It's perfect for me because I can haul my kids, my band equipment and still be able to feel like a kid putting the pedal to the metal every once and a while. I love it!!
I love my Matrix!
We took delivery on our Toyota Matrix in February 2006. I love my Matrix! The car is comfortable to drive around town as well as on the interstate; lots of room for groceries, baggage, etc. It drives like a sports car, but has hauling capacity. And it gets great gas mileage. I couldn't be happier with this car!
22k Miles and Still Loving my Matrix
Was deciding between the Vibe, Mazda3, Mazda6, Passat, and Matrix. Decided on the Vibe/Passat based on price, gas mileage and test drives, then chose the Matrix because I started to prefer its style over the Vibe. Love the Matrix, kicks the crap out of my old '99 Chevy Metro which got a little better MPG, had no acceleration, but was a great college car (cheap and reliable). Love the storage space. I have been keeping a complete record of the gas mileage since I got the car and it gets an average of 28 MPG (the way I drive), but is capable of getting up to 33 MPG (if you drive really efficiently).
Great car
This is my first Toyota, but it won't be my last. This is a fun little car that is nimble and fun to drive. The AWD is a must here in the mountains and this car gets great mileage also. There is good visibility from the driver's seat and good take-off from the little four. The a/c works well enough to keep everyone cool. We love this little wagon.
Zoom-Zoom
I researched for this car configuration for 3 months. This car was just put on the dealership lot and had everything I spec'd out for this vehicle. The car was for my wife who is tiny and a school teacher as well as loves to drive a good sports car, this one is a great combination of both. We got all the whistles and bells including had leather seats added, beautiful car and extremely well priced for the total package compared to all others in and out of it's class, a real upscale but well priced car and it is a Toyota. The best feature is the ease to get in and out of the car, no pulling up just step in and out with ease and convenience.
Love my Matrix
I previously had a 2005 Matrix. The dealership enticed me to stop by and consider a trade in. And I did. My first Matrix XR was the dark shadow grey. Now I have the dark blue which is really beautiful. I recommend the Matrix to anyone who wants a roomy car both in the front and rear seating areas. Lots of head room and leg room. I am 6 feet tall and these were 2 important factors. Plus I get an average of 30 MPG.
Nice Surprise But Do Your Homework
So far this car has been pleasant to drive and is very versatile. Despite its sporty look, it's not a sports car so if your aim is power don't buy it. It sits higher up than regular cars and feels more like a small SUV but with better gas mileage and handling. The emergency brake doesn't catch all the time when I park but is hopefully an easy fix. I've had the car for 1 month and am undecided on whether I think the mileage is a good deal yet. Highway driving rated approx 360 miles/tank, mixed driving has been approx 300-325, city was less than 300. Hopefully the tank just needs more breaking in. Paint is durable - car was hit with hundreds of marble size hail and not a dent on it.
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.
cool Matrix
Excellent design and quality. Although the ride is higher compared to my civics, it still feels very sporty and responsive. Since it is designed as a ULEV crossover, it is really versatile, affortable and comfortable. Auto transmission is really smooth and gas mileage is great. Very happy with the car since I got it new and fully loaded in Mar 2006. Great price and great looks, all my friends love it at my work place. Only other car that generate so much attention at work is a 2006 Mustang GT but he is suffering with his gas bills and insurance.
All around great car
As the title states... Bought the car for its mileage, dependability, and versatility. I'm a handy-man so hauling wood and other building materials is a fairly common occurrence for me. I also MTB ride often and being able to throw the bike and gear in the back or several on a rack for long trips with friends is also common. This car handles ALL of that with grace. The manual transmission is good. Shifting is positive, short throws. Acceleration is more than adequate. It's not a sports car (for 15 years, my previous car). You're in the wrong price range and class if you are expecting that type of handling and performance. Even still, the Matrix performs very well.
I love My Matrix XRS
I fell in love with this car when it first came out. I saw it when I went to see a movie on the pre-movie commercials and fell in love and several years later I was still in love with it. I traded in my 99 4 door civic and I am so glad that I did!
Love My Red RX
Fun and RELIABLE..it's a Toyota! I purchased the red model and have many comments on it's sporty appeal. The gas mileage is wonderful with today's gas prices. Love the interior... very modern/sleek and FUN!
Long 4200 Mile Trip
Drove from AZ thru CO, KS to MO and then back thru AR, OK, and NM. Camped out in it a total of 6 nights. A blowup mattress will fit in back with the seats down and forward. Performed well in the CO mountains for the size of the engine. Able to maintain 65-70 mph on the 6-7% grades. Averaged 32- 33 mpg depending on the speed. Great for an AWD! Used the AC outlet to blowup the mattress, use my laptop, and charge our camera batteries. A definite plus! The seats were fairly comfortable for the long-hauls. An adjustable lumbar support would be nice. Has been reliable so far. The sunroof cover squeaked for awhile but the dealership fixed it. No really major complaints.
LOVED it - but watch for SAFETY ratings
I had my Matrix XR for almost a year. I loved it and had only two minor problems that needed fixing (plastic piece on underside broke and my key would sometimes stick in the ignition). However, my car was recently totaled in a low impact (only about 15 mph) accident at a four-way stop intersection where the other car (a Jeep Wrangler) decided to proceed into the intersection after I was already halfway through. He hit my passenger side at a relatively low speed. However the damage to the side of my car was pretty extensive, mostly in the front passenger seat. I thank God my kiddos weren't in the car! Just watch the ratings and get side impact airbags if at all possible.
SUV/CUV traits in a fun compact!
Only complaints are nit-picks. Car rides smooth and quiet, MPG is good for AWD, but fuel tank small (~300 mi range), seats are supremely comfy, lots of int storage, adjustable driver seat height, flexible cargo area, and great build quality. When compared to a sedan of this class, it feels more spacious, looks cooler, is more practical, and has AWD. Looks sportier than it is. Steering and suspension are great, but not sporty. Engine power is just OK (more power, lower MPG, so I'm OK w/ this). It has the industry's worst tonneau cover - borderline useless. 6-CD in-dash player won't play MP3 CDs and doesn't have aux-in.
Great car for the money
I traded in a large truck for the Matrix. I travel 100 miles a day and wanted a fuel efficient vehicle. This car filled the bill. If I set my cruise on 65, it can get 35-36 mpg, average 33. I thought I would miss the truck's cargo capacity, but so far, it has been fantastic. I can't believe how much I can get in it. The only problem I have had is with the paint. The car is white and there are about 8 chips on the front and hood already with only 20,000 miles. Other than the paint, I really love this car, especially when gas is $3.00 a gallon.
Maxtix Puts Fun into Driving Again
The Matrix puts fun into driving. Steering wheel feels great, handling more like a sports car. Controls placed perfectly. Love the Chromatic mirror/compass feature and sunroof. All the seats really lay flat. Window controls at an angle more comfortable to operate. I wish my compute was longer - hard to leave vehicle, especially six way driver seat! Gas mileage, room, fun, options, who says you can't have it all. Thanks Toyota.
2006 Matrix 5 speed
Unbelievable fuel economy and interior space. Fun to drive, handles well. Not much acceleration at turnpike speeds (which is one reason why it's so stingy with gas), but pretty peppy below 60 mph.
Matrix Review
Comfortable to drive and well laid out on the interior. Very spacious when the back seat is folded down. MPG is excellent, I average 40 mpg on long trips!!
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.
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!