Used 2006 Toyota Matrix 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Good All Around Car
Landric, 04/25/2010
Toyota Matrix 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 06. I traded my 02 Mazda Protege ES in on it when the Mazda had 115000 miles (trouble free). I got the automatic because I was living in a high traffic volume area where its less fun to drive a manual. I got the base model with power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise, etc. Its a great looking car with lots of interior space and a mostly well thought out interior. Ride is smooth, nice driving position, clear gauges, etc. I'm at 90k now & I need to trade it on a minivan because I can't fit a rear facing child seat behind me & still have enough space to drive (twins!). The throttle body went at 70K (covered by extended warranty) and the CD died at 80k.
Converted my Base Model Matrix
Jimmy, Los Angeles, CA, 04/09/2017
updated 10/10/2017
Toyota Matrix 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Bought this car last year from an owner in Irvine, CA. It was bone stock, I didn't like the way it looked because it's a base model. The car did not come with rocker panels, rear bumper nor front bumper lip. I want to give a shoutout to Toyota for "prewiring" this car, meaning all modifications can be installed because there are wires hidden inside the chassis. You just have to find them. I was able to install OEM power mirrors, cruise control on my steering wheel, fog lights, and the 115v inverter. Really happy that finding parts was not a difficult task because the Matrix shares OEM parts with the Pontiac Vibe and the 9th gen Corollas. If you guys have any questions or want to know more about installations for this car, please join our "Toyota Matrix Enthusiasts/Owners page" on Facebook! Thanks for reading! 10/9/17, So here's an *UPDATE* on what I did to my Matrix. I replaced the stock suspension with lowering springs from Progress (drops 2.2 F and 2.2 R), bought a rear bumper with spoilers and rocker panels from a crashed XR, replaced the clear tail lights with the 03-04 OEM Red tail lights, OEM mudguards, and a Rhino Roof Rack. There's so much more I want to do on this car but I have to learn to save money before spending. Next installation: 03-04 XR front bumper.
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2006 Toyota Matrix silver base
Blake Cryderman, 04/27/2021
Toyota Matrix 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Okay, I’ll try to be as absolutely honest as possible with my matrix review. We bought this car in August 2019, from the 2nd owner, originally from a car rental place from 2006 to 2008. It has 240,000 km on it as of now, and we did have to fix an oil leak by the timing cover in October 2020, and it will need exhaust work by the exhaust manifold. No big deal, because it is not severe. Aside from these 2 little issues, only done oil changes every 5,000 km. Just a dam solid car. Toyota quality. It probably got these 2 issues from sitting during covid quarantine. Our small mistake. But our family loves it, the backseat is very roomy, a 6 feet tall person can sit in the rear seat comfortably with the front seat all the way back. Very versatile as well, can haul a push mower with the rear seat folded flat. The passenger seat folds down as well, so you can use it as a table in a parking lot. And it’s really cool how the back glass opens as well, so you can haul long wood. The seats are really comfortable, although the 2009 matrix redesign made the seats much less comfortable, with less cargo room. Uncle has a 2005 matrix with 157,000 km, he loves the reliability. I do however, advise that matrix owners super glue the clips on their Toyota hubcaps, as they will fall off the car around the 100,000 kilometre mark. But worth it to super glue the clips, as they are good looking factory hubcaps. I’m really surprised to see some people complain about the interior quality. The less bells and whistles on a car, the less to break. People with reliability issues probably change the oil every 15,000 kilometres, not enough. They should do it every 5,000 km. MASSIVE shame that Toyota stopped making this car. Paint quality is good to. Ours had zero peeling clear coat even with no wax or protection for 14 years. Try getting that with a Chevy Cobalt. My full opinion on this car.
No rear a/c and poor driveability
smezbryant, 05/22/2009
Toyota Matrix 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
18 of 24 people found this review helpful
No fun to drive! Plenty peppy for 4 cyl, but handling isn't fun. I got the base model which was a mistake--it didn't have basic safety like ABS or side curtain airbags. It's super cute on the outside, has good room in the backseat. Front cup holders are too skinny for most drinks.
The Matrix
Chantel, 05/09/2006
Toyota Matrix 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car! It's my 3rd car, 2nd toyota. Reliability is awesome, gas mileage is as good as can be expected, low on inner city stop/go, great hwy. It's comfortable, great radius and handling on curves/bad weather. So much room-left the east coast for the west and all I took was my car and the stuff I fit inside-it was great! Also a great outdoors car-who needs a tent, when the seat recline w/so much room. I feel like a commercial, but I love it and everyone who drives it also loves it in the end, even if they're skeptical at first. You get the space, without giving up the sport. I cannot find any major faults-boo to those who find superficial gripes.