Used 2008 Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Mighty Matrix
We bought our Matrix because my wife fell in love with the design. After test driving it, we were sold on the leg and headroom. It was sluggish getting onto the freeway, so i went down to the local auto parts store and got a K&N air filter and it made an extreme difference. It has immediate acceleration and getting on the freeway is not a problem whatsoever! We are getting 35 MPG and it runs like a Toyota should. I would Highly recommend the K&N Air Filter! It makes a BIG difference.
A great upgrade from a 96 geo tracker
When I purchased my Matrix I was looking for something that would be good on gas and my dog could fit in. Well I got both. I figured that the car would do well in the snow being front wheel. We had a big snow storm recently and I wasn't impressed how the car handled itself. I did not feel safe driving in the snow and ice. Other than that this car is perfect for me, my husband and dog. It will hold all kinds of things in the cargo area with the back seat still up!! I purchased the dog gate and it works great. Everyone who has seen my car or rode in it love it. They rave about it. I might however buy a 4wdrive in the near future for safety reasons only.
- StandardMSRP: $8,99936 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,499608 mi away
- StandardMSRP: $9,987643 mi away
A "Bulletproof" Automobile
I own a 2008 Matrix XR. I've owned it since 2011. It had 85,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 155,000. It has been a VERY reliable automobile. It's also easy to change your own plugs, air filter and cabin filter. I have not had a mechanical problem with the car. It is not impressive in mid-gear but the car does have a decent 1st gear and at 80mph in overdrive, the engine is at 3,000rpm. It drives and handles well with good braking. Outside visibility is excellent, A/C keeps people cool in hot SoCal summers. Hatchback feature is great-fold the rear seats forward and you have extra storage room. I can put my mountain bike in the car with the rear seats folded forward. Front legroom is very good, bucket seats have enough side bolster for tight cornering at speed. Only wishes would be for a 2.4L, 4 cylinder engine (mine has a 1.8L) and a sun-roof. In short, reliability and ease of maintenance makes this car "Bulletproof".
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Loved my Matrix
I was a previous Honda Civic owner when I purchased my Matrix for increased versatility. I found the car to be comfortable, roomy (for me at 5ft10in and my husband at 6ft3in), a blast to drive, and great for hauling anything I wanted to put in it. I also learned recently that the Matrix is also a very safe car. I was in a front-end collision with a Suburban the other day. I estimate the impact was at ~50mph. The car is a total loss, but I walked away with nothing but a scratch and few bruises (mostly from the seat belt). I would buy another '08 Matrix in a second if I could. It's a bummer the '09s are less fuel efficient.
Best little car anywhere
I’ve been driving Matrixes for 16 years, from 2004 to 2008, the latest model year that was truly a wagon (not a hatchback!); and both manual and automatic transmissions. All are fun to drive, nimble, and very economical. There is a regular electric outlet on the dash, which is unique and allows you to plug in anything. Cargo capacity is Outstanding! With the rear seats folded down, you have a total flatbed with 53 cubic feet capacity. I have made 8 cross-country moves and everyone marvels on how much I can pack. I’ve also gotten 34 mpg highway, fully loaded! The front seat folds flat to form a table top, and the rear window opens. I’ve also carried 8 foot long boards long with the front seat folded down flat. All-in-all, a great little car! My current Matrix is 12 years. Eventually I’ll have to replace it, and that will be a sad day.
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