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Used 2008 Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
18 reviews

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3 out of 5 stars

Cheap and reliable but uncomfortable and sketchy

Shelby, Utica, MI, 02/02/2018
Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful

I was so excited to purchase my 08 Matrix after driving my 01 accord into the ground. At first the new car element was amazing, however after driving it daily for almost a year, I have learned to spite this car. I'm a born and raised yooper girl, so before anyone says anything about my inexperience with driving in poor conditions, wrong. My honda accord drove much better. The wind takes this car into other lanes and into the medians without a second thought. Snow is my worst enemy. Even with good tires and a fresh alignment. The car is light and squirrely, not to mention the road noise is loud. I miss my honda every single day. The gas tank is ridiculously small, although the mileage is good. As long as you dont have to go far. My only other cosmetic complaint is the wiper lever is in a bad spot , and I hit it constantly. But as far as reliability, yes, I trust it through and through, but if you prefer white knuckling your long commutes, or being a butterfly in a hurricane, this is the car for you. Space wise, I love the plastic backs to the seat so my dogs have room in the back. The hatch back is convenient and I love the option to open the glass door or the entire hatch. I love Toyota, but i won't ever buy another matrix. A 4runner is in my future

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Very happy with my 2008 Matrix.

Lonnie, Vero Beach, FL, 09/24/2021
Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Purchased used 18 months ago with 120k. Currently has 151k. On highway 34-35 mpg. I do limited city driving (est. 20-25%) and lowest mpg has been 29. Vehicle serviced when purchased, current with oil changes, filters, etc., and I have had no issues since purchasing. I am comfortable in the seat (5'9"/250). However, previous vehicle was a 2006 Chrysler van and, until I adjusted, in the Matrix it felt like the engine was in my lap, personal thing that was overcome with the much improved mpg and trouble-free reliability. Not the quietest, due to road noise, not rattles & squeaks. I feel it handles freeway speeds, with wind gusts and passing trucks, without issue. I live in FL, so no experience with snow, but the A/C works well! Cargo space seems very good. Overall, I like the vehicle very much.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great Car

RIDG3RUNN3R, 11/06/2008
Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have put 15k on my matrix already in 5 months. We have been up and down the east coast, including snow in the Adirondacks this November. I have camped out of it on several occasions. This vehicle is a very reliable and versatile machine. I recommend it to anyone. Competes with any Subaru, if it isn't better. I have carried canoes, bikes, kayaks and skis. It handles well even fully loaded.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my 08 Matrix XR!

George O'Conner, 06/26/2008
Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great fuel economy, good leg room, lots of storage slots, and great stereo speakers. It has awesome fuel economy for a mid size car, roomy, and handles well. Also it is fun to drive and handles curves and turns well. I gave a 9 for comfort because the ride is a little rough, but not horrible. Still pretty good. I gave an 8 for interior and exterior design because Toyota didn't do much to re-design the 06 and 07 models of the Matrix. Overall I am happy with this car!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

BEST OVER ALL CAR!!!

Robert, 03/16/2009
Toyota Matrix XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love my Toyota, never really liked them until I got mine and Toyota has me sold for life. Great car all around, comfort is ok, like others, back seat can be a little more confy and I have to issues with the driver side. Great acceleration for a small 1.8l vvt-I four banger. I put in a cold air intake and got better mpg and performance. I also love the looks better than the 09, don't like the new design. Have not had any issues with it at all. I got mine in the speedway blue metallic color and everyone compliments me for it, great color. Car handles very well on curves and ride quality isn't bad for a small compact. I only wish I had gotten the awd when they offered it, I hate my self 4 that.

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