The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Toyota Matrix with a 5-speed manual transmission starts at about $20,000. When choosing the Matrix S with AWD, the cost rises to almost $23,000. The Matrix S’s price max out at little over $25,000 when the Sport and Premium packages are included.
In This Article...
What kind of car is the Toyota Matrix?
Good dependability ratings have been given to the Toyota Matrix. The Matrix received a strong 4.0 out of 5.0 rating from RepairPal. The Matrix received a comparable 4 out of 5 score from J.D. Power. The fact that the Matrix is essentially a Toyota Corolla with a bigger trunk may be responsible for its dependability.
The Toyota Matrix: Is it still produced by Toyota?
In 2014, Toyota stopped production of the Matrix. You may still rely on Toyota Care Centers to provide excellent service if you currently possess a Matrix. In the interim, we encourage you to look at the selection of new and Certified Used Toyota vehicles.
What issues are there with Toyota Matrix?
The tragic Toyota Matrix has a lot of positive qualities. Toyota created one of the most useful little wagons with a lot of storage space, strong dependability, and high safety ratings. It was a multi-tasking compact car, but sadly, it was withdrawn from the market in 2013.
One of the primary issues to consider when purchasing a used Toyota Matrix is reliability. It’s not surprising that the Matrix, which is just a Corolla with a larger trunk, gets a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 according to the people at RepairPal.
However, some Matrix eras are less trustworthy than others. Today, we’re listing the Toyota Matrix model years you should stay away from and the ones you can buy with confidence.
Which Toyota Matrix Years to Avoid?
The following years of the Toyota Matrix should be avoided because of dependability issues:
- Toyota Matrix, 2003
- Toyota Matrix, 2004
- Toyota Matrix 2005
- Toyota Matrix from 2006
- Toyota Matrix 2009
The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money. We’re built using the same technologies that dealerships use.
Toyota Matrix
The engine issue is one of its most serious problems. Numerous owners have reported hearing ticking or rattling noises emanating from the engine as well as excessive oil use. The Matrix engine simply gave out in the end. According to reports, this feared engine breakdown occurs at about 103,300 miles and costs $3,400 to fix.
The car’s gearbox system, which is similarly prone to failure, is another issue. However, the complaints indicate that a manual system is the only one where this issue occurs.
Toyota Matrix
The version has performed better in terms of dependability than the Matrix from 2003. According to Car Complaints, the 2003 Matrix has received 209 NHTSA complaints and eight recalls.
The 2004 model of the Matrix, which is from the first generation, has issues with the engine and transmission. Similar to the previous year, it appears that only manual transmission cars are affected by the problem, which manifests as loud grinding noises, sluggish shifting, and no fifth gear.
A small number of Matrix owners have complained about engine issues, however at a smaller extent. Owners have heard rattling and ticking noises while driving prior to failure.
Toyota Matrix
Although the 2005 Toyota Matrix’s reliability was far better than that of the 2003 model, it still has issues of its own that are difficult to ignore. The 2005 Matrix is included on this list of Toyota Matrix years to stay away from due to 372 NHTSA complaints and six recalls.
Owners of the Matrix have complained of banging sounds coming from the transmission. Some people have also mentioned irregular shifting and whining sounds coming from the floorboard. A few owners reported that the transmission in their automobile frequently hesitates, which is a sign that the transmission system is broken.
Another problem that potential purchasers should watch out for is the check engine light coming on suddenly. RepairPal speculates that the malfunctioning oxygen sensor that activates the check engine light may be to blame for this problem.
To compile this list of the top used SUVs available for less than $10,000, we took into consideration factors such as cost, dependability, features, and more. Look closely; some of the best used SUVs have been largely forgotten or overlooked.
Toyota Matrix
Unfortunately, dependability issues persisted with the 2006 Matrix in the following year. The 2006 Matrix has 285 NHTSA complaints and eight recalls, according to data from Car Complaints.
The frequently reported abrupt acceleration of the 2006 Matrix is arguably the car’s biggest problem. Many customers have complained that while cruising at modest speeds, their Matrix suddenly accelerated and that applying the brakes had no effect. Many reports state that the airbags didn’t even inflate following impact because of the quick acceleration.
This problem caused the Japanese automaker to initiate a significant recall. Toyota was forced to settle in court with a cool $1.2 billion for what was described as “sudden RPM increase/vehicle acceleration owing to accelerator pedal sticking.”
Toyota Matrix
The 2009 Matrix is one of the worst years to avoid buying a Toyota Matrix because of its plethora of dependability difficulties. The 2009 model of the Matrix, which also happens to be the poorest model year, received yet another “Beware of the Clunker award” from the website Car Complaints.
The main problem with the 2009 Matrix is engine failure. According to numerous reports, the engine’s extreme noise was what people first noticed. When the gas pedal was depressed, the sounds in some instances changed to rattling, and eventually the engine died. It costs $3,400 to correct this problem, which appears at about 103,300 miles.
Once more, the Matrix has transmission issues that mostly impact versions with manual transmissions. Transmission replacement or overhaul is the typical treatment, and it typically costs $2,290.
The minivan is a tough competitor when it comes to carrying a lot of passengers and goods. These are the top 8 used minivans available right now, according to our curated list, which took reliability, price, and functionality into account.
Toyota Matrix
The 2007 Toyota Matrix, winner of the “Seal of Awesome award by Car Complaints, is a popular compact car option. It has a spacious backseat, a solid and comfortable cargo compartment, and outstanding fuel efficiency. The 2007 Matrix is a great family car if you have two kids even though it isn’t quite a huge hatchback.
The transmission issue, which exclusively affects manual transmissions, is the main source of reliability problems. Other than that, if you’re searching for an older hatchback, the 2007 Matrix offers fantastic value.
Toyota Matrix
The 2012 Matrix is a solid choice if you’re looking for a newer Matrix model. At a cheap pre-owned price, this compact car provides dynamic appearance, respectable performance, interior comfort, and great fuel ratings.
The majority of the serious issues with the Matrix, such engine and transmission failures, are thankfully nonexistent. Instead, two issues that aren’t exactly deal-breakers for this model are the radio’s flaws and the glare from the back windows. The 2012 Toyota Matrix is a fantastic, dependable vehicle that provides excellent value.
Why did Toyota cease producing the Matrix?
Due to dwindling sales, Toyota announced on August 5, 2013, that it will stop producing the Matrix for the US market after the 2013 model year and that there were no plans to replace it with another car.
[46] Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada continued to produce vehicles for the Canadian market for the 2014 model year, and they were put together at Cambridge, Ontario. [Reference needed] After that, the Matrix was no longer sold in Canada and was not available for the 2015 model year. [47] Through its Scion brand, Toyota continued to market a variety of small hatchbacks in North America. The Scion brand “transitioned to Toyota” on September 1, 2016. [48] The Corolla iM would replace the Matrix for the 2017 model year. The newest version, the Corolla hatchback, was introduced for the 2019 model year.
What is the lifespan of a Toyota Matrix?
The absolute most dependable engine ever created. A Matrix should last well over 300k miles if the maintenance regimen was followed from the beginning.
Is it simple to maintain a Toyota Matrix?
The Matrix is a straightforward, dependable wagon overall. It’s challenging to imagine another car that will be equally useful and fuel-efficient simultaneously. With proper care, The Matrix can endure a very long time. You might also think about the Pontiac Vibe, which is the mechanical twin of the Toyota Matrix. Although it is smaller, the Honda Fit is still a solid option for a fuel-efficient vehicle with usable storage capacity. The Fit is trustworthy as well.
What to look for when purchasing a used Toyota Matrix: Check the oil level while evaluating a used Toyota Matrix; a low oil level may be a sign that the engine uses oil. Keep an eye out for engine sounds. Avoid the automobile if the engine starts making a loud rattling noise or if smoke comes out of the exhaust. Watch out for manual transmission noises during the test drive; there are many complaints concerning manual gearbox issues.
How frequently should you replace your oil? Toyota advises oil changes every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. We advise changing your oil every 3,500 to 4,000 miles if you want to keep your engine in good condition for a longer period of time and given that the 1.8L engine tends to consume some oil on a regular basis. Regularly checking the engine oil level is also a good idea. The recommended oil viscosity is SAE 5W-30.
How frequently should automatic transmission fluid be changed? Fluid for automatic transmissions needs to be checked frequently and changed when it gets unclean. Learn how to examine the fluid in an automatic transmission.
The Toyota Matrix is a lightweight vehicle; you might wish to install winter tires if you want better traction on icy roads.
Toyota Matrix: Is it an SUV?
The Toyota Matrix combines elements of a sedan, wagon, minivan, and SUV. Even Toyota refers to it as a compact utility vehicle (CUV). The Matrix seems to have taken off, but we’re not sure if the acronym will. Toyota sold about 30,000 of the small wagons, which went on sale as a 2003 model in 2002, during the first half of the year 2003. The Matrix is based on the Toyota Corolla and is produced in a factory that is owned by both General Motors and Toyota in California.
Younger buyers who desire a car with a sporty appearance and great utility are the target market for the Matrix. Toyota boasts that the Matrix combines the usefulness of an SUV with the affordability of a compact sedan and the performance and styling of a sports car. It does indeed achieve all of those goals, if not quite to the same extent that sports cars, SUVs, and compact sedans do with respect to their particular tasks.
We discovered that the Matrix accelerates quickly, especially in populated areas. Although it delivers a smooth, comfortable ride, it corners well. The Matrix is a useful vehicle with a sizable cargo capacity that can be expanded by reclining the back seats. And it’s undoubtedly fashionable.
The 180-horsepower, high-performance XRS model has garnered some attention, but we liked the 130-horsepower variants better for their calmer, friendlier personalities. Entire Review
The 180-horsepower, high-performance XRS model has garnered some attention, but we liked the 130-horsepower variants better for their calmer, friendlier personalities. Full Review hidden
Toyota Matrix: How quick is it?
The Matrix will keep up with traffic, but acceleration times won’t set the world on fire. The S model with AWD completed the quarter mile in 16.8 seconds with a trap speed of 81.3 mph during MT testing, going from 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds. The Matrix’s outdated four-speed automatic is, however, its main flaw.