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 absolutely stylish.
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
While the high-performance XRS model has gained considerable attention with its high-revving 180-horsepower engine, we preferred the 130-horsepower variants for their more relaxing, more pleasant temperament. Full Review hidden
In This Article...
Why was Matrix discontinued by Toyota?
Due to dismal sales, Toyota has removed the Matrix from its lineup for 2014. A Toyota executive admitted to Edmunds that the vehicle had an identity crisis. However, Toyota is looking into the prospect of introducing a five-door hatchback to the Corolla lineup.
Are Toyota Matrix vehicles reliable?
Good dependability ratings have been given to the Toyota Matrix. The Matrix received a strong 4.0 out of 5.0 rating from RepairPal. J.D. The Matrix received a comparable 4 out of 5 rating from Power. The fact that the Matrix is essentially a Toyota Corolla with a bigger trunk may be responsible for its dependability.
How much larger is the Toyota Matrix than the Corolla?
Both vehicles are excellent fuel savers and have a high resale value. They provide a variety of solutions to accommodate various needs. The Matrix offers more cargo capacity and legroom whereas the Corolla is substantially smaller and has less luggage space.
In other words, they perform nearly identically, but the difference is in the amount of cargo capacity and legroom. If you don’t need a lot of space, your decision is simple.
Because of declining sales, the Toyota Matrix was discontinued in the US market in 2013 and in Canada in 2014. Toyota kept promoting hatchbacks in North America under the Scion name. The Matrix was replaced as the new Corolla hatchback in 2017 by the Corolla IM. You now know what to search for if you’re attempting to obtain a very current Matrix but are having trouble finding it.
Does the Toyota Matrix use little fuel?
For instance, the 2007 4 Cyl. Wagon 5D 2WD gets a combined gas economy of 33.0 miles per gallon, whereas the 2013 Wagon 5D S AWD 4 Cyl. trim model has a combined gas mileage of 23.0 miles per gallon (7.2 liters per 100 km) (10.4 liters per 100 km).
Depending on the trim and model year, the Toyota Matrix can achieve a city fuel economy of 7.8 miles per gallon (7.8 liters per 100 km) to 11.8 miles per gallon (11.8 liters per 100 km) and a highway fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon (6.5 liters per 100 km) to 36 miles per gallon (9.0 liters per 100 km).
For hybrid automobiles, the gas mileage displayed is the miles per gallon equivalent.
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.
As far as dependability issues go, the biggest concern is the gearbox problem, which primarily affects manual transmissions. 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.
What is the expected lifespan of the 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 a Matrix a compact vehicle?
The best little wagon is the Toyota Matrix. The Matrix features 49.4 cubic feet of flat cargo area wrapped in tough plastic on the same basis as the Corolla. Interior of a 2012 Toyota Matrix. It’s also one of the few compact automobiles with enough headroom for tall drivers.
Toyota stopped producing Matrix when?
A Matrix-related message. 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.
A SUV is the Pontiac Vibe.
Additionally, the Vibe has more cargo space than most users will ever require. This provides it SUV-like adaptability in the shape of a small, effective hatchback with unique appearance that still looks good after a few years.
In a Toyota Matrix, is sleeping possible?
Lexus Matrix (2003 – 2014) The Matrix, which was sold from 2003 to 2014, has some distinctive internal features that make it a great option for sleeping in. There is a lengthy, flat area to lay down with few ridges and bumps when the front passenger seat and the back seat are both folded down.
Is driving the Toyota Matrix enjoyable?
If you treat it well, the Toyota Matrix is a sturdy, durable, adaptable, and affordable vehicle that will serve you well for many years. I adore the way it looks and handles! Driving this car is so enjoyable you forget it’s a sensible vehicle!
Has the Toyota Matrix four-wheel drive?
There are two engine options and front-wheel-drive (2WD) and all-wheel-drive (4WD) models to choose from. A 130 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Matrix and Matrix XR (123 horsepower with four-wheel drive).
What kind of car is a 2008 Toyota Matrix?
All things considered, the 2008 Toyota Matrix provides a satisfying answer for customers with various needs. It is reasonably priced, efficient on gas, well-built, typically enjoyable to drive, and most importantly, roomy.
Is the 2010 Toyota Matrix a decent vehicle?
The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a wonderful option for buyers looking for a practical little car because it boasts high safety ratings, a lot of storage space, and available all-wheel drive.
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. If the engine makes a loud rattling noise or there is a smoke from the exhaust when the engine is started, avoid the car. 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.