Toyota Matrix 2005 Photo courtesy of Toyota Canada

Toyota Matrix has been introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model and is based on Corolla platform.
Four-door hatchback, available as front- or four-wheel drive.
Transverse mount engine, MacPherson struts in the front, semi-independent torsion beam suspension (Double Wishbone in 4WD) in the back.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) are optional (standard on XRS). Disk brakes in the front, drums in the back (four-wheel disk brakes on XRS).

Toyota Matrix 2005 Photo courtesy of Toyota Canada

Matrix Standard and XR model come with 4-cylinder 1.8-liter VVT-i (variable timing) engine, the same engine as in the Corolla.
Sporty XRS model comes with a high-performance VVTL-i (variable timing and lift) version of 1.8-liter engine with 180 horsepower and available six-speed manual transmission.
The interior is roomy. Elevated roofline provides generous headroom for front and rear passengers. Split rear seat folds flat offering plenty of cargo space. The front passenger seatback folds down resembling a table.

Toyota Matrix 2005 Photo courtesy of Toyota Canada

The rear hatch window opens separately for easy access. Dashboard looks sharp and sporty with round gauges and chrome trimming. Driver's place offers upright seating position and easy to use controls. One of the useful features - optional 115V power outlet to power up your laptop.
Ride is stiffer compared to the Corolla, good handling. The engine is a bit noisy at acceleration. Optional four-wheel drive system provides better traction on a slippery road.
The 2003 - 2004 Toyota Matrix has five stars for both, driver and passenger and the 2005 - 2006 models has five stars for driver and four stars for passenger in NHTSA frontal crash test.

Engine

The Matrix comes with 1.8-liter 16-valves twin-cam engine with variable timing (VVT-i), the same as in the Corolla. This engine uses a long-lasting timing chain eliminating the need for periodic timing belt replacement. The XRS model features the VVTL-i version of that engine, same as in the Celica with more high-end power achieved by variable valve lift. This means that at high rpm valves open wider allowing the engine to "breath" better. Either of these two engines is very reliable if maintained properly.

Strengths

- Good fuel economy
- Reliability
- Stylish sporty look
- Practical roomy interior
- Cargo room
- Rear hatch window opens separately

Weaknesses

- No leather seats
- Interior looks a bit cheap, plastic trim around the stereo is easy to scratch.
- The engine is a bit noisy
Problems are rare and mostly minor, like noisy serpentine belt idler, check engine light, and alike.

The Matrix offers a combination of stylish sporty look, generous space and versatility of a minivan with excellent fuel economy of a small car. Add good reliability records and low maintenance costs and you are looking at a nice package. Pontiac Vibe is a mechanical twin of Toyota Matrix and can be considered as an alternative.

Definitely check the used car history records to protect yourself from hidden problems, follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a Toyota dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- Black soot in the exhaust may indicate excessive oil consumption.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Overheating can cause serious engine problems.
- Synthetic oil can provide extra protection for your engine.
- Winter tires will provide much better traction on the snow.
- Change transmission fluid regularly using original transmission fluid bought from Toyota.
- Use original Toyota parts, they are not very expensive.
- At least once a year have your car inspected in the garage on the lift (e.g when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the car must be on the lift.
Check more car maintenance tips

Toyota Matrix short specifications (2006 US model)
Dimensions:
Overall length: 171.3 (4350 mm)
Overall width:  69.9 (1775 mm)
Overall height:  
-with 16" Alloy: 60.6 (1540 mm)
-with 17" Alloy: 61.0 (1550 mm)
Wheelbase:  102.4 (2600 mm)
 
Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo volume: 
behind rear seats: 1.8 cu. ft (617 liters)
with rear seats folded 53.2 cu, ft (1506 liters)
 
Engine:
 Matrix Standard / XR:  1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line twin-cam, 16-valve
DOHC with VVT-i, aluminum alloy block and head
126/118 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2WD/4WD)
122/115 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (2WD/4WD)
 
Matrix XRS: 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line twin-cam, 16-valve
DOHC with VVTL-i, aluminum alloy block and head
164 hp @ 7,600 rpm, 125 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

EPA Fuel Economy:
 
Matrix Standard / XR 2WD Manual: city: 30 MPG (7.8 L/100km)
                                 hwy: 36 MPG (6.5 L/100km)
Matrix Standard / XR 2WD Automatic: city: 28 MPG (8.4 L/100km)
                                    hwy: 34 MPG (6.9 L/100km)
Matrix Standard / XR 4WD:  city: 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km)
                           hwy: 31 MPG (7.6 L/100km)
Matrix XRS 6-speed Manual:  city: 25 MPG (9.4 L/100km)
                            hwy: 32 MPG (7.4 L/100km)
Recommended Fuel:

Matrix Standard / XR: 87-octane unleaded
Matrix XRS: 91-octane unleaded

Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 US gal or 50 liters (4WD: 11.9 US gal or 45 liters)

Engine Oil capacity: 
Matrix Standard / XR: 3.7 quart (3.5 liters)
Matrix XRS: 4.2 quart (4.0 liters)