2005 Toyota Matrix Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2005 Toyota Matrix got a bit of a makeover, getting a new grille, front bumper, and taillights. The 2005 Matrix also got some more optional safety features, including side-curtain airbags.
The 2005 Toyota Matrix is available in three trim levels: the standard, the XR, and the XRS. The standard and the XR share the same engine with the Corolla, a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder with 130 horses. All-wheel drive knocks the horsepower down to 123, while the XRS gets 170 horses. Upgrading to the XR gets power windows, mirrors, and locks; a remote key fob; and a rear wiper, while the top-of-the-line XRS comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, anti-lock breaks, and a six-speed manual transmission. The XRS is available only in front-wheel drive. Fuel economy is about 29-34 miles per gallon.
Drivers like the 2005 Toyota Matrix because of its style, dependability, fuel efficiency, and roomy interior. Despite its small size, owners say there is plenty of cargo space. Many drivers complain that there is a lot of road noise, and a stiff suspension makes for a bumpy ride. Shorter drivers also have problems with visibility to the side and rear.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Toyota Matrix
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by Anonymous
Oct 23, 2021
Very nice car! Clean inside and out. All wheel drive is great in the snowOct 23, 2021
by Fue X
Mar 30, 2015
I love that it only takes $30 or less to fill up the tank. $10 fill up can take me very far. A/C is always cold. Not much maintenance to worry about. Oil change don't have to be changed until every 5000 miles.Mar 30, 2015
by Barbara M
Jul 23, 2014
The Toyota Matrix has some good pick up, and offers a lot of room and good gas mileage at a great price. Toyota'a are built to last, and this car will definitely be going years down the road. Very nice.Jul 23, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Oct 23, 2021
Very nice car! Clean inside and out. All wheel drive is great in the snowOct 23, 2021
by Fue X
Mar 30, 2015
I love that it only takes $30 or less to fill up the tank. $10 fill up can take me very far. A/C is always cold. Not much maintenance to worry about. Oil change don't have to be changed until every 5000 miles.Mar 30, 2015
by Barbara M
Jul 23, 2014
The Toyota Matrix has some good pick up, and offers a lot of room and good gas mileage at a great price. Toyota'a are built to last, and this car will definitely be going years down the road. Very nice.Jul 23, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 13, 2013
Dependable, standard not my favorite clutch work in traffic is annoying. Drove it to Phoenix from central canada and it was more comfortable than I thought it would have been. It did struggle in the mountains a 6 speed would get better gas mileage in my opinion. Good little car though all in all.Dec 13, 2013
by Stephanie L
Aug 04, 2010
perfect for camping or road trips. Lots of room. Great on gas. All i need to do is change the oil and regular maintenance (brakes, tires, lights etc..) thats it. Oh and no the gas pedal doesn't stick aha .. nice everyday car Aug 04, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 25, 2010
At 6'9" tall it has head and leg room. Very dependable and AWD goes in any weather. Performance is not that great, but is a very good handeling car. The all wheel drive system is great, We will keep and hand down to the kids. Great investment!Jan 25, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 13, 2009
My Matrix wasn't a bad car by no means but this wasn't the car I wanted but it was very cheap and new. It was a cheaper alternative to the RAV4(What I really wanted but at the time couldn't afford)It had solid build quality,The looks grew on me now I like it alot. The interior was simply wonderful. It rode well enough, Driving it around town was more of a chore than fun due to the notchy shifter, hair trigger gas pedal, Soft suspension and low profile tires are a terrible combination. getting out into traffic without about abunch of wheelspin required me to ease out into traffic and then step on it. Acceleration was reasonable around town but needs to revved hard to merge on the highway. The engine is very durable but under hard acceleration the engine is rough and noisy with manual transmission. Automatic I test drove seems to be much quieter and just as fast. I should have spent the extra money for the auto. Overall I can't say that it was a bad car because it was reliable, I since traded this in for my 07 Toyota RAV4 and I love it.Dec 13, 2009
by Anonymous
Nov 25, 2009
Great car plebty of fun. only down side i have come across is the fact the the front tires slip so easily when its wet. but! great mpg regardless. the suspension is rough.. but i coluld care less about that. it does everything i want and need it to do. its a great long distance cruiserNov 25, 2009
by Ernesto R
Nov 11, 2009
This car is an all-around great car. It has great gas mileage, it has a lot of space in the car, and it has decent speed and performance. The car does 34 miles to the gallon. It's bright red, and the interior is alright. I just installed a new stereo system and everything and the music is great. I highly recommend this car if you need a reiable good looking car.Nov 11, 2009
by Mariano T
Aug 28, 2009
Performance - 0-60 in like a minute! HAHA; but no, really, the car is zippy. It's fairly quick for its weight, class, and power. The brakes are a bit spongy and the clutch is a bit difficult with you when you want precision.
Appearance - So it isnt the neatest looking car, but there are some body kits out there that suit it well. We'll see how that turns out.
Cost of Ownership - to be Truly determined; however, on gas it does great when the AC isnt on. I havent changed the oil cause it is still good. No issues have risen in the 1000+ miles I've added to it. Aug 28, 2009
by Ruthie C
May 27, 2009
1. I can carry just about anything in the trunk. The read seats and the front passenger side seat all fold forward. I fit a 9ft rug in there, and countless pieces of furniture.
2. I get about 24 MPG with my use of cruise control and my safe driving.
3. The all-wheel drive is a MUST for New England winters. I can get through any snow conditions.
4. This car is SOLID, and it looks great, too.
5. Maintenance very reasonable, and repairs are practically non-existent in the 4 years I've had my Matrix.
6. It doesn't have good pick-up, but it handles really well and is FUN to drive.May 27, 2009
by Jonathan P
Feb 22, 2009
This is a good over all car. It can do almost anything you through at it. It can move just as much crap as a truck but can double as fun in th canyons when you are not halling stuff across town. It gets about 25 mpg on average but I have been told that I have a heavy foot. If you are going to modify somthing on this car hands down lowering it was the biggest help over all. Feb 22, 2009
by Heather E
Apr 10, 2008
I like this car. It's a step down from what I had before it, but I have never had any major issues with it. Apr 10, 2008
2005 Toyota Matrix Pricing
Trims & specs
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