2008 Toyota Matrix Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$15,510 to $16,990

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(17 reviews)

Surrounded by rumors of its imminent demise, the Toyota Matrix rolls into the 2008 model year as a value-priced five-door vehicle with characteristics of a small SUV. Built on the same platform as the Corolla and offering plenty of cargo space and a wide variety of seat configurations, the Matrix fits in well as a small family vehicle, a weekend workhorse, or economical around-town transportation for drivers on the go.

The Matrix displays a sporty design, with a slanted nose, a swept-back roofline, and stylish sheetmetal overall. Aerodynamic halogen headlights and sporty 16-inch wheels add to the Matrix's stylish exterior look.

Under the Matrix's hood, a 126-horsepower, 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine provides adequate but not overwhelming power. The engine links to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.

The Matrix comes in both Base and better-equipped XR versions. Standard features for the Base model include four-way adjustable front seats, a fold-flat passenger seat, two 12-volt power outlets, a heavy-duty rear window defogger, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and a four-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player.

The XR adds such features as remote keyless entry, an illuminated entry system, and power windows. Options include power door locks and an upgraded JBL sound system, as well as various features that are part of add-on packages.

According to some reports, following the 2008 model year the Matrix will give way to the new Toyota Blade, which will provide many of the Matrix's current features in an updated design.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Toyota Matrix

Write a review
User rating:
by Olivier U
Aug 04, 2021
Reliable car, doing oil change on time and do it’s maintenance at Toyota dealership help it last longer Aug 04, 2021
by Anonymous
May 01, 2021
Great overall car. Toyota should start making these again. Reliable and very roomy. Very sporty and not an eyesore to look at. Great on mpg. Cons are few . No ABS . No bluetooth and hp is only around 130. (still zippy though). May 01, 2021
by Peter R
Mar 30, 2021
I could not compare the Toyota Matrix 2008 to any other car because of my personal experience with the matrix. The reliability of my last 05 Matrix was beyond any car I have ever owned, in my 60 year driving many makes and models. The Matrix is a fantastic car in every aspect of a number one vehicle. Peter H.Mar 30, 2021

2008 Toyota Matrix Pricing

Original MSRP
$15,510 to $16,990
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo net

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Mirrors

Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 19.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front and rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo net

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 19.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (2)