Toyota Matrix (2009 - 2014) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I just wrecked my Matrix in what could have been a bad accident, and walked away with barely a sore neck. I loved this little car so much and it protected me so well at the end! Its incredibly reliable, and even the base model feels sporty and zippy to drive- this car is deceptively fast. Its also deceptively spacious; Im a handyman, and ran my business from it, no need for a truck. I took it on months-long road trips and with the seats flat slept quite comfortably in the back (tho admittedly Im on the short side). Rarely gave me any problems and never left me stranded. 9.5 out of 10; the only thing keeping it from being a perfect car is the absolutely awful center console -they shouldve just gone with the 00s camry setup, which was perfect.Dec 07, 2023

If there had been a little more luxury standard options, it would have been better differentiated from the Yaris and would have been more like a mini Rav4 - which is what I bought it for. I like the cargo space, I like the look -- much less boring than the Corolla and far better quality than the Yaris, I love the gas mileage -- I really don't know why Toyota discontinued it. My biggest complaint is that the seat doesn't go up high enough and I have to use a pillow.Feb 20, 2015

The Toyota Matrix is a good car for everyday use. Personally, I like the latest (and last) generation for styling (09-up.) It's subjective, but for me the earlier ones aren't quite as sleek and look too much like the Pontiac Vibe (which is to be expected.) With the demise of Pontiac, the last-gen Matrix finally came into its own. The engine has been reliable. Beyond normal maintenance, I haven't had to take it in. I was a little surprised to find that common parts for this car can be annoying to find. Spark plugs, brake pads, and the like generally have to be ordered in to your local auto parts place. It also uses a funny oil filtration system that requires a special wrench. Not a big or expensive deal, but it can be annoying the first time you go to change your oil and find the filter inside of a tube with a crazy cap on it. I don't find it to be under powered but it isn't particularly zippy, either. There is a sport edition available if you're looking for more HP. Toyota has been involved in a lot of recalls of late (at least a lot for Toyota.) The Matrix has a few. It's more annoying than anything, as it shows a decline in build quality as Toyota attempted to save money by outsourcing more components. A major flaw is the alloy wheel rims. It is a common problem on certain years for the wheel rims to bubble up. I think they're painted alloy, and when stones hit and nick the paint water gets in and messes them up. This has happened to all four of my wheels, and based on what I've read, is common at least to the 09 model year. I was also concerned by slight engine surging at idle when the AC is on, but from what I've read it's normal. There is enough room for passengers in the front, with the rear seats better for kids than adults if the seats are pushed back. Seats are a little firm but also offer great support. There is a fold-able rear cup-holder that is handy. The cargo area is a little small, but it has the option for putting the seats flat so transporting bigger things is pretty easy. The controls are ergonomically laid out and easy to reach. They are large and round, easy to manipulate. I like the gauge design, which is red and seen through a round beezle. The automatic shifter is kind of in an odd place. It leaves more room between the seats but I've knocked it out of gear a couple times when reaching over to grab something. The stock stereo in the base model is adequate, but was also the first thing I changed out. Some of the models come with more advanced stereos, but I'm pretty picky about audio. Visibility is fine but the rear corners have blind spots. They put tiny little windows on the sides at the back but they don't help much. Mirrors are important for lane changes. Traction control was optional on the 09 base model. If that is an important feature to you, you should check to see if the one you're looking at has it. TC was more of a standard feature, I think, after the 09. You can also get an AWD version, though they are less common. Gas millage is OK, but for a smallish car with limited HP I'm a little surprised it's not better. I get mid 20's in the city and higher 20's on the highway, close to 30. It uses regular fuel. I feel safe enough in this car. It's not huge, but there are plenty of airbags. I'm sure that's true of most cars these days, but I grew up with cars before they were invented and so it's something I notice. Overall, if you're looking for a smaller car that will provide decent performance with a minimum of mechanical headaches, the Matrix is one to consider. Again, I prefer the 09 and up because it looks different than the Vibe, which I see a lot of around here. It's not a car that is likely to turn heads but neither is it the ubiquitous small sedan. It's like a Corolla for people who can't stand the thought of driving such a boring standard.Aug 02, 2014

This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It looked great and stylish from the day we got it to two years later covered in snow. It's sporty, fun to drive, handles well and can hold a bunch of stuff. Lay flat back seats really makes a nice option for transporting larger items. Toyota reliability means a lot to me; I have owned 4 in a row and never have any issues with them. Doing all the regular maintenance helps and keep from having any issues later. Just a fantastic vehicle all around. Jan 30, 2013

We have the base Matrix with Touring Package. Including: 4 spd Auto Transmission, Tachometer, Power Windows & Locks, Key less Entry, Tilt-telescopic steering wheel, Air, Cruise, CD/Mp3/WMA Player with Auxiliary input, Heated Mirrors, Height adjustable driver's seat, scuff plates with Matrix etching, Rear-mounted spoiler, fog lights, hood deflector, splash guards, color keyed door handles, Rust Check included. Acceleration in moderate-good, but nothing like our old Vibe GT, (that car would go 80 Km/h in 1st gear and it was a 6 speed manual). Braking and handling are both very good-excellent. It's a Toyota, so the build quality in never an issue. The appearance, in my opinion, has vastly improved. Where the Vibe was my initial favorite, with the Matrix seeming to conservative (on their inception), the Matrix now wins (in all avenues, for that matter) hands down. Mileage, as of yet is not as good as promised, but we'll see as the engine breaks-in properly. Again, being a Toyota, it is not foreseen that there will be any maintenance issues. This car is definitely fun to drive, the suspension feels tight and easily manageable on these horrible Nova Scotia roads, but not too harsh. This is a perfect car for anyone who has one or two small children. There is plenty of room in the rear passenger cabin to put a booster seat for our oldest, and a "Latch System" removable car seat for our infant. Then, though there is little-to-no no room left in the back seat for passengers, there is plenty of room in the hatch back for all of our supplies for the weekend trips to Grammy and Grampys' house. (i.e. Diapper bag, luggage for 4 people, toys for the baby and toys for big sister and even Daddy)Mar 11, 2009

Overall is very utilitarian car. We've packed the interior with the rear seats folded down, attached a small trailer loaded and taken it for a spin. You do notice the weight but the engine pulls it along without complaint and still leaves some power for an occasional maneuver. Air noise was annoyingly noticeable without the radio on but not enough to be a distraction. Seats didn't cause any fatigue on long trips and rear seated passengers remained comfortable. Fuel mileage is about what you'd expect for a hatchback but still easy on the wallet. Fun quotient could be higher but I suspect the XRS to have options for excitement.Sep 24, 2008