2008 Toyota Matrix User Reviews

Pros

stylish, reliable, fun to drive, very roomy, a real value.

Cons

NOTHING to complain about !

Purchased As New

The v v t i engine is probably one of the smartest things Toyota ever came up with when putting the Matrix and Corolla together. I previously owned a 2000 Corolla, which I put 241,000 original miles on, and when I sold it in 2007, it was still running like the devil :-)
The v v t i engine is one of the main reasons I purchased the Matrix, and have never been disappointed since day one. Gas mileage is great, handles nicely on the road. For dollar value and reliability, It doesn`t get better than this.......read morehide

Pros

No Pros

Cons

plastic gauges on inside are scratched badly after normal cleaning

Purchased As New

poor fuel economy sun roof leaks and does not open all the way
steering is not working correctly clinking backing up and moving forward
rust already dealer says its from a stone chip all I have done is normal driving
interior is not durable Scratches very easily
too much cabin noise on highway

Pros

the perfect car for the outdoorsy type! love the fold down trunk, fuel economy, just a good ca

Cons

i'll always desire better fuel economy until the car runs itself!

Purchased As New

i love this car! it is my first official car titled in my name. it's not fancy but is nice enough. it's easy to drive in the snow - i did it last weekend, in fact and felt safe and in control. the seats are comfy and i love the plastic trunk - so easy and functional. i love to take it on road trips and camping trips - and my pup loves to spread out in the back - though she does slide if she's standing on the plastic. :) i would highly recommend this car - i'm strongly considering getting another one for my next car... if the car ever dies!...read morehide

Pros

none. Fuel economy is not so good.

Cons

Rides like a covered lawn mower, so where your mouthguard on long trips to protect your teeth.

Purchased As New

Terrible car. It is a covered lawn mower with about as much acceleration. It rides terribly harsh. I purchased this car new and finally had to get rid of it. I got a 2009 Equinox Sport. I only lost 4 MPG's average between a full size 2009 Equinox Sport and this piece of toyota junk. Let's face it, it's created by a company with the correct name. It's a toy. I had to put it away. Trunk space is none existent. I remember going to Christmas and where could I put stuff. Everywhere! No room. Get used to hitting shoulders with your passengers. Also, the automatic window controls don't work correctly. If I lockout the windows, it also locks out the driver controls. I've never experienced this before. How could something like this be missed? The arm rest is not in the correct place and so I cannot rest my arm. How could this be missed? The interior scratches if you breathe on it. Terrible quality. The tire monitor sensors kept malfunctioning. I've never had a flat, but had 2 tire pressure monitor sensors go bad. So, 100% of the time if the tire pressure sensor monitor light is on, it's not a flat. It's toyota dummy light barking at me. I'm so glad it's finally gone!!! Never again Toyota....read morehide

Pros

Good fuel mileage ,nice sound system

Cons

Choppy noisey ride, small windows , loud engine

Purchased As Not Purchased

I rented a 2009 Matrix and drove 300 miles round trip, mainly freeway driving. It was raining on the way home and the lower body panels made noise. I have never had a stiff neck from any car but both my wife and I had stiff necks from the ride. The front seats are to firm. The car makes loud noise on rough roads. Plus the car is weird looking. Poor rear visibility . Very good fuel mileage. Car is a poor choice just like the Corolla....read morehide

Pros

easy on the fuel

Cons

rides like a soda can on wheels

Purchased As Not Purchased

My in-laws bought one of these new back in 2006. I purchased a 2007 Kia Rondo, in 2007. I paid less for the base model, got more room, a 3rd row seat, more power and a vehicle that sits a tad higher and is quite. Don't get me wrong, having worked on vehicles for over 25 years, and being ASE certified, Toyota puts out a GREAT product; however, for the price, if your looking for a nice wagon, that is reliable and more comfortable, has a luggage rack {get cross spars in deal when buying the base} and less cost, go for the Kia Rondo. If you keep it serviced, and follow the manufactures recommended fluid changes, you will not go wrong. Maintenance, maintenance, Maintenance!!!!...read morehide

Pros

The 09 were out when I purchased my 08. I felt it was a little larger interior. MPG 27/32

Cons

Had air noise in door and Dealer corrected it.

Love my car, great for driving, parking, good pickup and love hatchback. Great little car for the money. Interior scratched easy, but took to car wash yesterday and had it treated. Looks great.
Have a 4 Runner also. Love my Toyotas. Had a Solara for 10 years replaced a battery and timing chain, hated to get rid of it, but needed a 4 door. I never have any problems with my Toyotas....read morehide

Pros

Looks okay

Cons

Rides rough, interior scratches easily, corners poorly, trunk too small, windows don't function well

Rides rough, interior scratches easily, corners poorly, trunk too small, windows don't function well because when the lock is depressed driver cannot control, OD button in terrible location, arm rests in poor location, door panels too high to rest arm, speedo in back location for how I hold steering wheel, accerleration is poor, engine is loud, fuel economy is only about 26 MPG (I get 42 MPG in my Cavalier with much better ride quality), trunk space is too small (needs another 4 inch width and 4 inch length), tire pressure sensors keep malfunctioning, base Goodyear tires no good, seats are too low, not as nearly as good of car as the warped car reviews would indicate....read morehide

Pros

Space

Cons

Ride is choppy, Strut bushes wear out, Engine noise, Sunvisor is short

Not too great of a car as claimed. The handling is poor on corners, sunvisor is short, ride is choppy and bumpy, alot of engine noise, small driver's handrest and car rattles after about 50K miles. Ride not comparable to a sedan's. I think its manufactured on Corolla chasis.

Pros

Good Fuel Economy, A lot of storage, Seats fold down to carry longer pieces of cargo

Cons

Factory Tires Wear Down Fast (Within 1 year of purchase)

I read a lot of review about the Vibe. A lot of people said it's better to get the Vibe instead of the Matrix, because the Vibe is cheaper. I disagree. Toyota has a reputation for quality. GM carbon copied the interior of the Matrix. Pontiac isn't know for building good cars, or quality. You always get what you paid for and I will choose a Toyota Car over a GM made Car any day. Now trucks are another story for another post....read morehide