2010 Toyota Matrix
- 2009 Toyota Matrix
- Used Toyota Matrix
Not Yet Ranked
Toyota Matrix - What the Auto Press Says
The Matrix is fuel efficient and practical. But nit-picking reviewers note the car's unimpressive cabin materials and forgettable performance.
All in all, the 2010 Toyota Matrix is a practical choice. Its cavernous cargo area, outstanding gas mileage and good visibility from the front row are standouts among small cars and hatchbacks. But eagle-eyed reviewers are less than impressed with the Matrix's quality and performance, and say the two available engines are merely competent and the plastic surfaces are too hard.
If you're looking for utility and quality, the Honda Fit is definitely worth a test drive. On paper, the Fit might seem to have many similarities with the Matrix -- it has great visibility from the front row, an unusual amount of cargo space for its size and class, and the mini-ute dimensions that are becoming increasingly popular. But reviewers also point out the Fit's frisky road demeanors and superior quality.
If you need even more space, check out the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 has a strong reputation for quality, safety and comfort, plus it offers impressive performance with either a four-cylinder or optional V6 engine.
The 2010 Toyota Matrix is available in three trims with two available engines. The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine while the S and XRS trims have a 2.4-liter four cylinder. Fresh off a redesign for the 2009 model year, the newest Matrix is virtually unchanged. However, now all trims receive standard stability control.
Be sure to check for current Toyota Deals that may be available on a new Matrix.
- "If you're looking to graduate from you Scion xD or xB, look no further than Toyota's second-gen Matrix." -- Motor Trend
- "The Corolla-based 2010 Toyota Matrix hatchback reminds us that the folks at Toyota can still make a darned good small car when they put their minds to it. We've been underwhelmed by the latest Corolla, to put it mildly, but its Matrix cousin is a thoroughly competent effort." -- Edmunds
- "The Matrix is well screwed together, has a roomy, makes-sense interior and very nice instruments and controls, and, with the optional navigation system, is fairly upmarket." -- Car and Driver
- "The Matrix doesn't stand out anywhere as much as it provides a useful, better than average package for any purpose short of pickup-sized building materials or a trip to the red carpet." -- New Car Test Drive
- "If you keep the options to a minimum, you'll be better off budget-wise. She's fun around town -- a good commuting car, really. But in the end, my hard, hard heart wasn't completely sold on the Matrix." -- Mother Proof
Matrix Performance - NA
According to reviewers, the 2009 Toyota Matrix is competent within its class, but not distinctive. New Car Test Drive says, "The Matrix comes across quite polished for an economy car, the only negative is a tendency to catch and grab on bumpy roads and surface transitions under acceleration." continue
Matrix Exterior - NA
Most reviewers praise the 2010 Toyota Matrix's exterior, still fresh off its redesign last year. According to MSN, "There is something undeniably hip and forward thinking about the Matrix's aggressive rake and angular body lines." Only a vocal minority calls the body lines too bland for a hatchback. continue
Matrix Interior - NA
The Matrix's cabin hits major highs and serious lows. "Inside, the Matrix has a significantly edgier ambience than the Corolla," Edmunds writes, highlighting the bright side. "If you think this compact sedan's interior lacks flair, the Matrix is the antidote." But auto writers who looked closer have problems with the cheap dashboard materials and the hard plastic of the cargo bed's flat load floor. continue
Matrix Safety - NA
The 2010 Toyota Matrix does well in federal government crash tests, and last year's Matrix received top scores in the insurance industry's frontal offset and side impact tests. For 2010, Toyota adds standard stability control to the Matrix's safety feature lineup. continue
Matrix Reliability - NA
The Matrix's basic warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles, while powertrain coverage lasts for the first five years or 60,000 miles. continue