2003 Toyota Matrix consumer reviews

I bought this car because of Toyota's reputation for a reliable car. I'm so disappointed in the car. It is spacious and has nice features. However, sometimes I think the car is built like a model car--put together tongue and groove. I've had problems with the front spoiler breaking and the side rim is falling off-why?? Ok so I have 103,000 miles. I've now had to replace the rack and pinion--never before on my Ford cars!!! Now, I have an oil leak and it might be related to the engine. I was told that it has to do with a faulty engine part. Toyota's engines are supposed to last at least 200,000 miles if not more. This is ridiculous.

I got my 2003 standard model w/ Auto Trans used at 1 year old w/ 11K mileage. It had a package so that it had power & remote locks..love that! I have had it for 5 great years! It's sporty, fun, reliable, gets good gas mileage. Love the high ceiling with big windows which makes for better visibility and easier to get in & out of the doors. Also like the higher ride. I could fit lots of stuff in it. Used to be an avid IKEA and garage sale shopper and could fit furniture and all kinds of big and little things. Noise or lack of power were no problems for me. But, someone rear-ended me 2 weeks ago and "totalled" it. I think it protected me from getting seriously injured. The guy at the Tow shop told me that it takes a lot of the brunt, so you dont. My insurance is giving me more than I thought I would get as settlement so resale value is good. Consumers Reports listed it in their category of "Best Cars". So, here I am again, on cars.com looking for another just like it!

The manual transmission Toyota Matrix XR gets great gas mileage, holds lots of stuff and is reasonably fun to drive. The plastic exterior pieces have not held up too well, but it has otherwise been a reliable vehicle for 90,000 miles.

For a hip mom with two kids, I didn't want a mini-van and couldn't afford the gas on an SUV but I wanted to be able to drive something with style but still be able to take my kids to dance class or go out with my man for a night out. I can fit my entire drum set in the car by folding one or both of the back seats down. I can take my kids and their friends out for a fun day at the beach. I can take my mom and her wheelchair out for lunch. I've taught two teenagers how to drive because it's so easy to maneuver. And I can go back and forth to work in style. The gas mileage is AWESOME! It's roomy and comfortable. It offers a smooth ride. I absolutely love my Matrix!!!

I've never hit the 33 MPG listed. Only got 26MPG for the first 8K Mi. At less than 1 yr old, I saw rust on some parts in eng compartment and on frame. I have an interior panel that is vibrating. Ride was nice the first 2yrs, but at 4yrs is very stiff. Transmission/throttle response is just wierd; it seems like the car is either going too slow .. or then it kicksdown and takes off too fast. This car performs very poorly compared to my '93 Corolla Wgn, which was a dream. Great visiblilty in 3 directions, but impossible to the rear; stay diligent. At 4yrs, I get an honest 27-31 MPG at 70 - 80 MPH commuting speeds. If going over 60MPH, I cannot pass. Even with my beefs, I like this car; it's just not engineered as well as I expected.

I bought the Matrix because I'm a fan of Toyota, and wanted reliable and functional transportation. (I hate paying money for repairs). The Matrix is one of the first "crossover" vehicles where it's a bit of a car with extra space inside. The fold-down seats give you lots of cargo room, but there is even plenty of head and legroom in the back with adults sitting there. The good gas mileage is appreciated, and small niceties like AC power in the dash make the car a bit unique, and again, functional. I trust this car to meet by needs until I get tired of it and choose something else.