2004 Toyota Matrix Reviews - Page 2 of 3

Paint is very sensitive, scratches easily.

Don't use it much, so I have gone through 2 batteries. The car is sitting in the driveway now with a dead battery.

Base model, car had no fog lights when bought.

Weird warning lights at start up, not sure if that is normal.

Lots of hesitation when starting up the car.

I am thinking of selling it, because it seems to be overall too sensitive for someone in a city, and who doesn't use the car to commute to work each day.

Very roomy.

Visibility is so-so. Sedans or small SUVs have better visibility.

Paint comes off very easily; unusual for a Toyota in general.

Nothing major. I notices that the air conditioning was not blowing as cold as I thought it should be. Also when I used the AC it always left large amounts of water on the passenger side floor. Brought it to the Toyota dealership and the guy came right outside and plugged in a cord under the glove box/passenger side-fixed the problem.

I have a 2004 Matrix XRS. I love it!!! Peppy, sporty, and reliable. Only issues would be the cost of the tires- performance tires can be pricey. I would love to get a roof rack to put on it…but the Toyota dealerships seem to not be able to locate a roof rack for the matrix??? One said that there is no roof rack made by Toyota for the Matrix and another is looking into it. Can anyone shed some light on this??

Nothing. I have had my oil replaced with synthetic every 5000 km. Shifter was crunchy, replaced with TRD short throw and brass bushings; now much better.

This car is great. A very potent 1.8 liter that redlines at an incredible 8100 rpm springs to life over 6000 rpm. Under 6000 rpm, it's a quiet, fuel economical Toyota everyone expects. Shifter placement is great; right beside the steering wheel. Gages are very sporty. Cargo room is incredibly large. The 110v adaptor is a useful touch. I get an average of 28+ mpg (even with a lead foot).

The 6 speed is a nice transmission, however the gear spacing drops the car out of power band between 1st and 2nd.

For a wagon, its extremely nimble! It handles the corners with ease.

It's everything I wanted in a car. It comes alive when I want it to, its got space when I need it. The only thing that I don't like is it requires premium gas.