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2008 Toyota Matrix Review

October 30, 2008

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

radical exterior
Kelley Blue Book

urban people-mover look
Car and Driver

styling is a bit long in the tooth
Motor Trend

The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a tall-wagon (or so-called crossover) model that’s closely related to the Pontiac Vibe and based on the Toyota Corolla sedan. With a completely redesigned Matrix expected for the 2009 model year, the 2008 Matrix carries over with no significant changes.

The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a cleanly styled and interesting design, if perhaps a bit too familiar at this point in its life cycle. A mechanical twin of the co-developed Pontiac Vibe, Toyota stylists went for a smoother, tidier look compared to the Pontiac’s body cladding and roof rack. “The Matrix is a bit more futuristic in appearance than the Vibe,” feels Kelley Blue Book, while Car and Driver likes its “clean tin top that accentuates the rearward slope in the roof.” However, Motor Trend comments that the Matrix’s “styling is a bit long in the tooth.” A newly styled version is available for the 2009 model year.

Inside, you’ll be greeted with “a detailed interior that blends black cloth, chrome trim rings and brushed aluminum into pure automotive art,” says Kelley Blue Book. They indicate that the Matrix holds strong appeal with “teenagers bent on customizing every inch of their cars,” but perhaps they are thinking of sister brand Scion.

Conclusion

Funkier and more utilitarian than fresh, the 2008 Toyota Matrix soldiers through its last year in current guise.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:radical exteriorKelley Blue Bookurban people-mover lookCar and Driverstyling is a bit long in the toothMotor Trend The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a tall-wagon (or so-called crossover) model that’s closely related to the Pontiac Vibe and based on the Toyota Corolla sedan. With a completely redesigned Matrix expected for the 2009 model year, the 2008 Matrix carries over with no significant changes. The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a cleanly styled and interesting design, if perhaps a bit too familiar at this point in its life cycle. A mechanical twin of the co-developed Pontiac Vibe, Toyota stylists went for a smoother, tidier look compared to the Pontiac’s body cladding and roof rack. “The Matrix is a bit more futuristic in appearance than the Vibe,” feels Kelley Blue Book, while Car and Driver likes its “clean tin top that accentuates the rearward slope in the roof.” However, Motor Trend comments that the Matrix’s “styling is a bit long in the tooth.” A newly styled version is available for the 2009 model year. Inside, you’ll be greeted with “a detailed interior that blends black cloth, chrome trim rings and brushed aluminum into pure automotive art,” says Kelley Blue Book. They indicate that the Matrix holds strong appeal with “teenagers bent on customizing every inch of their cars,” but perhaps they are thinking of sister brand Scion. ConclusionFunkier and more utilitarian than fresh, the 2008 Toyota Matrix soldiers through its last year in current guise. 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “radical exterior” Car and Driver: “urban people-mover look” Motor Trend: “styling is a bit long in the tooth” The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a tall-wagon (or so-called crossover) model that’s closely related to the Pontiac ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Matrix remains very attractive for its combination of roomy interior, versatile cargo space, and fuel efficiency, while its city-friendly size broadens its appeal. Aside from the nearly identical Pontiac Vibe, the Scion xB is another vehicle with trusty Toyota mechanicals; it affords an impressive amount of space, while offering fuel efficiency that’s almost as good as the Vibe and Matrix. Also, the Kia Spectra5 is an economical five-door hatchback model that’s definitely more fun to drive than the 2008 Toyota Matrix, though it might not be as spacious inside. The Dodge Caliber is another distinctive-looking possibility; it offers some impressive features, such as tailgate speakers, but it has a rather loud interior and isn’t as comfortable inside. And if you’re willing to go up a little bit in size, the Subaru Forester might fit your needs. It’s more of a sport-utility vehicle, but it’s the small SUV with the most carlike driving position, and it’s one of the best-handling and easiest to park among them.

Next Steps:

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See the Toyota Matrix in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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