Bangle-Free, Next Generation BMW 5-series Revealed
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Toyota Matrix Performance Review

October 30, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Modest low-end power
Edmunds

passing power is tepid
ConsumerGuide

precise steering feel
Kelley Blue Book

falls short of stimulating
Cars.com

With performance that’s adequate, acceptable, and economical, the 2008 Toyota Matrix is more liable to impress misers than it will the hip youth market.

The sole engine motivating the Matrix is a 1.8-liter, 126-horsepower four-cylinder. Maximum torque of 122 pound-feet doesn’t arrive until 4,200 rpm, leading to strained performance with the optional four-speed automatic, acceptable and peppy performance around town with the five-speed when not carrying a heavy load. ConsumerGuide warns that this engine “needs high rpm for best performance,” and that “passing power is tepid.” Edmunds claims “it takes about 9 seconds to hit 60 mph” with the five-speed manual. Both 2008 Toyota Matrix models now have front-wheel drive, with the all-wheel-drive model that was previously offered now discontinued.

The silver lining of the engine’s modest performance is economy, and here the Matrix impresses, delivering EPA estimates of 26/33 mpg with the manual and 25/31 mpg with the optional automatic. Edmunds calls these figures “above average.” “Matrix and Vibe use regular-grade fuel,” notes ConsumerGuide.

The 2008 Toyota Matrix has a simple but proven small-car layout, with struts in front and a torsion-beam axle in back; front disc and rear drum brakes provide stopping power. The ride is firm but reasonably comfortable, and handling is more direct and responsive than small SUVs; it drives just like a small sedan. Conservative ConsumerGuide finds “responsive steering and assured cornering behavior with only moderate body lean,” while Edmunds warns that “most drivers won't find the Matrix to be an especially fun-filled ride.” They mention “those who commute or take longer road trips should find the Matrix's smooth and comfortable ride to their liking.” “It steers with more precision and less wheel vibration than the Corolla,” says Cars.com, “but still falls short of stimulating.”

Conclusion

If you want a hot hatch, you should probably overlook the 2008 Toyota Matrix.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Modest low-end powerEdmundspassing power is tepidConsumerGuideprecise steering feelKelley Blue Bookfalls short of stimulatingCars.com With performance that’s adequate, acceptable, and economical, the 2008 Toyota Matrix is more liable to impress misers than it will the hip youth market. The sole engine motivating the Matrix is a 1.8-liter, 126-horsepower four-cylinder. Maximum torque of 122 pound-feet doesn’t arrive until 4,200 rpm, leading to strained performance with the optional four-speed automatic, acceptable and peppy performance around town with the five-speed when not carrying a heavy load. ConsumerGuide warns that this engine “needs high rpm for best performance,” and that “passing power is tepid.” Edmunds claims “it takes about 9 seconds to hit 60 mph” with the five-speed manual. Both 2008 Toyota Matrix models now have front-wheel drive, with the all-wheel-drive model that was previously offered now discontinued. The silver lining of the engine’s modest performance is economy, and here the Matrix impresses, delivering EPA estimates of 26/33 mpg with the manual and 25/31 mpg with the optional automatic. Edmunds calls these figures “above average.” “Matrix and Vibe use regular-grade fuel,” notes ConsumerGuide. The 2008 Toyota Matrix has a simple but proven small-car layout, with struts in front and a torsion-beam axle in back; front disc and rear drum brakes provide stopping power. The ride is firm but reasonably comfortable, and handling is more direct and responsive than small SUVs; it drives just like a small sedan. Conservative ConsumerGuide finds “responsive steering and assured cornering behavior with only moderate body lean,” while Edmunds warns that “most drivers won't find the Matrix to be an especially fun-filled ride.” They mention “those who commute or take longer road trips should find the Matrix's smooth and comfortable ride to their liking.” “It steers with more precision and less wheel vibration than the Corolla,” says Cars.com, “but still falls short of stimulating.” ConclusionIf you want a hot hatch, you should probably overlook the 2008 Toyota Matrix. 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:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Toyota Matrix

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Toyota Matrix

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Toyota Matrix near you

See the Toyota Matrix in Other Years:

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

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy