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2008 Toyota Matrix Quality Review

October 30, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

worth its weight in gold when it comes to resale
Kelley Blue Book

neat touches to make life easier
Motor Trend

seats are comfortable for long trips
ConsumerGuide

one of the most versatile compact wagons available
Edmunds

Even if it doesn’t overwhelm with performance, the 2008 Toyota Matrix shines when it comes to value, usability, and utility.

Up front, “the driving position is more upright than in a typical compact car,” says ConsumerGuide. They point out “fine headroom, even beneath the sunroof housing.” Kelley Blue Book considers the “seating to be firm and comfortable, with a height-adjustable driver's seat on the XR trim.”

The rear of the Matrix yields exemplary comfort for its class, with “enough headroom and legroom for two large adults,” says ConsumerGuide, also noting the “tall body minimizes stooping on entry/exit.” “The roomy rear seat sits up high, affording passengers more legroom as well as a good view forward,” points out the reviewers at Kelley Blue Book.

The Matrix interior is full of convenient, useful touches, such as a front passenger seat and rear seats that fold flat, plus a tough plastic load floor. That feature, plus “bountiful small-item storage,” gives the Matrix “fine overall space for the exterior size,” according to ConsumerGuide. It all adds up to “a rather roomy 53 cubic feet of cargo area,” by Kelley Blue Book's ruler, with the seats folded, leading Edmunds to declare it “one of the most versatile compact wagons available for transporting both people and cargo.” Ergonomics are generally judged to be good; Consumer Reports deems “Control layout is simple and logical” and praises an interior that is “tightly assembled with sturdy materials nicely in line with prices.”

Cost-cutting is evident, though, and some interior details trouble reviewers. “The engine is noisy at high rpm” and “none too relaxed in typical highway cruising,” complains ConsumerGuide, who also bring to attention “noticeable wind rush and coarse-surface tire thrum.” A few dislike the dashboard instruments set in deep tunnels surrounded by distractingly bright chrome rings, and Kelley Blue Book points out that “the sweeping rear beltline…can hinder a driver's ability to see small objects that may be close to the rear wheels.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Matrix is mediocre as a go-getter, outstanding as a grocery-getter.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:worth its weight in gold when it comes to resaleKelley Blue Bookneat touches to make life easierMotor Trendseats are comfortable for long tripsConsumerGuideone of the most versatile compact wagons availableEdmunds Even if it doesn’t overwhelm with performance, the 2008 Toyota Matrix shines when it comes to value, usability, and utility. Up front, “the driving position is more upright than in a typical compact car,” says ConsumerGuide. They point out “fine headroom, even beneath the sunroof housing.” Kelley Blue Book considers the “seating to be firm and comfortable, with a height-adjustable driver's seat on the XR trim.” The rear of the Matrix yields exemplary comfort for its class, with “enough headroom and legroom for two large adults,” says ConsumerGuide, also noting the “tall body minimizes stooping on entry/exit.” “The roomy rear seat sits up high, affording passengers more legroom as well as a good view forward,” points out the reviewers at Kelley Blue Book. The Matrix interior is full of convenient, useful touches, such as a front passenger seat and rear seats that fold flat, plus a tough plastic load floor. That feature, plus “bountiful small-item storage,” gives the Matrix “fine overall space for the exterior size,” according to ConsumerGuide. It all adds up to “a rather roomy 53 cubic feet of cargo area,” by Kelley Blue Book's ruler, with the seats folded, leading Edmunds to declare it “one of the most versatile compact wagons available for transporting both people and cargo.” Ergonomics are generally judged to be good; Consumer Reports deems “Control layout is simple and logical” and praises an interior that is “tightly assembled with sturdy materials nicely in line with prices.” Cost-cutting is evident, though, and some interior details trouble reviewers. “The engine is noisy at high rpm” and “none too relaxed in typical highway cruising,” complains ConsumerGuide, who also bring to attention “noticeable wind rush and coarse-surface tire thrum.” A few dislike the dashboard instruments set in deep tunnels surrounded by distractingly bright chrome rings, and Kelley Blue Book points out that “the sweeping rear beltline…can hinder a driver's ability to see small objects that may be close to the rear wheels.” ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Matrix is mediocre as a go-getter, outstanding as a grocery-getter. 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.

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See the Toyota Matrix in Other Years:

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

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