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2008 Toyota Matrix Safety Review

October 30, 2008

SAFETY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, driver front and side impact (with optional curtain airbags)
NHTSA

Anti-lock brakes are optional
Edmunds

Not tested
IIHS

Stability and traction control “another safety option
Edmunds

Crucial safety features remain optional on the 2008 Toyota Matrix, which records marginal crash-test results without them.

Anti-lock brakes, an extremely valuable active safety feature (helping you to actively avoid an accident), are optional items on the Matrix. Also optional is a crucial passive safety feature: side curtain airbags. With the latter, the Matrix does well in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s crash-testing regimen, earning five of five stars for driver front and side impact, and four stars for front impact passenger and side impact rear passenger, respectively.

Without side curtain airbags, the Matrix’s front side impact protection falls to a marginal three stars on the NHTSA’s scale. And without anti-lock brakes on its decidedly old-school front disc/rear drum setup, the Matrix could quickly lose steering control in aggressive braking on slick surfaces. Additionally, stability and traction control are optional and only available with the automatic transmission.

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Matrix offers only mediocre occupant protection in standard form.

SAFETY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, driver front and side impact (with optional curtain airbags)NHTSAAnti-lock brakes are optionalEdmundsNot testedIIHSStability and traction control “another safety optionEdmunds Crucial safety features remain optional on the 2008 Toyota Matrix, which records marginal crash-test results without them. Anti-lock brakes, an extremely valuable active safety feature (helping you to actively avoid an accident), are optional items on the Matrix. Also optional is a crucial passive safety feature: side curtain airbags. With the latter, the Matrix does well in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s crash-testing regimen, earning five of five stars for driver front and side impact, and four stars for front impact passenger and side impact rear passenger, respectively. Without side curtain airbags, the Matrix’s front side impact protection falls to a marginal three stars on the NHTSA’s scale. And without anti-lock brakes on its decidedly old-school front disc/rear drum setup, the Matrix could quickly lose steering control in aggressive braking on slick surfaces. Additionally, stability and traction control are optional and only available with the automatic transmission. ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Matrix offers only mediocre occupant protection in standard form. 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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