Toyota Matrix

Name: 2004 Toyota Matrix
Brand: Toyota

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Matrix offered a lot of room and many of the virtues of an SUV, such as a little higher driving position, easy access, and optional AWD. You'll find a compliant ride, fairly nimble handling, and effective brakes. Notable shortcomings are a flawed driving position and a noisy engine. Overall, the Matrix offered a good and practical alternative to a small SUV. The Pontiac Vibe is essentially the same car.

2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Toyota Matrix

vs. Similar Cars

Chrysler PT Cruis...

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Ford Focus

Honda Civic

Mini Cooper

Pontiac Vibe

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2004 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2004 Toyota Matrix

$4,000 - $4,375

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,850 - $3,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $2,900

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Ford Focus

$3,025 - $4,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Honda Civic

$3,075 - $5,400

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Honda Insight

$3,350

EPA MPG 65 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Accent

$2,850 - $3,025

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Elantra

$2,800 - $3,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Spectra

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mazda 3

$3,200 - $3,650

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mini Cooper

$3,100 - $3,500

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,950 - $11,475

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Sentra

$2,775 - $3,325

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Pontiac Vibe

$3,700 - $4,100

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $2,900

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Scion xA

$3,075

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Scion xB

$3,600

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Subaru Impreza

$3,100 - $9,650

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Suzuki Forenza

$2,800

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Corolla

$4,325 - $4,575

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Prius

$4,750

EPA MPG 56 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volkswagen Golf

$3,150 - $9,475

EPA MPG 45 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,750

EPA MPG 38 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.8-liter 4 (130 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (118 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (170 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

More powerful engines made the Matrix's 2009 redesign feel more eager to drive. We measured an impressive 27 mpg overall from the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder; all-wheel-drive remained an option. This tall hatchback has more passenger and cargo space than most competitors, and the high roof eases entry and exit. Folding the rear seats and the front passenger seat lets you haul extra-long cargo. However, the car falls short on refinement, with an unsettled ride on the highway, pronounced wind and engine noise, and a cheap-feeling interior. Hard plastic lining the cargo area lets small items slide around and rear visibility is pinched. The addition of a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helped the previously awkward driving position, but the wheel doesn't adjust enough to suit everyone. Stability control was standard from 2010 on. 2013 closed out the Matrix.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

Practical and reliable, the Matrix is a Corolla-based small wagon available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Practicality reigns here, with very easy access, a roomy rear seat and a large and flat load floor, once the rear seats are folded. Performance is modest from the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which drones loudly under acceleration. XRS models use a more powerful engine, but you need to use the six-speed manual transmission to rev the engine hard to wring out its power. Handling is fairly nimble, and the ride is compliant if a little jittery. The optional AWD system works well, but hurts acceleration and fuel economy. Limited left foot room and a long reach to the steering wheel combine to hurt the driving position. Stability control was a rare option through the years.