Name: 2008 Toyota Matrix
Brand: Toyota

Toyota Matrix

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2008 Toyota Matrix

$5,350 - $5,875

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Aveo

$3,250 - $3,350

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

$3,900 - $4,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet HHR

$3,275 - $5,075

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$3,075 - $4,075

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Dodge Caliber

$3,175 - $5,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Focus

$3,075 - $3,700

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Civic

$3,075 - $7,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Fit

$5,425 - $5,475

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Accent

$3,400 - $4,050

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Elantra

$4,075 - $4,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Rio

$3,125 - $4,425

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Rondo

$3,950 - $4,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Spectra

$3,000 - $3,875

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mazda 3

$4,375 - $5,350

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,050 - $14,750

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Sentra

$3,475 - $4,825

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Versa

$3,425 - $4,200

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Vibe

$4,700

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Astra

$3,175 - $3,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xB

$5,600

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xD

$5,125 - $5,425

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Impreza

$4,550 - $12,650

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki Forenza

$3,200 - $3,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki SX4

$3,000 - $4,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Corolla

$5,300 - $5,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Prius

$5,650

EPA MPG 47 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Yaris

$5,175 - $6,050

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Jetta

$3,500 - $4,050

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

$4,350 - $4,950

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo V50

$5,300 - $6,600

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Model History

2009-

Current Generation

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.

Toyota Matrix

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings