See All Station Wagons

2008 Toyota Matrix

*Est. $15,510 to $17,820
Email
2008 Toyota Matrix
  • 2008 Toyota Matrix
  • 2008ToyotaMatrix_03x180x180.jpg

Pros
  • Fuel economy
  • Comfortable and reliable
  • Good cargo space for a small wagon
Cons
  • Slow acceleration
  • Noisy engine

Reviewers recommend the Toyota Matrix more often than any other budget station wagon, including the nearly identical Pontiac Vibe (*est. $15,310 to $19,310). The main difference between the two is their predicted reliability: The Toyota Matrix wagon's is excellent, while critics don't predict the Pontiac Vibe will be quite as reliable (odd since they are so similar). Both cars post best-in-class 29 mpg mixed fuel economy. Reviewers say the 2008 Toyota Matrix has slight styling differences from the Pontiac Vibe, but both are comfortable cars. Testers say the rear seats on the Matrix are easy to access, and they fold flat to create a large cargo space. The Toyota Matrix wagon is reasonably priced, reviewers say, and its ownership and depreciation costs are low. Low points include lackluster acceleration from the loud engine and the lack of standard side and curtain airbags.

Reviewers lump reviews of the Toyota Matrix station wagon together with its twin, the Pontiac Vibe (*est. $15,310 to $19,310); both cars are based on the Toyota Corolla and are made on the same production line. In thorough road tests, Consumer Reports finds little difference between the two. Reviews at BusinessWeek and Kiplinger's Personal Finance rank the Toyota Matrix station wagon against its peers based on fuel efficiency. IntelliChoice.com picks the Toyota Matrix for Highest Retained Value and Lowest Ownership Costs, making the 2008 Toyota Matrix a "Smart Choice" among small station wagons. CarCritic.com calls the 2008 Toyota Matrix an "excellent choice" in a non-comparative review.

Where To Buy
 
 
CarsDirect.com
edmunds.com
Get Free Price Quotes for
2008 Toyota Matrix

 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

Consumer Reports reviews the 2008 Toyota Matrix wagon and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe, and finds them almost identical. The review rates the Toyota Matrix's predicted reliability and depreciation as well as providing owner satisfaction survey results and road-test ratings of the Toyota Matrix's ride, fuel economy, comfort and more, but you must be a subscriber to read this report.

Review: 2008 Toyota Matrix Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. Business Week

BusinessWeek lumps Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe together into one entry in its "Best Wagons" list, naming them both "Most Fuel Efficient." This brief description includes pricing and fuel consumption estimates.

Review: Best Wagons: Most Fuel-Efficient, Editors of Business Week, Jun-07

3. Kiplinger Personal Finance

The 2007 Toyota Matrix ties with the Pontiac Vibe as "Most Fuel-Efficient Wagon." The Matrix is actually cheaper by about $1,300, Kiplinger's points out, and its five-year service cost is among the lowest of any wagon. Kiplinger tested the 2007 version of the Matrix.

Review: Most Fuel Efficient (Tie), Mark Solheim and Jessica Anderson, Nov. 2006

4. IntelliChoice.com

IntelliChoice.com's review includes pricing and cost of ownership information along with standard features. For 2008, the Toyota Matrix is named a "Smart Choice" due to its low cost of ownership and conservative fuel consumption.

Review: 2008 Toyota Matrix Review, Editors of IntelliChoice.com

5. CarCritic.com

The 2008 Toyota Matrix is an "excellent choice," reviewer Don Vorderman says. It's built on the same production line as the Pontiac Vibe, he notes – both are based on a Toyota Corolla platform. Vorderman adds engine and transmission specifications to this concise review.

Review: New car reviews, Don Vorderman

Back to top