2008 Toyota Matrix Review

What the reviewers like:
Experts praise fuel economy for the 2008 Toyota Matrix, and they say it is a comfortable, reliable car for families on a budget. Passenger and cargo space is roomy for a small wagon.

What the reviewers don't like:
The Toyota Matrix's engine is fuel-efficient, but not too powerful – it accelerates slowly and drones loudly, testers say. Most say it's an acceptable trade off for fuel economy.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 25 to 26 mpg city, 31 to 33 mpg highway, depending on transmission

2008 Toyota Matrix review highlights

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.

Also see full report: Station Wagons

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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2008 Toyota Matrix Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

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.

2. Business Week
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Best Wagons: Most Fuel-Efficient
Editors of Business Week
Jun-07

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.

3. Kiplinger Personal Finance
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Most Fuel Efficient (Tie)
Mark Solheim and Jessica Anderson
Nov. 2006

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.

4. IntelliChoice.com
2008 Toyota Matrix Review
Editors of 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.

5. CarCritic.com
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New car reviews
Don Vorderman

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.

Also see full report: Station Wagons

2008 Toyota Matrix Review