2008 Toyota Matrix XR 5dr Hatchback Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Toyota Matrix:

We liked the cool seats, the neat dash with instruments slotted into long tunnels and all that room.

-- AutoWeek

Base prices range from $14,670 to $19,330, which makes the Matrix affordable to many younger buyers.

-- Carpoint.com

Steering is quick, handling is nimble and bumps are soaked up by the supple suspension, which provides a good ride.

-- Carpoint.com

Steering is precise and even if the center of gravity is relatively high there is little body roll.

-- New Car Test Drive

Toyota quite rightly says it is a car that combines the style and performance of a sports car, the functionality of an SUV, and the affordability of a compact sedan.

-- New Car Test Drive

What reviewers liked least about the Toyota Matrix:

Moreover, the gauges are almost impossible to read with polarized sunglasses, which "wash out" the markings.

-- Carpoint.com

Shorter passengers sitting in the rear seats might find the view slightly claustrophobic due to the small side windows.

-- New Car Test Drive

The engine is buzzy, which will appeal to younger buyers but might become a little annoying to older people.

-- New Car Test Drive

Toyota Matrix Comparisons:

The Pontiac Vibe is slightly longer and 1.6 inches taller than the Toyota Matrix.

-- Cars.com

The Matrix might offer a taller load area, but its 21.8 cubic feet of capacity with the rear seats up and 53.2 cubic feet with the seats folded are still less than 'true' wagons like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Jetta provide.

-- Edmunds.com

Best one-liner about the Toyota Matrix:

Shifting through the gears around town you?d feel downright psychotic winding out to redline in this thing.

-- AutoWeek