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2005 Toyota Matrix
Date Published: 7/31/08

2005 Toyota Matrix
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MSRP:
$14,860 - 18,850

Invoice:
$13,744 - 17,058

Class:
Compact Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2005 Toyota Matrix
Expert Rating Summary
Category FWD Standard, man. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Compact Car Average Rating
Acceleration 4 4.1
Fuel Economy 7 6.7
Ride Quality 5 4.6
Steering/Handling/Braking 5 5.4
Quietness 4 4
Controls 6 5.5
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 6 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 5 3.6
Cargo Room 7 3.9
Value within Class 10 5.8
Total Score: 59 48.6
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2005 Toyota Matrix Review
Freshened styling and newly available safety features mark the 2005 Matrix. This crossover wagon shares its basic design and Toyota powertrain with the Pontiac Vibe, which differs slightly in appearance. Matrix has a swing-up tailgate with separate-opening window and a 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine. Three models are offered. Standard and XR versions offer front- or all-wheel drive. They have 130 hp in front-drive form, 123 with AWD. The sporty XRS model comes only with front-wheel drive and has 170 hp. AWD versions have a 4-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive Standard and XR models come with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional automatic. A 6-speed manual is the only XRS transmission. AWD versions have the same ride height as front-drive equivalents and are not designed for off-road use. ABS is standard for XRS and AWD versions, optional otherwise. XRSs have rear disc brakes vs. drums. An antiskid system is a new-for-'05 option and is available on front-drive, automatic-transmission XRs. Also newly available are head-protecting curtain side airbags; they're included in an option that carries over front torso side airbags. All models get a new front bumper, grille, and clear-lens taillamps. Wheels are 16 inch, with 17s available for XRS and the front-drive XR.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
News
Like its Corolla sedan sister, a redesigned Matrix is expected for 2008 on a new shared platform that's also destined for Toyota's next RAV4 compact SUV. The makeover should make Matrix somewhat wider and perhaps visibly taller for added interior room. But it will probably add pounds too, so look for punchier 2.0-liter 4-cyl engines to maintain current 1.8-liter performance. A turbo or supercharger option is possible, and a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain is a good bet for '09 or later.

Toyota was said to be mulling a Matrix-based 2-dr "SUV coupe" with standard AWD, big wheels, and muscular styling. We've heard nothing about it lately, but this "Matrix Rally" could still have a chance, either as a Toyota or in the youth-oriented Scion line. The template, we presume, would still be the hatchback Rally Sport Concept (RSC) of a few years ago.
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