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2006 Toyota Matrix consumer reviews

$15,260–$17,795 MSRP range
side view of 2006 Matrix Toyota
(39 reviews)
94% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.4
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.5
Explore the 2006 Toyota Matrix

great car until 100 K miles

I bought this car 4 years ago, great gas mileage, great for snow. Not comfortable for big travels. When the car gets to 110 K miles needs a new ring in the direction costs one thousands, needs a new motor 3000 thousands plus sensors cost 1200 dollars. I always change the oil every 3000 thousand miles, and with only 110 K miles blow up the motor. never again i will buy Toyota. I will still keep my FORD that has 30 years old and 350 Thousand miles and still drives great.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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love my matrix

I've had my Matrix for 9 years now. I can honestly say it has been a fantastic little car. It has been reliable. The only concern I have had is that the catalytic convertor failed at year 9. Apparently this part should be expected to go in this car. (Something to consider if buying a used one). I have not done any other work to my car other than routine stuff like fluids brakes and tires. It isn't terribly quick. That's OK. Handling is better than most Toyotas. It has some steering feel. Interior is a bit cheap. Lots of hard plastics. The headrests are also quick to wear and lose their shape. Overall this has been a stellar car. I havent replaced it as it still isn't costing me anything.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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surprised blown head gasket

This is a follow up to a review posted almost 4 years ago. A little surprised I had to put a $1200 head gasket repair on this car at 70k. Dealership said 'Sometimes it happens". I have owned 4 other Toyotas, (2 Previas, a Sienna, and another Matrix), 4 Mazdas and 4 Impalas that have run over 150k each with this "Not happening". Still a great car, just disappointed it cost me that much so early in it's life.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Very good lil ride!

Bought the 2006 XRS. Not super fast, but a great zippy lil car for the money. Had to upgrade the stock stereo...that was my only complaint. First car I've EVER owned that isn't "upside down" as far as worth.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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great car

great car all over ,good milaege, very comfortable ,and very reliable, ,and you can do alot with it ,hall the family and put do the back seats and go to home depot, mine is a automatic ,and it is a fast little car,and my wife and kids also drive it and enjoy it with no problems

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Pretty good car

Purchased this car (2006 with 28K, XR) with the intention of my 8 year old driving it in 8 years. I haven't seen the 33 mpg that others have, and saw quite a bit of 17-20 mpg in winter. Required 5 speed, because all of our kids need to learn how to drive a stick. This one is a little clunky compared to the 2 Mazdas I own. Really a quick little car, and it holds a bunch of stuff. Just drove an 800 mile round trip in 2 days, and it was great. Great stereo, and nice having the sunroof. Wished that the AWD would come with a 5 speed available. The car is pretty light and doens't do great in the snow.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Reliability a Concern?

It must have been tough to find people who were afraid to rely on their Toyota because of recalls-- I can tell you that it's been about 20 years since I've owned a Toyota and I'm really happy with this car. The design, fit, comfort, economy and the overall dependability is great! I'm very satisfied with the Matrix, and I'd recommend a Matrix to anyone looking for a well designed car that gets good fuel economy.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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So far, so good

Purchased used '06 matrix awd with 71k miles on it, which is no problem for a toyota. This car is very comfortable and handles nicely. Although it may lack a little power in the long run, it is quick off the line. The awd feature is nice to have, can't wait to try it in the snow. I've only had the car a little over a week, so I hope my reliability rating stand true. The sound system is enough and the sunroof is a nice little extra. I also approve of the side and curtain airbags. Overall, I am very pleased with this car so far.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Everything we expected - and more

We bought a used XR with 25K miles - just took a 3000 mile road trip. No mechanical problems whatsoever. I am really impressed that everything works like it should. Stable at speed . Averaged 28-32 MPG loaded to the roof with 4 people at 80 miles an hour - AC at full blast. - An excellent little car - I would definitely buy another one.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Great investment!

I just bought my 2006 used and am super happy with it. I love the style and size. I don't feel like I'm sitting low in a car but also I don't feel like I'm having to navigate a big van or SUV. I had excellent service with the dealership. Getting really good gas mileage and is very comfortable to ride in.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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