The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the 4X2 and the XR 4X2. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 126-horsepower engine that achieves 26-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2008 Matrix is a carryover from 2007.
The Matrix is a hatchback/wagon version of Toyota's Corolla sedan. (A near identical version, the Vibe, is also sold by Pontiac.) Although the Matrix is 7 inches shorter than the Corolla from nose to tail, it's taller and wider. This opens up an extra 6 cubic feet of passenger volume, along with considerably more cargo space. As a result, the Matrix easily accommodates a couple of adults in the backseat. If it's cargo you're worried about, both rear seats and the front passenger seat fold completely flat to swallow items up to 8 feet in length with the rear hatch closed. For added utility, the Matrix features an easily cleaned plastic cargo floor and in-floor cargo tracks with adjustable tie-down points.
Overall, the 2008 Toyota Matrix offers a satisfying solution for people with varying needs. It's affordable, fuel-efficient, well-built, generally pleasant to drive, and above all, roomy. That said, it doesn't come close to matching the Mazda 3 or Subaru Impreza for pure driving fun, and other small wagons and hatchbacks like the Scion xB, Chevrolet HHR and Dodge Caliber have various advantages in terms of feature content. Further, consumers needing a genuine kid hauler might prefer the Kia Rondo or Mazda 5, as both offer a third-row seat.
Every Toyota Matrix is equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine generating 126 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional on both trim levels. Despite offering the least power in its class, the Matrix keeps up with most rivals. Equipped with the manual gearbox, it takes about 9 seconds to hit 60 mph. EPA fuel economy estimates for 2008 are above average at 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway for manual-transmission cars and 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway for cars with automatics.
The 2008 Toyota Matrix offers a pleasant interior design with a simple control layout, solid quality materials and above-average fit and finish for this segment. Taller drivers might find the wagon's propped-up driving position a bit unnatural, but the rear seat is roomy and adults should be reasonably comfortable. Those who carry cargo will find that the Matrix functions much like a small SUV. The rear hatch opens skyward and the rear glass can be raised independently to allow surfboards to hang out the back. In addition, the cargo area and rear seatbacks are trimmed in low-maintenance plastic, and a pair of in-floor cargo tracks incorporate eight adjustable tie-down hooks. For protecting valuables, a hidden storage compartment resides underneath the floor. The 60/40-split rear seats and front passenger seat can be folded flat, expanding cargo room to more than 53 cubic feet -- a solid number for the small wagon class.
Despite outward appearances or advertising hyperbole, most drivers won't find the Matrix to be an especially fun-filled ride. Acceleration is fine around town and on the highway, but the wagon's modest low-end torque is apparent on uphill grades. Still, cars with the manual transmission respond to a little more whip. Handling dynamics aren't overly impressive either, but will be acceptable if you're merely seeking an affordable and versatile grocery-getter as opposed to a serious driving machine. Those who commute or take longer road trips should find the Matrix's smooth and comfortable ride to their liking.
