DecodedCars2008 Toyota Matrix
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 126 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2008 small station wagon (22.5 MPG).
- Few owner complaints12 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 179 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a small station wagon offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 29% better than the 2008 small station wagon average of 22.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Matrix — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Matrix →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Cambridge, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2008 Matrix configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +29% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Matrix | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | +20% | $2,500 | 329 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Toyota Matrix under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Toyota Matrix (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Honda Fit | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Pontiac Vibe | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 26, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V384000 · 1,128,659 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 COROLLA AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A CRACK MAY DEVELOP AT CERTAIN SOLDER POINTS OR ON VARISTORS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD.
- Risk
- THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WARNINGS AND CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEFECT. THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP COULD BE ILLUMINATED, HARSH SHIFTING COULD RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START, OR THE ENGINE COULD SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. AN ENGINE SHUTOFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ECM AND REPLACE THE ECM IF NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER 2010 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS DEFECT AND RECALL. THIS INTERIM NOTIFICATION WILL INFORM OWNERS THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE A FUTURE NOTIFICATION WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE FREE REMEDY PERFORMED ON THEIR VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles
- Problem
- GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Risk
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Not every 2008 Toyota Matrix is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Toyota Matrix buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 114,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota Matrix. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Matrix years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Matrix | 29 | 172 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 Matrix | 29 | 172 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2011 Matrix | 29 | 172 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2010 Matrix | 28 | 172 in | Not rated | 4 | 33 |
| 2009 Matrix | 28 | 172 in | Not rated | 3 | 86 |
| 2007 Matrix | 29 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 41 |
| 2006 Matrix | 29 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 52 |
| 2005 Matrix | 29 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 84 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →