2012 Toyota Matrix Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
20 -25 City / 26 -32 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
132 -158
Seats
5
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Judy F
A lifetime of Toyotas for this gal!
Have had Toyotas for many years. Always reliable, long lasting, good looking, and comfortable. I now own a 2012 matrix and will be looking at buying a brand new rav4 hybrid in 2021. I cannot imagine owning any other make after over 35 years of success with Toyotas, from trucks to vans to cars.
accountCircle Clare S
I am sorry they discontinued making this model as it is a very practical auto.
I like the fact that the back seat fold down to make a very spacious storage area. I would like better visibility from the windows. I owned the same auto previously (2004) and it had bigger windows.
accountCircle Belinda V
Toyota matrix a friend you can trust.
Its reliable, has lots of space, great on gas, it never lets me down, small enough to park, yet spacious inside, its comfortable, no mechanical problems ever, ac system and heat works wonderful, has enough cup holders, plain simple dash that do not distract you, everything is easy to find.
accountCircle Meghan C
My best car yet! Dream vehicle!
I love my car! Runs efficiently and handles like a dream. Super comfortable and reliable. Love the extra features!
accountCircle Corrie M
It is very reliable and hasn't had any issues yet!
I like how reliable it is. It gets great gas mileage, and makes me feel safe. It also has plenty of room for passengers and luggage.
accountCircle Michael H
It's spacious and comfortable, and an okay camping vehicle in a pinch.
The Matrix Sport is a good hatchback with a lot of power. It's a bit big, especially for a hatchback, but uses that size well. It's less has efficient than most vehicles in its class, though.
accountCircle Michelle D
Great on gas mileage and has wonderful safety features.
Perfect size, great gas mileage, fits the lifestyle of our household, great longevity, smooth on the road, although it could be a little larger.
accountCircle Toy
Reliable
Im so happy with our 2012 since from the beginning i dont have any problem just oil change and nothing great gas mileage low maintenance cost and reliable car

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Frank W
Title would be 'Reliable grocery getter'.
Engine is strong and very reliable. Underpowered and gas mileage should be better than 30 mpg combined city/highway. Very cheap and unreliable trim parts. Three of four plastic door handles snapped off when just attempting to open the doors. Three of four wheel covers were lost under normal driving conditions. This is second matrix I have owned but the first was a Pontiac vibe with upgraded trim package. This car is a reliable grocery getter.
accountCircle Matt B
2012 matrix with 326,000 miles.
I have only had the vehicle for a year, but it currently has 326,000 miles and seems to ride fairly smooth. The vehicle is reliable and very rarely gives any issues. The air conditioner works pretty well. I would prefer to have a radio that receives satellite radio signal.
accountCircle Ari V
It is a reliable vehicle with great gas mileage and requires low maintenance.
I bought this vehicle when I was single and didn't have any children. I think it is great for a single person or a couple. It drives well, has a low maintenance cost, and has a great gas mileage. However, it is to small for a family of five. It does not have enough space to comfortably fit two car seats.

Toyota Matrix Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
L
132 HP 28 MPG 5 Seats
car
S
158 HP 22 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2012 Toyota Matrix Owner Reviews

4.23
22 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 36%
4 stars 50%
3 stars 14%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Clare N on May 26, 2021
You will have to buy this model used - but it is worth it.
I had previously owned the same model in 2004. Obviously I thought it very functional to buy it again 8 years later. The car is basically a midsize SUV. When the back seat is folded it has a huge, level are for transporting items. The car handles responsively and is pleasant to drive. It has been trouble free. By today's standards it was inexpensive, costing about $23,00.
accountCircle Frank W on March 20, 2021
Title would be 'Reliable grocery getter'.
Engine is strong and very reliable. Underpowered and gas mileage should be better than 30 mpg combined city/highway. Very cheap and unreliable trim parts. Three of four plastic door handles snapped off when just attempting to open the doors. Three of four wheel covers were lost under normal driving conditions. This is second matrix I have owned but the first was a Pontiac vibe with upgraded trim package. This car is a reliable grocery getter.
View All Reviews (22) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #11 Compact SUV by Owners

The 2012 Toyota Matrix has an average owner rating of 4.22 out of 5 which ranks it #11 of 23 other Compact SUVs.

1
car
2012 Land Rover LR4
4.67
2
car
2012 Honda CR-V
4.52
11
car
2012 Toyota Matrix
4.23

Ranks #1 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2012 Toyota Matrix has a combined MPG of 32 which ranks it #1 of 23 other Compact SUVs.

1
Tie
car
2012 Dodge Caliber
32 MPG
1
Tie
car
2012 Toyota Matrix
32 MPG
2
Tie
car
2012 Nissan cube
31 MPG

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

Not Rated
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety