Market Position:
Compact hatchback/wagon positioned as a practical, versatile, and reliable vehicle in the North American market, often appealing to younger buyers or those seeking utility.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic Hatchback, Mazda3, Ford Focus, and Subaru Impreza. The Matrix offered a unique combination of sedan-like driving dynamics with a more practical hatchback utility, often drawing comparisons to compact SUVs for its cargo flexibility.
Key Features:
Practical cargo space, fuel-efficient engines, Toyota's reputation for reliability, available all-wheel-drive (AWD) on some models.
Coverage Areas:
Full vehicle service and repair
Page Count:
Undisclosed (Software-based, access varies)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
PDF Download (Accessed via Web Browser)
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS/Non-ABS), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams Included), HVAC, Body & Chassis, Interior Components, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Emission Control Systems
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Diagnosis and Troubleshooting, Component Removal and Installation, Major Repairs, Overhauls, Adjustments, Wiring Harness Repair, Body Panel Replacement, HVAC System Service, Brake System Bleeding and Repair, Clutch Service (Manual Transmission), Suspension Alignment Procedures, Engine Timing Belt Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Oil and Filter Changes, Fluid Level Checks and Replenishment, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation and Resolution
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls, including factory-level repair procedures and specifications.
Primary Engine:
1.8L 1ZZ-FE Inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower:
126 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard), 130 hp @ 6000 rpm (CA emissions)
Torque:
123 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (standard), 127 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (CA emissions)
Optional Engine:
1.8L 2ZZ-GE Super Strata (GT model)
Horsepower:
164 hp @ 7800 rpm
Torque:
133 lb-ft @ 6800 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (ECT-i)
Optional Transmission AWD:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (ECT-i) (Available with AWD)
Features:
Close-ratio gearing (GT model), Lock-up torque converter (Automatic)
Length:
169.5 inches (4305 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Height:
59.3 inches (1505 mm)
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches (2600 mm)
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches (140 mm)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
19.7 cubic feet (558 liters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
67.3 cubic feet (1906 liters)
Curb Weight Min:
2755 lbs (1250 kg) (1.8L, Manual, FWD)
Curb Weight Max:
3095 lbs (1404 kg) (1.8L GT, AWD, Automatic)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
4-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4-Star
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS - optional/standard on some trims)
Passive Features:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Front and Rear Side Curtain Airbags (optional), Three-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) System
Infotainment System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with cassette player and/or CD changer available on higher trims.
Speakers:
4-speaker or 6-speaker audio systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, EBD, Brake Assist. Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) were optional on some models and became more common on later revisions and higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by modern standards. Typically featured an auxiliary input for portable audio devices on later models or aftermarket head units.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) with conventional oil; 10,000 miles or 12 months with synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Spark Plug Replacement:
120,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (under normal driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial 100,000 miles or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (1ZZ-FE and 2ZZ-GE engines use a timing chain)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, ILSAC GF-3 or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change (1ZZ-FE)
Transmission Fluid Automatic Type:
Toyota Genuine ATF WS (World Standard)
Transmission Fluid Automatic Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 US quarts (3.5 liters) for torque converter refill (refer to manual for exact procedure and capacity)
Transmission Fluid Manual Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Manual Capacity:
Approximately 2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters)
Coolant Type:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent pink coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Known Issues:
Excessive oil consumption (especially on early 1ZZ-FE engines due to piston ring design), sticky oil control rings, occasional ABS actuator issues, rear sway bar link noise, power steering pump whine.
Brand Heritage:
Toyota is renowned globally for its long-standing reputation for building reliable, durable, and high-quality vehicles, a legacy that began in the early 20th century.
Model Evolution:
The 2003 Toyota Matrix (E120 chassis) marked the first generation of the model, introduced in North America for the 2003 model year. It was a collaborative effort with General Motors, sharing its platform with the Pontiac Vibe. This generation emphasized practicality, versatility, and a slightly more youthful appeal than traditional Toyota sedans.
Production Location:
Fremont, California, USA (Toyota Motor Manufacturing, California)
