The affordable and practical Corolla-based Toyota Matrix hatchback debuted in 2003. Most buyers probably purchased one because of Toyota’s renowned durability or fuel economy. But Toyota also snuck a hot rod variant called the Matrix XRS into the lineup. One of the most well-preserved examples in the country was recently sold on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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Joint Venture
The Matrix originated from a Toyota/General Motors joint venture - opens in new window or tab. that also produced a rebadged twin, the Pontiac Vibe - opens in new window or tab.. Toyota contributed major components for both cars, but the GM variant has its own sheet metal to conform to the Pontiac aesthetic.
The base-model Matrix and Vibe use the same 1.8-liter inline-four-cylinder engine found in the Corolla. The reliable and fuel-efficient powerplant is good for 130 horsepower and is mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
The Matrix differs from the Corolla - opens in new window or tab. in its front-end styling, which is more sporty. The Matrix also has a larger cargo area to hold more gear, and an all-wheel-drive option not offered on its sedan counterpart.
A Different Animal
The Matrix XRS—and its Vibe GT Pontiac counterpart—is a different animal. It still uses a 1.8-liter four, but this 180-horsepower engine came directly from the Toyota Celica GT-S - opens in new window or tab.sports coupe. The legendary 2ZZ-GE's variable-valve timing system has a second, more aggressive cam profile that kicks in like a turbo boost at 6,200 rpm. Available with a six-speed manual, the 8,500-rpm-redline motor changes the Matrix’s personality from practical to peppy. The 2ZZ-GE engine is also found in the Toyota Corolla XRS - opens in new window or tab., Lotus Exige, and Series 2 Lotus Elise - opens in new window or tab..
The XRS has a sharp-handling sports suspension and larger alloy wheels than base models. It also wears more aggressive-looking front and rear fascias, side skirts - opens in new window or tab., and a rear wing - opens in new window or tab. to complement its sporty underpinnings. The differences are subtle to the untrained eye. The wagon-esque shape hides a sleeper.
Collector-Grade
The car sold on eBay is a pristine 2005 model finished in Indigo Ink. With only 16,445 miles on the odometer, it's one of the few collector-grade Matrix XRSs in the country. The listing stated that the car was used mostly for weekend drives and was always garaged. It’s an accident-free example that looks as new as it did on the showroom floor 20 years ago.
A Matrix XRS cost around $19,000 when new, approximately $31,000 in 2025 dollars. It’s not the kind of car most would have preserved. It was too practical not to haul families and cargo, and too fun not to hoon. Even the listing touted its roominess and usefulness as a camping or moving car.
The supply of this already rare model has dwindled significantly in the two decades since it debuted. A nearly brand-new example is exceedingly rare and will likely get more expensive in the future. That made this car’s $14,000 Buy-It-Now price an excellent deal. eBay Motors offers an exhaustive listing of OEM Matrix parts - opens in new window or tab..
This article was originally published on April 24, 2025.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.