How to tell what model year by looking?

[spin156]

I'm sure the real Matrix afficianadoes can do this, but are there noticeable differences in Matrix's from one model year to the next? Can you look at a Matrix and know, for certain, what model year it is (assuming "stock", of course)?

I'm just curious if someone has documented this.


I think the fog lights have changes, but I don't know when.

[Frank@toronto]

2003/2004
Fog light located on lower front grill
Brake light enclosure is all red
Front grill is made up of ovale shapes


2005/2006/2007
Fog light located on front bumpers
Brake light enclosure is more chromy
Front grill is made up of little rectangles

Please add to this...

[matrixdude06]

if its a base the 03/04 have diff wheel covers then the 05+ bases, also the head units are diff. the 03/04 have a gm head, the 05+ have the toyota radio

[chuckles]

look at the last 8 of the vin (serial number) on the dash in front of the steering wheel
is it is is a 3 it is a 2003 really easy.

[joenobodyx]

If the instrument cluster is plain black and red, then you know you have a 2003. The 2004+ have the nicer looking multicolor cluster (IMHO).

[ycart1201]

03-04 - lower front lip is painted body color

05+ is dark grey

(i still think toyota copied me on that one...)

Nathan
ycart1201

[xrs22]

'03-'04

Base-No valances or sideskirts, 16" w/ hubs, fogs in the lower grill, grill has ovals, tailights are red and pinkish, instrument gauge is all red, front bumper has 2 rectangular vents on both sides.

Xr-valances are optional, same as all above.

Xrs-valances are standard, and came w/ a limited auto but the rest are manual.

(guage color changes from red in '03's to red and bluish in the 04's+)

05'+

Base- Fogs are located more towards the wheels, front grill has more of a vent look, no valances, tailights are clear instead of red, no contour on the front bumper cover('cause i have one)

Xr-same as above but valances are optional(somewhat), may have a countour on front cover(not sure but on the xrs)

Xrs-valances but not sure are standard and has a contour on the front cover and everything else is the same style.

[TRXR4KDS]

yellow = 04
lunar mist silver = 03/04
silver streak mica = 05/06/07
speedway blue = 07 (M-Theory only in US, all models in Canada)
metallic sand pearl = 03 (very rare)