The later Matrix and Vibe
Code: Not in the kit names
Good to know: For the later cars, BC has one Matrix FWD kit and one Vibe FWD kit. Both are named "Extreme by Default" and both come in BR, DS or RM. Phone us about that note before ordering.
Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe Coilovers
The Matrix and the Vibe are the same tall hatchback with different badges. Every kit here is made for one or the other, never both, so the badge on the tailgate tells you which kits to look at. Our Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe coilovers come in eight kits for 2003 to 2013.
Questions about your Matrix or Vibe? Call 1-800-460-9106.
Toyota and Pontiac crossover hatches
Matrix and Vibe
Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.
Find your years
What decides which kit fits your car
Check these three things on your car.
The badge
Each kit is named for the Matrix or the Vibe, and most say FWD. Buy the one that matches your badge and drive.
The years
BC has one kit for the early cars and one for the later cars. Ksport makes kits that fit both.
The XRS
Ksport says its Matrix kit does not fit the XRS.
BC Racing coilovers for both badges
Two BC kits for each badge
BC Racing makes these series for the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe: BR, DS and RM. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US. Each badge gets one kit for the early cars and one for the later cars.
BC's three series for a small hatch
Here is what each BC series does.
BR
One knob with 30 clicks sets compression and rebound together.
DS
It has the same knob as BR, with a digressive piston.
RM
This is an inverted (upside-down) monotube made for MacPherson struts.
TEIN and Ksport for the twins
These are the kits we carry from each brand. Call 1-800-460-9106 to compare them side by side.
Three example cars and the kits that fit
2005 Matrix FWD, not an XRS
It takes the Matrix kits for 2003 to 2008.
Kits to look at: BC 2003-2008 Matrix FWD, TEIN Matrix (ZZE132L/ZZE133L) Street Basis Z, Ksport Matrix FWD Excluding XRS
2009 Vibe FWD
It takes the later Vibe kits.
Kits to look at: BC 2009-2010 Vibe FWD (Extreme by Default), Ksport Vibe
2012 Matrix
Only one kit fits it.
Kit to look at: Ksport 2003-2013 Matrix FWD, Excluding XRS
Every Matrix and Vibe coilover kit we carry
We group the kits by year and show the full product names.
Notes in BC kit names: "Extreme by Default" means the kit ships as BC's Extreme Low version as standard, built shorter for a lower drop.
Ksport kits spanning both generations
Code: Not in the kit names
Good to know: Ksport's two kits with true rear coilovers cover both generations. The Vibe kit covers 2003 to 2010. The Matrix FWD kit covers 2003 to 2013 and says "Excluding XRS".
Launch years, 2003 to 2008
Code: ZZE132L, ZZE133L (in TEIN Matrix kit names)
Good to know: BC has a Matrix FWD kit and a Vibe FWD kit, both in BR, DS or RM, and TEIN does the same with Street Basis Z. Every BC kit name and Ksport's Matrix kit name say FWD, and TEIN's Matrix kit name lists ZZE132L/ZZE133L. Toyota's launch release says the Standard and XR grades came with front or full-time four-wheel drive, so call us if your car is not front drive.
Matrix and Vibe kits at a glance
| Model | Years | What decides the kit | BC Racing series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 to 2010 | 2009 to 2010 | Badge | BR, DS, RM |
| Ksport, both generations | 2003 to 2013 | Badge; Matrix kit excludes XRS | No BC kit |
| 2003 to 2008 | 2003 to 2008 | Badge | BR, DS, RM |
Before you buy: the Matrix and Vibe on coilovers
The Matrix and the Vibe were practical hatchbacks, and lowered ones are uncommon. We could not find a suspension problem that two separate sources agree on, and in the well over 20,000 coilover kits we have shipped, Matrix and Vibe questions have been rare. BC Racing builds a kit for each badge because owners still ask for one. Check the badge and years above, then call us if anything is unclear.
Matrix history
Built in Cambridge, Ontario
Toyota's January 2002 release for the 2003 car called it "The revolutionary Matrix CUV" and set it apart from the rest of the Toyota lineup.
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2003The plant"Matrix will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada, in Cambridge, Ontario", the release said.
Questions about badges, the XRS and later years
Does a Matrix kit fit a Vibe?
Every brand here makes separate kits for each badge, so pick by the badge on your tailgate. If you want to talk about a swap, phone us.
What about the Matrix XRS?
Ksport says its kit does not fit the XRS. Neither BC nor TEIN mentions it, so phone us first if you drive an XRS.
BC's later kits say "Extreme by Default". Why?
BC puts that in the kit name. It means the kit ships as BC's Extreme Low version, built shorter for a lower drop.
Do you have anything for a 2011 or later Matrix?
Ksport's Matrix kit is the only set of Toyota Matrix coilovers we carry for those years. BC's later kits stop at 2010.
Which BC series fit my car?
All four BC kits come in BR, DS or RM.
How does the BC warranty work here?
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. TEIN and Ksport publish their own.
Toyota and GM pages nearby
Coilover Kits by CarEvery car page.
Comfort and Stance on a Daily Driver: Setting Up Coilovers for BothA comfortable drop on a Matrix you drive every day.
How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your Matrix.
After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the Matrix is lower.
Toyota CorollaToyota's compact sedan.
Pontiac G8Another Pontiac page.
How to install coiloversInstall steps.
BC Racing for ToyotaBC's Toyota kits.
Tell us the badge and year, and we will pick the right Matrix or Vibe coilover kit
We answer calls weekdays, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.