Low On Budget But Still Want Fun? Get The Toyota Matrix

During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its car line up and the choice was made to build a vehicle to lure young folks who were searching for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota required something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of an auto and something radically different was needed. Enter the Matrix. Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do : turn heads. Let’s take a look at this sporty compact and see how the 2006 model stacks up.

In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the northern US market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors – the Pontiac Vibe is its twin – the Matrix is targeted toward budget conscious young people who want a car that makes a statement. To economize, the Corolla frame was used, but the Matrix stands some 3 inches taller and is 8 inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely different too as it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the car somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an additional bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, very similar to in a small SUV or as in an automobile like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With 4 doorways and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more of a van, but its smooth exterior simply refutes that fact.

Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive versions of the vehicle, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Paired to a 5 speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there’s also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It gets paired with a 6 speed manual transmission. 4 wheel drive versions of the Matrix come supplied with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.

Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the auto a motorist’s dream. At thirty m.p.g town and 36 m.p.g highway, the front wheel drive version of the auto produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid auto sold in North America. A thirteen gallon fuel tank makes four hundred mile trips a probability on only one tank of gas; this is very good for the scholar who has to drive backwards and forwards between school campus and home.

Unlike many cars of its size, the O.E.M crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize their autos. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the primary owners of the Matrix.

MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at slightly below US$20K to about CDN$25K.

For the entire North Yankee market, Toyota sells virtually 100,000 Matrix’ per year. Not bad for a vehicle whose origins are reasonably straightforward but whose heart is actually sporty and youth minded.

How fast can your car travel at top speed? Compare you car to some of the fastest cars in the world at thesupercars.org and also have a look at used cars Toyota Previa.

Share and Enjoy: