During the early part of this decade Toyota was inspecting its car line up and the choice was made to build a vehicle to entice young people who were attempting to find something that was small, fun to drive, and reasonable. Whilst the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of a vehicle 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 have a look at this sporty compact and see the way in which 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 folks who wish to have a car that makes a statement. To save cash, 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 sort 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 folks and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, very like in a little SUV or as in a car like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With 4 doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a truck, but its graceful exterior easily refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive versions of the automobile, 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. Mated to a five 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 becomes twinned with a 6 speed manual transmission. Four wheel drive versions of the Matrix come provided with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.
Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the vehicle a motorist’s dream. At thirty m.p.g town and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version of the auto produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid automobile sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes four hundred mile trips a possibility on just one tank of gas; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive backwards and forwards between college campus and home.
Unlike many cars of its size, the O.E.M crowd has produced a wide selection 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 first owners of the Matrix.
MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at just under US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells virtually 100,000 Matrix’ every year. Not bad for a car whose origins are fairly simple but whose heart is really sporty and youth minded.
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Tags: Toyota, toyota matrix