July 25th, 2009

During the early part of this decade Toyota was inspecting its vehicle line up and the choice was made to build a vehicle to entice young folks who were searching for something that was little, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of an auto and something radically different was required. Enter the Matrix. based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do : turn heads. We’ll 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 North American market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors - the Pontiac Vibe is its twin - the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young people who want a car that makes a statement. To save money, the Corolla frame was used, but the Matrix stands some three 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 vehicle 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 people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much 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 of a van, but its swish exterior easily 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. Mated 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 six speed manual transmission. 4 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 automobile a motorist’s dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version of the auto produces some of the best results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A thirteen gallon fuel tank makes four hundred mile trips a likelihood on only 1 tank of gas ; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive backwards and forth between varsity campus and home.

Unlike many automobiles of its size, the O.E.M crowd has produced a wide selection of products to help Matrix owners customize their vehicles. 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 almost 100,000 Matrix’ each year. Not bad for a vehicle whose origins are reasonably straightforward but whose heart is actually sporty and youth minded.

To read more about cars and see some of the most expensive cars in the world, visit thesupercars.org and along the way, have a look at used Toyota Previa.

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