During the early part of this decade Toyota was inspecting its automobile line up and the choice was made to build a car to entice young people who were attempting to find 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 a vehicle and something radically different was required. 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 wish to have a vehicle 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 car sort of a truck look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an extra bit of room for folk and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much like in a tiny 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 lorry, but its smooth exterior easily refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a four wheel drive versions of the car, 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. Joined to a five speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there is 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 provided 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 vehicle produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid auto sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes four hundred mile trips a chance on only one tank of gas; this is particularly good for the scholar who has to drive forwards and forwards between school campus and home.
Unlike many autos of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide selection of products to help Matrix owners customize their autos. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, mist 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 slightly under US$20K to about CDN$25K.
