During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its automobile line up and the decision was made to build a car to lure young folks who were searching for something that was small, fun to drive, and reasonable. Whilst 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 have a look at this sporty compact and see how 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 directed toward budget conscious young folks who wish to have a car that makes a statement. To save cash, the Corolla frame was employed, but the Matrix stands some 3 inches taller and is eight 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, much like in a small SUV or as in a car like Chrysler's PT Cruiser. With four doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more of a truck, but its sleek exterior simply refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a four 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 becomes twinned 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 car a motorist's dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 m.p.g road, the front wheel drive version of the auto produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a possibility on only 1 tank of gas; this is especially good for the scholar who has to drive back and forwards between school campus and home.
Unlike many automobiles of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customise their automobiles. 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 slightly below US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells just about 100,000 Matrix' per year. Not bad for a vehicle whose origins are fairly simple but whose heart is truly sporty and youth minded.
What is your dream car? Check out some of the fastest and most exotic cars ever built at thesupercars.org and also take a look at Toyota Matrix used car.
