Low On Budget But Still Want Fun? Get The Toyota Matrix
In the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its vehicle line up and the choice was made to build an automobile to lure young folks who were looking for something that was small, fun to drive, and cheap. Whilst the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota required something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that sort 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 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 directed toward budget conscious young folks who need a car that makes a statement. To economize, the Corolla frame was employed, but the Matrix stands some three inches taller and is eight inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is totally 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 extra bit of room for folks and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, very similar to in a little SUV or as in an automobile like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With 4 doorways and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its smooth exterior simply refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a 4 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. 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 is getting twinned with a six speed manual transmission. Four 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 automobile a motorist’s dream. At thirty m.p.g town and 36 m.p.g highway, the front wheel drive version of the car produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid automobile sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a possibility on just one tank of gas ; this is very good for the scholar who has to drive backwards and backwards 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 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 under US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells almost 100,000 Matrix’ every year. Not bad for a vehicle whose origins are reasonably easy but whose heart is truly 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 Toyota Matrix for sale.
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