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In the early part of this decade Toyota was inspecting its automobile line up and the decision was made to build an automobile to lure young folks who were looking for something that was little, 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 sort 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 take 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 directed toward budget conscious young folks who need a vehicle 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 car sort of a truck 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, very like in a small 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 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 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. 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 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 highway, the front wheel drive version of the car produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A thirteen gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a likelihood on only 1 tank of gas ; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive backwards and forwards between varsity campus and home.

Unlike many automobiles of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize 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 primary owners of the Matrix.

MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at just below US$20K to about CDN$25K.

For the entire North Yankee market, Toyota sells nearly 100,000 Matrix’ a year. Not bad for a car whose origins are reasonably easy but whose heart is really sporty and youth minded.

For more reviews about sports cars, visit thesupercars.org and while you are at it, you might also want to have a look at used Toyota MR2 for sale.

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