2006 Toyota Matrix: Value Meets Fun
During the early part of this decade, Toyota was examining its line of vehicles, and the decision was made to build a car to appeal to young people who were looking for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that would express emotion. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of car 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 how the 2006 model compares.
In 2003, 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 at budget-conscious youngsters who want a car that stands out. To save money, the frame from the Corolla was used, but the Matrix is about 3 inches taller and 8 inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The Matrix’s roofline is also completely different, sloping front to back and ending in a wedge, giving the car a truck-like look. This jaunty appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look, as well as a little more space for people and their stuff. In fact, both the driver and front passenger sit higher up, much like a small SUV or a car like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With four doors and a liftgate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterior easily refutes that fact.
Motorists can choose between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard engine for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the engine makes a respectable 126 hp. For more power, there’s also a more tuned version of the same engine that puts out 164 hp. It is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.
The Matrix’s gas mileage makes the car a motorist’s dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front-wheel drive version of the car produces some of the best results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A 13-gallon fuel tank makes 400-mile trips a possibility on just a tank of gas; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive back and forth between the college campus and his home.
Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize their vehicles. Hood guards, taillight covers, polymer air deflectors, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, fenders and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories offered to young people, who are the main owners of the Matrix.
MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top-of-the-line Matrix topping out from just under US$20K to around CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells nearly 100,000 Matrixes a year. Not bad for a car whose origins are fairly simple but whose heart is truly sporty and youthful.