What is it?
2003 Toyota Matrix
What's special about it?
The 2003 Toyota Matrix is the twin of the Pontiac Vibe, which also debuted at the Detroit show. Built on the same platform as the next-generation Toyota Corolla, the Matrix features the same sleek look as the Vibe, characterized by a wedge shape, a roofline that slopes backward from its high A-pillars to the rear hatch, and a rising beltline from fore to aft. Unlike the Vibe, the greenhouse glass does not stop at the C-pillars, but continues all the way to the D-pillars at the back end. The Matrix is set for release in mid-2002 and will be built at Toyota's Corolla plant near Toronto, Ontario. The five-passenger Matrix will be available with either front- or all-wheel drive. And buyers will also have the choice of manual or automatic shifters. The base engine is the same 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-banger found in the current Corolla. At the show, Toyota unveiled a prototype "Sport" model that is powered by a 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder variable valve timing (VVTL-i) engine that produces 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130 foot-pounds of torque at 6,800 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual tranny, it is the same powertrain that's found in the current Toyota Celica GT-S, which we consistently praise for its terrific performance. (Incidentally, the Vibe GT also uses this configuration.) The Sport model features four-wheel disc brakes; 18-inch, five-spoke chrome wheels; a low and deep front air scoop with inset fog lamps; perforated brushed-metal gas, clutch and brake pedals (a la Lexus IS 300); and a slick, sliding cargo floor that includes interior bike attachments.
Why should you care?
Toyota brass made it quite clear that this is not an effort to compete with the recent trend toward retro cars (read: PT Cruiser), but creates a new segment of functional, sporty and affordable transportation for young new car buyers. OK. Either way, the advent of the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix is a good thing for car buyers, young and old, who want sport-utility functionality, sedan civility, sporty looks at a relatively inexpensive price.
2003 Toyota Matrix
What's special about it?
The 2003 Toyota Matrix is the twin of the Pontiac Vibe, which also debuted at the Detroit show. Built on the same platform as the next-generation Toyota Corolla, the Matrix features the same sleek look as the Vibe, characterized by a wedge shape, a roofline that slopes backward from its high A-pillars to the rear hatch, and a rising beltline from fore to aft. Unlike the Vibe, the greenhouse glass does not stop at the C-pillars, but continues all the way to the D-pillars at the back end. The Matrix is set for release in mid-2002 and will be built at Toyota's Corolla plant near Toronto, Ontario. The five-passenger Matrix will be available with either front- or all-wheel drive. And buyers will also have the choice of manual or automatic shifters. The base engine is the same 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-banger found in the current Corolla. At the show, Toyota unveiled a prototype "Sport" model that is powered by a 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder variable valve timing (VVTL-i) engine that produces 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130 foot-pounds of torque at 6,800 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual tranny, it is the same powertrain that's found in the current Toyota Celica GT-S, which we consistently praise for its terrific performance. (Incidentally, the Vibe GT also uses this configuration.) The Sport model features four-wheel disc brakes; 18-inch, five-spoke chrome wheels; a low and deep front air scoop with inset fog lamps; perforated brushed-metal gas, clutch and brake pedals (a la Lexus IS 300); and a slick, sliding cargo floor that includes interior bike attachments.
Why should you care?
Toyota brass made it quite clear that this is not an effort to compete with the recent trend toward retro cars (read: PT Cruiser), but creates a new segment of functional, sporty and affordable transportation for young new car buyers. OK. Either way, the advent of the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix is a good thing for car buyers, young and old, who want sport-utility functionality, sedan civility, sporty looks at a relatively inexpensive price.
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