What is it?
2003 Toyota Matrix
What's special about it?
As we reported in our coverage of the 2001 North American International Auto Show, Toyota and Pontiac are coming out with sporty compact wagons in 2003. In both styling and price, they are aimed at America's young buyers.
At the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota released final details about its version, the Matrix. It will come in three different trims: standard, XR and XRS. Powertrain choices are similar to the Celica's. Standard and XR will come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The engine makes 130 horsepower. Four-wheel drive is also an option on these cars. The XRS is the top-line model, and it exclusively comes with a 180-hp engine and a six-speed transmission (a four-speed auto is also offered).
Toyota says, "If man can fit 27 encyclopedias on a computer chip, we can put cargo space in a sports car." To that end, the Matrix comes with four doors, seating for five, folding rear seats and up to 53 cubic feet of your favorite gear. The cargo deck features tracks and eight adjustable tie-down hooks. Underneath is a hidden storage compartment. We'll let you use your imagination as to what today's whippersnappers might want to hide in it.
Most major amenities are available as either standard or optional equipment. These include air conditioning; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; a six-disc CD changer; a GPS navigation system; side airbags; ABS; and 17-inch alloy wheels. There's also a 115-volt household auxiliary outlet on the XR and XRS.
So how much does Toyota want for the Matrix? In standard trim, it starts at $14,670. A XRS with a six-speed manual is $18,750. A destination price has not yet been announced, but the car goes on sale in early February 2002.
Why should you care?
Why buy a Celica when you can get a Matrix with more stuff for a cheaper price? Besides wondering when the next Matrix movie comes out, that's the question we posed to ourselves during Toyota's press conference. Even better, why not get a Matrix (or the Pontiac Vibe) instead of a Ford Focus ZX5, Mazda Protegé5 or Subaru Impreza TS Sport Wagon? If the Matrix lives up to its specs and hype, this certainly will be a car you'll want to check out for 2002. — Brent Romans
2003 Toyota Matrix
What's special about it?
As we reported in our coverage of the 2001 North American International Auto Show, Toyota and Pontiac are coming out with sporty compact wagons in 2003. In both styling and price, they are aimed at America's young buyers.
At the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota released final details about its version, the Matrix. It will come in three different trims: standard, XR and XRS. Powertrain choices are similar to the Celica's. Standard and XR will come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The engine makes 130 horsepower. Four-wheel drive is also an option on these cars. The XRS is the top-line model, and it exclusively comes with a 180-hp engine and a six-speed transmission (a four-speed auto is also offered).
Toyota says, "If man can fit 27 encyclopedias on a computer chip, we can put cargo space in a sports car." To that end, the Matrix comes with four doors, seating for five, folding rear seats and up to 53 cubic feet of your favorite gear. The cargo deck features tracks and eight adjustable tie-down hooks. Underneath is a hidden storage compartment. We'll let you use your imagination as to what today's whippersnappers might want to hide in it.
Most major amenities are available as either standard or optional equipment. These include air conditioning; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; a six-disc CD changer; a GPS navigation system; side airbags; ABS; and 17-inch alloy wheels. There's also a 115-volt household auxiliary outlet on the XR and XRS.
So how much does Toyota want for the Matrix? In standard trim, it starts at $14,670. A XRS with a six-speed manual is $18,750. A destination price has not yet been announced, but the car goes on sale in early February 2002.
Why should you care?
Why buy a Celica when you can get a Matrix with more stuff for a cheaper price? Besides wondering when the next Matrix movie comes out, that's the question we posed to ourselves during Toyota's press conference. Even better, why not get a Matrix (or the Pontiac Vibe) instead of a Ford Focus ZX5, Mazda Protegé5 or Subaru Impreza TS Sport Wagon? If the Matrix lives up to its specs and hype, this certainly will be a car you'll want to check out for 2002. — Brent Romans
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