2006 Toyota Matrix Is On The Roll

During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its vehicle line up and the choice was made to develop a automobile to entice young people who were searching for something that was small, enjoyable to drive, and inexpensive. Although the Corolla served faithfully in this capability, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn't that type of a automobile and something radically various was needed. Enter the Matrix. Depending on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do: turn heads. Let us take a appear at this sporty compact and see how the 2006 model stacks up.

In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the North American marketplace. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors - the Pontiac Vibe is its twin - the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young people who want a automobile that produces a statement. To save money, the Corolla frame was used, but the Matrix stands some three ins taller and is eight ins shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely various too because it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the automobile somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish look is what gives the Matrix its distinctive look also as an extra bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, each driver and front passenger sit greater up, much as with a little SUV or as in a car like Chrysler's PT Cruiser. With 4 doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterior easily refutes that reality.

Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a four wheel drive versions of the automobile, some thing not provided on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is genuinely a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a reputable 126hp. For more energy, there is also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It gets paired having a six speed manual transmission. 4 wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped having a 4-wheel anti-lock brake program ABS that is optional on 2WD models.

Mileage for the Matrix makes the automobile a motorist's dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version of the car creates some of the very best consequences of any non-hybrid automobile sold in North the United States. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a possibility on just 1 tank of gas; this really is especially great for the student who has to drive to and fro between college campus and house.

Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a broad variety of goods to aid Matrix owners customize their cars. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are a few of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the main owners of the Matrix.

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

For the whole American market, Toyota sells almost 100,000 Matrix' per annum. Not poor for a automobile whose origins are pretty simple but whose heart is really sporty and youth minded.

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