2003 Toyota Matrix

A few weeks ago in a review of Volkswagen’s newly imported Jetta wagon, I talked about how manufacturers are clamoring about these little stretched out compacts. Of course, most carmakers won’t call them “wagons” and they’re not, at least not in the Ford Taurus wagon sense. These new buggies are after HipHop, not Mom and Pop. The 2003 Toyota Matrix defines this concept, as do the Pontiac Vibe (the Matrix’s cousin and next week’s review), Civic Si and the Ford Focus wagon. The new “wagon” is pared down outside yet extra roomy inside especially for cargo, radically shaped, generously equipped and sport-sedan responsive.

Funky, functional and fun. And ‘fordable, too.

The Good News
Even if I’m nowhere near the Matrix’s young demographics, I still think it’s a very cool ride.

My opinion was shared by a surprising variety of people, at least in regard to its exterior design. One such compliment came from a noted architect and car connoisseur, which speaks very well for this California concept, especially one so inexpensive.

Based on Toyota’s new Corolla chassis and sharing standard Corolla drivetrains, the Matrix is effectively short-shorts and a tank top over sensible underwear. Sporty, reliable and comfortable, too.

There are three models: base, XR and XRS. The first two get Corolla’s 130-horse 1.8-liter engine and transmissions. The XRS, however, sneaked into big sister’s closet and borrowed the 180-horsepower engine, the six-speed manual and the four-speed automatic transmission from the Celica GT-S.

I tested the XRS with 6-speed manual and found it to be every bit the kick a performance-tuned compact sedan delivers. This sets up a driving experience unlike any I’d experienced before. Here you are, perched up kind of high, lots of headroom and greenhouse around you, dash right up against you. You’re driving what feels like a compact sport utility or maybe a minivan, neither of which is famous for performance.

Yet, this vehicle not only scoots, revs and shifts like a sport sedan (0-60 in a little over 7 seconds in independent tests), it sounds like a sport sedan. This is very odd.

The Matrix also comes with all-wheel drive as an option, something the Corolla doesn’t. But it’s only available with the lesser engine; the XRS is front-wheel drive. Despite its more aggressive image, the XRS still possesses the calm Corolla ride. There’s nothing abrupt about it.

On to function, the Matrix interior morphs easily to accommodate a variety of needs. Split-folding rear seatbacks open up the back, and ample tie-downs hold stuff in place. You can also fold down the right rear and front passenger seats to create flat room for something extra long, and there’s still room for a buddy, as long as he/she doesn’t mind only making eye contact in the rear-view mirror.

Then there’s equipment. The Matrix makes available a $1,750 navigation/6 CD changer system, something you won’t find on the Corolla. Mine had it, as well as side airbags, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a few other extra-cost options. But the standards list is good, too, with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD, leather-wrapped steering, keyless entry and more.

The Bad News
My two complaints about this Matrix can likely be charged to my exceeding the demographics: One, I understand the roaring engine noise enhances the overall performance image, but in this case I find it ridiculously overdone; two, I can’t see red gauges with my sunglasses on.

Oh, and three, I don’t need a 110V plug in the dash for my amplifier, but it’s cute.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 25 mpg city/30 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $18,750;
Price as tested, $21,655

Is it worth it?
I really like this Toyota Matrix, not only because of the pricing. I like it because the Matrix hands us ripe, youthful attitude with a good dose of common sense.

A rare combination, as any parent will tell you.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.