Toyota Matrix Fan Blog

Toyota Matrix, also known as Toyota Corolla Matrix is a popular automotive offering from the house of Toyota Motor Corporation in US and Canadian markets.

The vehicle has been sold in the markets of Canada, United States, and Mexico.

The Toyota Corolla Matrix is considered to be an enticing sporty wagon that offers much more in the segment of premium midsize wagons.

Toyota Matrix is manufactured as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota.

First Generation (2003–2008)

Toyota Matrix

The Toyota Matrix was introduced in the year 2003, and it shared its design concept with the sibling Toyota Corolla. It remained mostly unchanged for the year 2004, and the revised version in 2004 just had few changes in front fascia, and tail-lights. The first generation Matrix models were equipped with 1.8 Liter 4-cylinder engines.

Standard Model (2003–2008)

The Standard Matrix model was manufactured in the year 2003 and it was priced at $14,670. It had air conditioning system, chrome, door handles and color-keyed mirrors.

The Standard model used alloy wheels and a body kit. The consumers showed their interest to buy the XRS or XR models with the additional features; these were equipped with the all-wheel drive. The curb weight of the vehicle was 2,679 lbs initially, and it increased to 2,943 lbs.

Toyota Matrix XR (2003–2008)

One can call the XR version as Matrix’s medium grade trim. The XR model is designed to render better looks, more like the XRS trim, and it turns out to be a cost effective option, like the base model.

The XR model comes with handy features like chrome door handles and color matched mirrors, steering wheel with leather wrapping.

Toyota Matrix XRS (2003–2006)

The XRS model is the top-line model and it comes with disc brakes for all wheels.

The XRS models include:

• e- Brake force Distribution
• anti-lock brakes,
• 16in. alloy wheels, and
• adaptive cruise control.

The Toyota Matrix cylinder walls are lined up with metal-matrix composite. The total displacement of engine is about 1,796 cc and it can generate 180 hp.

Second Generation (2009)

2009 Toyota Matrix

The second generation of Toyota Matrix was revealed in the year 2007 and the vehicle was available with dealers in 2008 and sold worldwide as 2009 model.

In second generation, you can find three trim levels; the standard base model, S, and XRS trim. The base model has an I4 engine, while superior 2,362 cc engine is available on XRS and S trims. The former version is provided with choice of 4-speed auto-transmission or 5-speed manual transmission.

Current Toyota Matrix

From 2008, the Toyota started manufacturing the Toyota Matrix in various trim levels in Canada and United States. All the trim levels had independent front suspension, while the XRS models had AWD drivetrain.

2009 models have cramped interior space, when compared with the previous versions; no wonder, this has been a matter of heavy criticism.

2011 Toyota Matrix

2011 Toyota Matrix brings in more goodies, higher gas mileage, and overcomes shortcomings of its predecessors, making it a hot choice in the segment.

Safety Ratings

All the trim levels in Toyota Matrix version come with standard side airbags, anti-lock braking system, side curtain airbags, traction control and Stability Control systems. The new Toyota Matrix version has got “Good” ratings in side and frontal IIHS crash tests.