2003 Toyota Matrix - Call It What You Want, But Don't Call It Boring
The hot little Matrix shares its platform and drivetrain with Pontiac's Vibe, but not its manufacturing plant. The Vibe is constructed in the Toyota and General Motor's joint venture NUMMI plant in California while the Matrix is built alongside the Corolla here in Cambridge, Ontario. This gives the Toyota a fairly substantial base price advantage over the Pontiac in our market - $16,645 compared to $19,150. Although for the time being it seems like a moot point, as all base and 4WD versions of each manufacturer seem to be continually out of stock due to high demand. Is it really worth the wait?
Good question. It should be extremely reliable as the 130-hp 1.8-L base engine comes directly from the Corolla, detuned to 123-hp if mated to the 4WD system. In either tuning the 1.8-L is adequately quick off the line, mostly due to its feather-light 1,211 kg (2,670 lb) base curb weight. That said it makes sense that the less powerful and 118 kg (260 lb) heavier 4WD model won't be quite as quick, despite its added traction. However, opt for the top-line XLR and things heat up considerably, particularly the asphalt under its tires. The Celica GT-S derived engine puts out a scintillating 180-hp at a hyperactive 7,600 rpm.
The hot little Matrix shares its platform and drivetrain with Pontiac's Vibe, but not its manufacturing plant. The Vibe is constructed in the Toyota and General Motor's joint venture NUMMI plant in California while the Matrix is built alongside the Corolla here in Cambridge, Ontario. This gives the Toyota a fairly substantial base price advantage over the Pontiac in our market - $16,645 compared to $19,150. Although for the time being it seems like a moot point, as all base and 4WD versions of each manufacturer seem to be continually out of stock due to high demand. Is it really worth the wait?
Good question. It should be extremely reliable as the 130-hp 1.8-L base engine comes directly from the Corolla, detuned to 123-hp if mated to the 4WD system. In either tuning the 1.8-L is adequately quick off the line, mostly due to its feather-light 1,211 kg (2,670 lb) base curb weight. That said it makes sense that the less powerful and 118 kg (260 lb) heavier 4WD model won't be quite as quick, despite its added traction. However, opt for the top-line XLR and things heat up considerably, particularly the asphalt under its tires. The Celica GT-S derived engine puts out a scintillating 180-hp at a hyperactive 7,600 rpm.