Toyota Matrix
If you are thinking of purchasing a Toyota Corolla, but still want to have the added space for your bikes and golf clubs, then you have looked at the next greatest car (in my opinion) from the Toyota line. The Toyota Matrix is a hatchback version of the Corolla, which is built on the same chassis with the same engines. Redesigned last year as a 2009 model, Toyota had dropped the XR model, and replaced it with the S, but the XRS is still, well, the XRS. A 5-speed manual is standard on all models, but a 4-speed automatic is optional for the base model, while a 5-speed automatic is optional on the S and XRS (maybe?). The Optitron LED gauges light up like a Las Vegas show at night, and even with the backseats in the upright position, you still get plenty of cargo room. Forget the Nissan Versa or even the Honda Fit; the 2010 Toyota Matrix combines fun, performance, and versatility all in one package. I guess good things do come in small packages…well, sort of.
The base model Matrix comes with the standard 1.8-liter inline-4 packing 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft. of torque; both the Matrix S and XRS come with the base engine from the 2.4-liter Camry engine with 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque. Gas mileage for both cars at par, but I will still go for the S model, because of the upgrade Camry engine, which still gets around 21 miles per gallon in the city, and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Handling and performance for both the base Matrix and Matrix S/XRS are somewhat adequate, though. A suspension with independent MacPherson struts with torsion beams in the rear is standard on both base and S model Matrixes while the XRS has the double-wishbone rear suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars and a sport strut tower brace.
Inside the Matrix, the back seats fold down 60/40 split, and the rear passengers could get a pretty descent amount of headroom and legroom thanks to a longer wheelbase. An auxiliary jack is standard on the Matrix’s factory radio, but if you opt for the upgraded JBL sound in the S or XRS models, you get the standard hands-free Bluetooth straight from the factory (not the Blu-Logic system), with nine speakers and steering-wheel mounted audio controls.
Like I have mentioned earlier, the Toyota Matrix is a really great alternative to the Corolla if someone wants to have more cargo area but descent fuel economy. It can be very zippy through the canyons and passes, and you will not be disappointed with the performance, even for an economic 4-cylinder engine.
