2003 Toyota Matrix

Automotive Industries, Dec, 2001 by Gerry Kobe

Toyota's all-new Matrix is a compelling combination of SUV, sports car and econocar -- not necessarily in that order. From the outside it looks way cool, substantial but not "truckish" and definitely something a first-time new car buyer would plop down bucks for.

The theme carries over inside as well. Eye-catching clustered gauges grab your attention, then your eyes swim in a sea of reconfigurable passenger/cargo space that includes a flip-forward front passenger seatback and a generous rear load floor that's flat as a pancake.

But beneath Matrix's seductive skin beats the 1.8L heart of the Toyota Corolla from whence it came. And while I have no doubt it will exonerate itself in reliability, it "just don't get it" in performance.

With the commonly ordered 4-speed automatic, Matrix's 130 hp engine is an effective deterrent to velocity. And in optional four-wheel-drive guise -- add 200 pounds of weight, some parasitic losses and subtract seven hp as punitive damages for being excessively clever with the exhaust routing.

Admittedly a 5-speed manual helps, but not much. The real "fix" is to buy the upscale Matrix XRS with the 180 hp Celica GTS engine and 6-speed gearbox. It's powerful medicine above 6,000 rpm when the VVTL-i system changes the cam lift from "stun" to "kill," but the engine's so "edgy" it feels wrong in this chassis. I already registered my thoughts with Toyota, but it believes the younger buyers this vehicle is aimed at won't care.

I dunno, I get bad "Vibes."