Toyota Matrix 2004

toyota matrix 2004: The Toyota Matrix is part car, component wagon, part minivan, part SUV. Toyota also calls it a CUV for portable utility automobile. We're not exactly sure whether the phrase will certainly catch on, however the Matrix appears to have caught on. Matrix was presented in 2002 as a 2003 model, and also Toyota offered virtually 30,000 of the portable wagons in the initial half of the 2003 calendar year. Matrix is based on the Toyota Corolla and also is constructed in California at a plant collectively possessed with General Motors.

Matrix is targeted at younger purchasers who want a car with a flashy image and also high functionality. Toyota asserts the Matrix integrates the style as well as performance of a cars with the capability of an SUV and also the affordability of a compact car. It does, undoubtedly, complete all those goals, if not to the degree that sports cars, SUVs, as well as portable cars achieve their particular goals.


toyota matrix 2004


We located the Matrix offers alert acceleration, particularly around community. It edges nicely yet supplies a smooth, comfortable ride. Matrix is useful, with a big cargo location that can be broadened by folding down the rear seats. And it's certainly fashionable.

While the high-performance XRS model has actually drawn some focus with its high-revving 180-horsepower engine, we liked the 130-horsepower designs for their even more loosened up, much more positive temperament.

LINEUP

Toyota Matrix is available in 3 trim lines: the conventional Matrix, XR, and XRS. Two engines are offered. Front-wheel-drive (2WD) and also all-wheel-drive (4WD) versions are readily available.

Matrix and Matrix XR are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine ranked at 130 horsepower with two-wheel drive and 123 horse power with 4x4.

The base Matrix ($ 14,670) comes requirement with a five-speed manual transmission and also a lot of features, including cooling and also an AM/FM radio with CD player. (Destination charge of $485 is not consisted of in these manufacturer's suggested list price.) A Power Plan ($ 480) includes power windows, power door locks, and also remote keyless entrance.

Side-impact airbags ($ 250) and anti-lock brakes with elecronic brake-force distribution ($ 300) are optional, however we recommend them highly for their capacity to conserve lives.

Matrix XR ($ 16,180) includes ABS with EBD, power door locks, power home windows, and the remote key fob as well as a back home window wiper. A wider variety of optional devices is readily available for the XR too. Extra Worth Plan 1 ($ 270) consists of cruise control, fog lamps, and front as well as rear spoilers. To this, Extra Value Plan 2 ($ 880) adds 16-inch alloy wheels as well as power moonroof.

A five-speed manual transmission is basic on Matrix and also Matrix XR. A transmission and 4x4 are options, yet just for the base and also XR designs. (Transmission adds $800, while 4WD includes another $1,465 to the retail price.).

Matrix XRS ($ 18,750) is a high-performance version powered by a 180-hp version of the 1.8-liter engine. XRS is available only with front-wheel drive as well as a six-speed manual transmission. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels as well as anti-lock brakes with digital brake-force distribution. XRS obtains four-wheel disc brakes, preferable to the rear drum brakes found on the various other designs.

WALKAROUND

Toyota Matrix is based on the same system as the Toyota Corolla, although it looks significantly various. The Matrix likewise shares much in common with the Pontiac Vibe. GM and also Toyota created the lorries jointly, saving cash for both firms as well as allowing each to provide the automobiles at an inexpensive rate. Matrix and Ambiance do not look alike, however, as their styling was designed individually by Toyota and also Pontiac.

The Matrix is 3 inches taller yet 8 inches shorter in length compared to a Toyota Corolla. It utilizes the same wheelbase yet a larger track. These dimensions give the Matrix a special position. It advises us somewhat of the Ford Emphasis hatchback, which is somewhat smaller sized. It is likewise comparable in dimension to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, although the Matrix has slightly less indoor storage space capacity as a result of its reduced roofline.

And it's mainly the roofline that draws the eye. In a reverse wedge shape, the roofing system slopes down at the back while the belt line along the lower edge of the side windows slopes up, producing a sleek wedge shape to the home windows.

The tailgate opens up just as in an SUV or minivan, as well as the frameless home window can be opened separately for quick accessibility.

The front of the cars and truck has a deliberate looking nose with a relatively high hood line highlighted by a huge grille. Engine cooling is attained with a big aperture under the front bumper which showcases 2 little foglights.

A broad track, together with charitable tires load the wheel wells well, assisting provide the Matrix an aggressive appearance. All in all it's an auto that looks considerable regardless of its reasonably tiny dimension.

INSIDE

Being in a Toyota Matrix is rather like sitting in an SUV, with upright seating as well as a powerful sight of the road ahead.

The driver will discover that the cabin is unlike that of other Toyota automobiles. Four sheathings before the steering wheel home deeply established gauges. The determines radiance red in any way times, also throughout the daytime, as inadequate ambient light reaches them. Chrome edges highlight each vessel and also phony brushed light weight aluminum trim is made use of to surround activate the control panel and door panels.

The consolidated radio and CD player rests straight to the right of the instrument sheathings, while the heating and air flow controls are instantly below. If the radio buttons as well as the general un-Toyota appearance of the trim appears acquainted that's because the inside is almost similar to the Pontiac Vibe, even to the American Delco radio.

The shifter is also right there, simply a few inches from the guiding wheel. It's conveniently situated more than a foot off the floor in a position that's ended up being classy in high-performance rally vehicles along with the Lexus RX, a luxury SUV.

There's 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The back seat is split 60/40 and pressing a switch flips the seat down easily to supply a totally level flooring capable of holding 53 cubic feet of cargo. The freight floor is finished in a hard ribbed plastic designed to use easy cleaning. An XR 4WD design we drove came with a carpeted freight mat ($ 56) that did a far better job of keeping freight from sliding around, however. The freight floor showcases 4 slots that contain movable hooks that can be utilized to tie down goods. There are several various other tie-downs positioned along the sides. Storage space compartments and also cargo nets provide proprietors with optimal utility. All of this makes the interior as flexible as any kind of station wagon as well as much better than many SUVs. Also the front passenger seat can be folded to supply an additional flat surface for storage, albeit at a higher level than the remainder of the floor.

With its high roofline, the Matrix offers lots of clearance for tall vehicle drivers as well as passengers. Shorter passengers sitting in the rear seats may discover the view slightly claustrophobic because of the tiny side windows.

One trendy feature is the available 115-volt power outlet located in the front control panel alongside a routine 12-volt electrical outlet. It's a low-power Air Conditioner plug suitable for powering a notebook computer, however it isn't with the ability of running power tools. (Toyota is working on that, however.).