2005 Toyota Matrix Review

Specifications

Almost Perfect

Its just another great Toyota. I only expect the best when I get behind the wheel of any model the Japanese brand makes, and the best is what I constantly receive. Whether testing the ultra-economic Toyota Echo to the somewhat economic for its class Toyota Highlander, I am generally pleased with the result.

I am glad to say that a recent test drive in the 2005 Toyota Matrix XR was yet again a pleasurable experience. I was awaiting my time in the Matrix for multiple reasons. One, it is the current generation of the hand-me-down 1991 Corolla 4WD wagon which I used (and still occasionally drive) for multiple years of personal transportation, so I wanted to see what replaced my little Rosy the Red Beast. Two, I know that when I have a Toyota (even a V6 Highlander) the gas bill for the week wont be huge, and three, I like the personality and reliability of most Japanese vehicles.

Speaking of Toyotas amiable personality and renowned reliability, a former coworker of mine wanted to purchase a vehicle but didnt know which one. So he test drove a few cars and at the end of the day decided that he wanted the Toyota Matrix. But being the starving university student that he is, funds were low. Luckily his parents came to his aid, but under one condition; they would only help him out if he bought a Toyota. It didnt matter which model so long as it was a Toyota. It worked out perfectly for him. He ended up getting the Matrix and loves it (and so do his parents). Dont you love a story with a happy ending?

I feel the same about the Matrix. Its such a well put together vehicle that its hard not to like. Starting with the interior, its fabulous. Its probably the best in its class with the Mazda3 Sport following closely behind. From the instrument gauge cluster to the console buttons, everything is so easy to read and maneuver around. It has a polished and clean finish and is unique looking at the same time. Even the kids I was babysitting over the weekend thought the interior was “so cool” and “so comfortable”. Its pretty hard to impress kids these days without a DVD player or some sort of electronic gadget incorporated into the car, but the Matrix impressed them even without all the extras.

Its hard to pinpoint which attribute I liked best, because it seemed to be so well-balanced. The Matrix is offered in three trim levels; the base model, XR and XRS. Both the base and XR models come with the 1.8-litre, 16-valve, 4-cylinder 1ZZ-FE engine producing 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, and feature the choice of front-wheel drive with a manual or automatic transmission, or a 4-wheel drive with an automatic transmission - although the 4WD version drops output by 7 horsepower to 123, and torque by the same number of 7 to 118 lb-ft. My test model came with the optional 4-speed automatic tranny and was front-wheel drive.

The optional automatic transmission shifted through the gears very smoothly but took a moment or so to respond when I pressed my foot on the throttle while ascending up a hill. The transmission also took its time engaging when I geared down into “2″ while descending down a hill. I felt that the engine could have been more effective with a 5-speed manual transmission, but the automatic was better for all the throttle-and-brake commuting that I do every day.

The handling and overall stability of the Matrix was great. It is such a smooth-riding 5-door wagon. To enhance the Matrixs stability, its body was created using computer-aided design and engineering to maximize safety and minimize noise, vibration and harshness. It handled corners very well and was very stable at highway speeds.

In addition, my temporary Toyota came with a nice sporty set of tires and wheels; the optional P215/50R17 all season tires with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. My tester also included a power moonroof, fog lamps, tire pressure monitoring system and ABS brakes. The all-season rubber held firm to both dry and wet pavement for optimal performance.

I felt the braking system would have been better if it had rear disc brakes in place of the rear drums. While stopping the car was an efficient process due to the anti-lock braking system, Im sure rear discs would have proved better. Nevertheless, the brakes do the job.

Fuel economy was once again fantastic. Throughout my test week I drove around city streets and on the highway, putting about 280 miles on the odometer and still had 7/8ths of a tank left. I tried to remember if I had topped up the tank when the gas prices were less, but I didnt. The Matrix just kept on going. At the end of the week it didnt cost me anywhere near what Im used to paying, and therefore I was thrilled. Now I can get that extra pair of shoes I have always wanted because I saved so much on gas that week. OK, Im kidding, but it does make a difference. Bottom line, the Matrix has a fuel economy rating of 34 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.

Not only did the Matrix humbly sip away on fuel, it also had a nice selection of standard features including air conditioning, an AM/FM audio system with a CD player, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, side skirts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, keyless entry with hatch release and more.

The Matrix is everything that a 5-door economy wagon should be. It has a wonderful interior, a sizeable engine and some great standard features. But I had a few tiny quibbles with it. And when I say tiny, I mean I am really looking for things to make it not-so-perfect. I found that the emergency brake didnt lie flat when it was completely released. This often made me second guess if I had fully lowered it. Also, the cargo cover in the trunk was a little bit of a pain to put on as it needed to be hooked on in multiple places. But really, these are things that I got over very quickly.

I wont however, quickly get over what a practical car the Matrix is. The fact that its totally cool doesnt hurt either.