Toyota Matrix XRS

Matrix XRS perfect for budget-minded drivers
By Marv Berg
Insights
Published March 17, 2010

Our grandson, Jim, a senior at Kenyon College in Gambier, has the Pontiac version of the Toyota Matrix called the Vibe. Unfortunately, the Vibe no longer will be built, going the way of Plymouth, Oldsmobile, DeSota, etc., and that’s too bad. However, the Matrix is alive, well and doing nicely.

Just about the perfect choice for a college student or for anyone else looking for a fine compact wagon at a modest price, our Matrix came in at $20,760, plus another $1,400 in options for a grand total of $22,839. However, our model was the XRS, and that‘s priced quite a bit over a base Matrix that you can buy for as little as $17,270.

That standard model has the 1.8-liter, 132-horsepower four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission. The S and SRX models offer a 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower four-cylinder with your choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

We had the five-speed manual, and, as much as I normally prefer an automatic, this gearbox was as good as they come with smooth, positive shifting nicely placed at the bottom of the center stack. Mileage is rated at 21 city and 28 highway for our five-speed and 25 city and 31 highway for the automatic.

The 1.8-liter engine gets 26 city and 32 highway for the manual and 21 city and 29 highway for the automatic. The dashboard was especially well arranged with two large, bright red and black dials facing you. The center stack houses the climate controls and radio and CD player. The heater was great for the cold days we’ve been having, with four movable outlets that can be directed right at you.

Visually unchanged for 2010, the Matrix is the same size as the first generation made between 2003 and 2008 and keeps with current styling for small wagons.

As for performance, the XRS is not a ball of fire, but does well in acceleration and overall handling. The ride is comfortable with little road or engine noise, and the front bucket seats are very well contoured and cling to your side for fast cornering.

There’s lots of headroom both front and rear and fine cargo space.

Standard equipment on all models includes air conditioning, tilt and telescopic-leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, mirrors and windows, keyless entry, front- and rear-side-curtain airbags, stability control, 18-inch alloy wheels, etc.

With Toyota’s exceptional record for dependability, resale value and just plain old-fashioned, all-around enjoyment and utility, the Matrix is an excellent way to go.