The Toyota Matrix: An Overview
If you’re a fan of economy class vehicles or of Toyota, then you probably already have an appreciation for the Matrix. If you’re less familiar with it, then that’s great, and it’s time to take a look at what was on the inside. While the Matrix is not being manufactured at this time, it shared Toyota’s quality standards during its production run, and that means there are still a number of them around.
It’s also a good idea to take a look at this car if you are looking at the ways that Toyota’s efficiency and safety features have evolved, because it provides a great insight into one phase of that design process. The design of the Matrix is especially interesting because it fit into a unique compact crossover category that attempted to give a combination of the drivability of an economy car and the handling and stability of a CUV.
Vehicle Overview Information for the Toyota Matrix
There were two generations of Matrix built, and they had different features, but they did have a few things in common:
• Impressive impact ratings—five stars for front end collisions and a mix of four and five stars for rear end and side collisions
• Efficient design—these vehicles maximized passenger head and leg room without compromising the vehicle’s tiny footprint
• Side torso airbags, side curtain airbags, and antilock braking all make up important parts of the safety package on second-generation Matrix models.
• Choices between 1.8L and 2.4L engines to make sure the car has a good balance of power and weight to make for great acceleration
• All wheel drive
Discontinuation and Future
The Matrix was one of the most compact all-wheel drive choices in its heyday, and it will not be surprising if it eventually sees a revival because of the combination of space, storage, and fuel efficiency it represents. For the time being, though, the car remains off the production floor. Toyota’s reason for discontinuing the Matrix at the time was declining sales, but there is always the chance that an enterprising design team will update the vehicle and release a third generation if it remains popular with fans of the brand.