Ordinarily, a single vehicle isn't right for every task. But with five doors, loads of cargo space, multiple interior configurations and available full-time 4WD 2, the 2006 Matrix is whatever you want it to be. Factor in the XR's available integrated fog lamps and front and rear underbody spoilers and you get even more variations. But don't worry. You won't have to get a bigger garage.

History

The 2003 Toyota Matrix, introduced in February 2002, was a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that combined the style and fun of a sports coupe with the room and utility of a small SUV for the price of a compact sedan.

Toyota designed the Matrix at its Calty Design Studio in Newport Beach, Calif. Designers call the theme 'street performance utility.' Unique 'edge-web' detailing blended sharply creased surfaces with rounded web-like contours to create strong, flowing character lines. The three-window side profile gave the Matrix driver excellent outward visibility. The interior was as sporty as the exterior, with Optitron gauges set in cylindrical, chrome-rimmed instrument housings.

There were three model grades – standard, XR and XRS. A front spoiler with integrated fog lamps, rear underbody spoiler, side rocker panels, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels gave the XRS an even bolder street performance look to go with its high-power muscle.

Both the standard Matrix and the Matrix XR were powered by a 130-horsepower 1.8-liter engine and came in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The 4WD drive system added all-weather versatility, using a viscous coupling to send power to the rear wheels in response to slippage at the front wheels. The XRS was front-drive only. The standard Matrix and Matrix XR were powered by a double overhead-cam 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that produced 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm.

The Matrix XRS provided a high-performance driving experience with its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder DOHC engine that came from the Celica GT-S, along with that model's six-speed manual transmission. The engine produced 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,800 rpm.

The 2004 Matrix carried over with minor enhancements. Two new exterior colors, Phantom Gray and Super Yellow were added, while Desert Sand is discontinued. The 115-volt and two 12-volt power outlets were discontinued on the base grade model. 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires became available and the XRS model is available only with a six-speed manual transmission.

For 2005, Matrix featured freshened front styling with a redesigned grille, bumper and fog lights, as well as new tail lamps. VSC became available on base and XR models with the automatic transmission. Various upgrades included an engine immobilizer system, a low tire pressure warning light (with the optional ABS), shift-linked door locks (4x2 automatic only) and optional curtain airbags. The base grade gained a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer was added to the XRS option list.

The Matrix remains unchanged for 2006 with the exception of an available JBL premium AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc changer for XR models.

What does it mean? Corolla: The outer envelope or crowning portion of a flower. Matrix: The name fits the cross functional nature of the vehicle as this crossover utility vehicle effectively combines features of an SUV and passenger car in a versatile manner. 'Matrix' has an edgy, urban sound.

by Toyota

by Toyota