One-Year Test Update: 2003 Toyota Matrix
Photography by David Newhardt
Yo, dudes and dudettes, you gotta check out the happenin' new wheels in Motor Trend's One-Year-Test garage: Toyota's new Matrix. Forget that sissy base stuff, we went for the full-tilt XRS with the 1.8-liter/180-horsepower I-4 and sport suspension (starting at $18,750). We added killer tunes, especially with the premium AM/FM/six-disc in-dash changer with six speakers costing just a "Benjamin" extra, a set of stylin' 17-inch wheels and tires ($150), and a set of side airbags ($250) should a blue hair miss the turn for the bingo parlor. Bro, out the door with $485 in destination and delivery, this hip new Toyo only cost $19,735!
Dude, these things are flyin' off the dealer showrooms, and we never thought we'd get one to test for a year. But our buds at Toyota jacked a Matrix from their fleet, which explains the four grand already on the clock. Knowing Toyo's awesome reliability, we're counting those as break-in miles. So far, we've loaded the seats with our homies and stashed our gig gear in the back, making Friday cruisin' a happenin' deal. Later...
From the logbook
"The 110-volt power point is a nice touch and makes it easy to charge a lap-top or blend smoothies." --Scott Mead
| 2003 Toyota Matrix |
| Base price | $18,750 |
| Price as tested | $19,735 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, fwd, 4-door, 5-pass |
| Engine | 1.8L I-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| Hp @ rpm | 180 @ 7600 |
| Torque @ rpm | 130 @ 6800 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 7.8 |
| EPA mpg | 22 city/29 highway |
| Total mileage | 4847 |
| Average test mpg | 22.2 |
| Problem areas | None |
| Non-warr cost | $0 |