I have to admit I like all Toyotas other than the Echo, and this one is great. They are well made cars, with all kinds of features, and hold their value well. In fact, they have the highest resale value of any car company on the road. The Matrix is a great addition to their lineup, because it is a versatile car. It is comfortable, and multi-purpose at the same time. Also, it is different looking, which makes it original compared to many new vehicles. This would include the Matrix's competition-cars such as the Ford Focus, Chevy Malibu Maxx, and Chrysler PT Cruiser. They are all boring compared to the Matrix, and don't have the Toyota reliabilty. Here are the specs for this machine.

The Toyota XRS is the model I have much experience with, and am using to formulate my opinions. It is the high end Matrix, which retails for $19-$21,000. The other editions are the STD($14,000-$15,500) and the XR.($16-18,000) You can choose auto or manual in all editions, and I recommend the manual for fun and fuel economy. (25-35 mpg city and highway) The XRS has more horsepower (180) than the other models, and only comes in front wheel drive. The other models can come in All Wheel Drive if you want to pay extra. The manual in the XRS is a six speed, and its engine is a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder that really moves. The only complaint I have about this high quality engine is it is noisy. If you are driving over 30 and give it a good amount of gas, it will make a lot of noise. It sounds very thrashy, but it brings the car to high speeds fast while keeping your gas money in check.

The XRS is a 4 door vehicle, and it has a lot of equipment. It has air conditioning,(Works beautifully-almost as good as the 80's non environmentally friendly ones)power steering, airbags(Front driver/passenger), power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control(flick of a button), rear wiper, ABS brakes(stop on a dime!), comfortable cloth seats, Am/Fm CD player with 4 speakers(works great, extreme bass!), sunroof, and 16" sparkling alloy wheels. The tire size is 205/55/16. The XRS also has stylish tailights that get noticed often, and the headlights run during the daylight for safety reasons. The car also has great fog lights that you can engage with a button, and a stylish 3 spoke steering wheel. The dash looks space age, and very modern all around. The overall comfort is excellent for driver, front passenger, and in the backseat. I have fit 6 footers in without any problems or bickering, and the Matrix has over 53 cubic feet of cargo space. (Yes the dog and kids stuff can fit in!) Also included as a standard option in the XRS is cupholders in the front and backseats(2 each) and 2 12volt power outlets. You can push a button and use the interior mounted map lights when lost(useful) and it has illuminated entry. The car in addition to looking good, has excellent paint schemes. It comes in Shadow(dark grey/light black mix), Radiant Red, Silver Streak, White, Superwhite(too bright), Phantom Grey, Black Sand, and Indigo Ink.(Blue, my model) I just love the cargo nets included inside, and in the rear. They make this car like a Swiss Army Knife..you got everything you need.

For safety, I feel comfortable putting kids into this vehicle. Toyotas are always manufactured with safety in mind, and the Matrix is no different. It comes with 4 wheel ABS, with a Electronic Brake Force Distribution System.(The computer assists you in stopping-it can move faster than a human) It has a tire pressure monitor, and front/rear energy crumple zones. The doors have side impact beams, and there is an engine immobilizer to stop it from coming back at you in a bad wreck. The seatbelts also have been preset for impacts, and the car comes with child protector locks. (Also, adult proof sometimes!)

I would highly recommend this car, as its ride quality is superb. It drives very smoothly, and visibility is excellent all around. The only thing is the engine is loud, but you know its reliable. The seats are easily adjustable, and gauges are very easy to read. The car illuminates great at night for excellent interior visibility. Steering is easy, and the car is simple to control. Shifting is effortless-anyone can drive this car with no problems. Room is superb, and I can tell you its a buy!
Amount Paid (US$): 21,500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: XRS