Best Used Toyota Wagon - Matrix

In the mid-1990’s Toyota was one of the first Japanese companies to flee the wagon market in the United States. The proliferation of minivans combined with the rising tide of sport-utility vehicles sales served as the writing on the wall regarding the fate of large and mid-size editions of this once popular form of family transportation. While companies like Ford would soldier on for a number of years with their Taurus wagon, the Camry competition disappeared as Toyota decided it would be more prudent to instead focus on developing their van and crossover lineup.

The success of the Chrysler PT Cruiser at the beginning of the new millennium helped to convince Toyota that perhaps some life remained in the wagon segment after all. Wanting to do more with the Corolla platform than merely introduce yet another hatchback version of the vehicle, the company got together with General Motors and pooled resources in order to produce a new wagon using some of GM’s excess plant capacity. Sold as the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix, this vehicle represented the first new wagon to be found in Toyota showrooms in over 7 years.

Compact wagons proved to be quite popular with drivers looking for a better solution when it came to hauling around their families and all of the luggage, groceries and Home Depot purchases that were part and parcel of their daily lives. Minivans had begun to lose their appeal as the dull driving dynamics and bulky styling were countered by the excellent fuel economy and more exciting feel of an automobile. Advances in platform design and the use of new, stronger materials also allowed the interior of these wagons to boast great cargo space without sacrificing passenger comfort or safety.

When it comes to used wagons, the Toyota Matrix is one of the sportiest choices available in addition to being one of the better compact cars to have been released by Toyota in the past decade. With available all-wheel drive, an optional sport package and interior room which compares well even against larger competitors, the Matrix appeals to both practical-minded drivers and buyers looking for something a little sportier than the standard compact car. This article takes a look at the 2003 – 2007 Toyota Matrix in terms of fuel economy, features and reliability.

2003 – 2007 Toyota Matrix

The 2003 – 2007 Toyota Matrix resembles a cross between the flat roof of a traditional wagon and the rearward-sloping arch of a traditional hatchback. The Matrix bears an open, friendly front end that leads back to a reasonably upright greenhouse which helps the vehicle seem a little bit large than it actually is. The Matrix does well to fill in between the smaller Yaris and the Corolla sedan in terms of providing families with a compact option that has a sportier look than either of those more conservative vehicles.

The first generation Toyota Matrix has seen a number of different engine configurations over the course of the previous 5 model years. When it debuted, the base 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine offered 130 horsepower, with the option of installing a higher-revving 180 horsepower edition of the same motor on higher XRS trim level. In 2005, the base engine saw its rating reduced to 127 horsepower, while the peppier unit hovered around the 170 horsepower mark, until it was dropped completely for the 2006 model year. Acceleration is lively with the 5 or 6-speed manual transmission but is considerably muted with the optional 4-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is also available, but it imposes a penalty in terms of weight and horsepower on the Matrix wagon, reducing overall fuel mileage.

Drivers of the 2003 – 2007 Toyota Matrix are greeted by a much sportier dash design and gauge appearance than that found in most other Toyota vehicles. Slick-looking and deeply recessed, other aspects of the interior bear a striking resemblance to the Matrix’s corporate cousin the Pontiac Vibe, and this helps to dress up the interior with an extra dash of American-flavored flair. A tall roof, folding rear seats and an excellent use of interior volume help to make the Matrix as practical as it is comfortable for a family of four.

A worthy heir to Toyota’s wagon tradition, the 2003 – 2007 Toyota Matrix is an interesting choice for those looking for a wagon that is smaller than the Chrysler PT Cruiser but which still offers a fine amount of utility and cargo space.