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2006 Toyota Matrix Wagon
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What's New?
Aside from the addition of a JBL premium sound system to the mid-range XR's option list, the Matrix is unchanged for 2006.
Overview
Now in its fourth model year, the Toyota Matrix is one of a growing class of models that combines the high seating position and large cargo bay of an SUV with the size, fuel economy, and sporty nature of a compact sedan. The Matrix was developed in conjunction with (and is mechanically identical to) the Pontiac Vibe, though the Matrix is built in Canada while the Pontiac Vibe is built alongside the Toyota Corolla at a joint Toyota-GM plant in Fremont, California. Despite its small size, the Matrix offers several SUV-like characteristics, such as a cargo area with a washable flat floor and a rear window that lifts independently of the tailgate. The rear seat splits and folds 60/40, and the front passenger seat can be folded down to serve as a table or increase carrying capacity. The Matrix's tall, upright front seating position gives the driver a commanding view of the road. And, like many SUVs, the Matrix offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Matrix is available in Standard, XR, and XRS trim levels; all come with standard air conditioning, a CD player, and power mirrors. The XR adds power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a rear wiper; many of these features are optional on the Standard model. Safety-related options include Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control system (automatic transmission only), side air bags, and anti-lock brakes. Power for the Standard and XR models comes from a 126-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. Front-wheel-drive models are available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models are exclusively equipped with automatics.
The XRS is the hot rod of the Matrix lineup. It has a 164-hp version of the 1.8L engine with a higher redline (7,800 RPM versus 6,000 for Standard and XR) and a variable valve-timing system tuned for high RPM power. A 6-speed manual is the sole transmission choice, and the XRS is available only with front-wheel drive. The XRS features the same standard equipment as the XR and adds four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, and special body trim bits to complete the go-faster look.
The Competition
The Toyota Matrix competes in the Compact Conventional segment against 17 other models from 14 different manufacturers. Entries in this segment continue to offer an ever-increasing package of safety, value, and comfort/convenience features while still delivering excellent fuel economy.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM calendar year 2005 sales leaders in this segment were the Honda Civic (308,415 units sold), the Matrix’s platform mate Toyota Corolla (244,032), followed by the Chevrolet Cobalt (212,667). The Matrix finished 2005 just out of the top 10, selling 90,258 units during the calendar year to rank 11th in the segment. Other top sellers in the segment include the Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Jetta, Saturn ION, and Mazda3.
Aside from the addition of a JBL premium sound system to the mid-range XR's option list, the Matrix is unchanged for 2006.
Overview
Now in its fourth model year, the Toyota Matrix is one of a growing class of models that combines the high seating position and large cargo bay of an SUV with the size, fuel economy, and sporty nature of a compact sedan. The Matrix was developed in conjunction with (and is mechanically identical to) the Pontiac Vibe, though the Matrix is built in Canada while the Pontiac Vibe is built alongside the Toyota Corolla at a joint Toyota-GM plant in Fremont, California. Despite its small size, the Matrix offers several SUV-like characteristics, such as a cargo area with a washable flat floor and a rear window that lifts independently of the tailgate. The rear seat splits and folds 60/40, and the front passenger seat can be folded down to serve as a table or increase carrying capacity. The Matrix's tall, upright front seating position gives the driver a commanding view of the road. And, like many SUVs, the Matrix offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Matrix is available in Standard, XR, and XRS trim levels; all come with standard air conditioning, a CD player, and power mirrors. The XR adds power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a rear wiper; many of these features are optional on the Standard model. Safety-related options include Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control system (automatic transmission only), side air bags, and anti-lock brakes. Power for the Standard and XR models comes from a 126-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. Front-wheel-drive models are available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models are exclusively equipped with automatics.
The XRS is the hot rod of the Matrix lineup. It has a 164-hp version of the 1.8L engine with a higher redline (7,800 RPM versus 6,000 for Standard and XR) and a variable valve-timing system tuned for high RPM power. A 6-speed manual is the sole transmission choice, and the XRS is available only with front-wheel drive. The XRS features the same standard equipment as the XR and adds four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, and special body trim bits to complete the go-faster look.
The Competition
The Toyota Matrix competes in the Compact Conventional segment against 17 other models from 14 different manufacturers. Entries in this segment continue to offer an ever-increasing package of safety, value, and comfort/convenience features while still delivering excellent fuel economy.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM calendar year 2005 sales leaders in this segment were the Honda Civic (308,415 units sold), the Matrix’s platform mate Toyota Corolla (244,032), followed by the Chevrolet Cobalt (212,667). The Matrix finished 2005 just out of the top 10, selling 90,258 units during the calendar year to rank 11th in the segment. Other top sellers in the segment include the Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Jetta, Saturn ION, and Mazda3.
