The 2006 drop in power was due to new testing standards, and not a change in the engine's actual performance. Two 1.8 L engines were offered in the Matrix: the 1ZZ-FE used in the Corolla, which originally made 130 horsepower (97 kW) in 2003 through 2005 models, but was reduced to 126 horsepower (94 kW) in 2006, and the performance-oriented 2ZZ-GE taken from the Toyota Celica GT-S, which produced 164 horsepower (122 kW) (previously 180 horsepower (130 kW) in 2003, 173 hp (129 kW) in 2004, and 170 horsepower (130 kW) in 2005). Also, the center instrument panel was slightly redesigned and featured a Toyota head unit in place of the previous GM-sourced radio.
Relatively unchanged in 2004, a facelift for 2005 brought minor revisions to the exterior - mainly revised styling to the front fascia due to complaints of rubbing the ground on the previous incarnation and replacing the red lenses on the taillamps with clear ones. The Matrix was first introduced in the 2003 model year and based on the Toyota Corolla platform.
This type of car is also commonly referred to as a sport wagon.įirst sold in February 2002, the Matrix saw a minor facelift for the 2005 model year, and was redesigned completely in 2007, following the new tenth generation Corolla.įirst generation (2003–2008) First generation Both vehicles are narrow, yet tall station wagons styled in a quasi-SUV fashion (called a crossover utility vehicle or "CUV" by Toyota) and marketed to a fairly youthful market segment. Identical mechanically, and nearly as much internally, the Matrix and Vibe are clothed in different sheetmetal designed by their respective brands. Although the Voltz was sold under the Toyota brand there, the vehicle had the same exterior as the Vibe. Almost 2000 cars were produced before production ceased. A third version, also assembled at NUMMI, was sold in Japan from 2002 to early 2004 as the Toyota Voltz. The Matrix is the Toyota version of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors the GM version being the Pontiac Vibe, which is assembled by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. It's considered to be the sporty hatchback/wagon counterpart of the North American Corolla. The Toyota Matrix, occasionally referred to as the Toyota Corolla Matrix, is a compact hatchback manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, to be sold in both the United States and Canada. After about three months of doing the Ask Bark column, I’ve decided to buy two rubber stamps-one that says “Pontiac Vibe” and another that says “Scion tC.Front engine, front wheel drive / all wheel drive The stamp would have been a YUUUUGE time saver. Am I asking too much of a used vehicle? My 2001 civic made it through 235k miles, and while I prefer to stick to the Honda or Toyota family, am I missing out on a reliable American vehicle?īack when I used to judge high school solo and ensemble music competitions for money in college, I seriously considered buying a rubber stamp that said “More dynamics.” I mean, every single kid needed to use more dynamic contrast (loud and soft playing), so I literally wrote “More dynamics” on every single judge’s sheet. By that measure, I love to drive and need a car that can take me all along the West coast as well as the weekly commute and won’t break the bank when it comes to repairs. Is it worth spending $6k on a car that has ~100k miles? I live in Silicon Valley and most the Scions I’ve seen for sale are in Sacramento or LA I wouldn’t mind traveling a bit for the right car. I really like the Scion tC models from ’06-’08 (I’m a fan of its smooth curves). I have a budget of $6k and would like to buy a used car (automatic transmission). Thank you for taking the time to read and answer this email, it’s greatly appreciated.