2003 toyota Matrix

2003 toyota matrix: Toyota started shipping its new youth-focused Matrix to car dealerships in February 2002 as an early 2003 model. Described as a crossover energy automobile, the Japanese car manufacturer states the Matrix integrates the capability of a sport utility vehicle with the photo and performance of a sports car, yet it's as affordable as a subcompact sedan. "Young customers desire cars that are high in photo as well as high in useful utility," says Don Esmond, general manager of Toyota Division.

As a result of its functional wagonlike arrangement, cars.com positions the Matrix hatchback-- as well as the carefully relevant Pontiac Vibe-- in the wagon classification. Styled by Toyota's CALTY Style Workshop in Newport Beach, Calif., the four-door Matrix follows the company's street-performance energy style.

High headroom and versatile seatsing placements are amongst the Matrix's unique features. Three trim levels are offered: criterion, the step-up XR and the high-performance XRS. The standard as well as XR versions may be outfitted with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4x4 (4WD). The XRS sport model comes only with FWD as well as loads an extra 50 horse power and a six-speed-manual gearbox-- a powertrain borrowed from Toyota's Celica GT-S sport coupe. The Matrix is created in Ontario, Canada.

2003 toyota matrix

Exterior

The Matrix's basic look most resembles a small wagon-- a body style that seems making a modest comeback. Although the system is new, it resembles the one used by Toyota's preferred subcompact Corolla car. Tips of the sporty Lexus IS 300 are evident in the Matrix's front end. Toyota states the "edge-web" body panels have sharp surface edges, however they show rounded weblike shapes intended to yield strong, streaming character lines.

Common tires gauge 16 inches in diameter, and also the XR and XRS can have optional 17-inchers. Alloy wheels are optional on the requirement and also XR designs, and they are common on the XRS, which additionally showcases fog lights, a front spoiler and a back underbody looter.

Inside

The Matrix seats 5 passengers, as well as the rear seats fold up right down to create a level flooring. A gliding track in the cargo floor can be adjusted to hold numerous lifestyle accessories. The chauffeur encounters deep-set Optitron evaluates, as well as a navigating system is optional.

Basic equipment includes air conditioning with an air filter, power mirrors, intermittent wipers and also a freight cover. The XR includes power doors and windows locks, keyless entry, a sport guiding wheel and also a vertical seat-height insurer. A four-speaker CD stereo is typical, yet the XRS obtains a six-speaker cassette and CD system. Optimum freight quantity with the seats folded down is 53.2 cubic feet.

Under the Hood

The criterion as well as XR versions get a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 130 hp; models furnished with 4WD produce 123 hp. Dealing with variable shutoff technology (VVT-i), the engine satisfies Ultra Low Emissions Car (ULEV) requirements. Either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission can be set up.

Offered only with FWD, the XRS brings a 180-hp variation of the 1.8-liter engine and also a close-ratio six-speed-manual transmission. Toyota's 4WD system has no center differential yet makes use of a viscous combining. If any type of wheel slides, as high as 50 percent of torque goes to the rear wheels.

Security

Anti-skid brakes are basic in the XRS as well as optional in the standard and also XR models. Side-impact airbags are supplied as an option.

Driving Perceptions

The Matrix is well constructed, nicely created as well as fashionable, yet early drives generated a slightly unpleasant surprise for a Toyota item: sound. It is quiet sufficient while cruising, but the 130-hp engine yielded significantly a lot more audio than a Corolla throughout velocity, releasing a growly and also almost whiny noise. Roadway noise is additionally recognizable. The base engine in models geared up with the transmission isn't really loaded with oomph. Equipment changes are recognizable yet not aggravating.

Stability readies, and it's very easy to maintain the Matrix on program. Steering with even more precision as well as less wheel vibration compared to the Corolla, it still drops a little bit short of stimulating, though the XRS is extra refined.

Even with a sunroof, front clearance is great. Backseat room beats the Corolla's, and also there's a lot even more headroom compared to the reduced roofline suggests. Due to the fact that the navigating system lacks a touchscreen, it's not as easy to use as some systems on the marketplace.

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