2003 Toyota Matrix: Road Test
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2003 Toyota Matrix ▼
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- MSRP: $14,670 -$19,330
- Invoice: $13,568 -$17,492
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Matrix includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Matrix from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Matrix, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Matrix help you decide if a 2003 Toyota Matrix is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Front-drive 130-hp models have acceptable acceleration with automatic transmission and decent go with manual. AWD Standard and XR are 260 lb heavier and do 0-60 mph in about 11.5 sec, which isn't so acceptable. Test 180-hp XRS did 0-60 in 8.4 sec, but doesn't feel much faster in most driving than the 130-hp models, though it's livelier above 5000 rpm.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
Test XR model with AWD and automatic transmission averaged 25.4 mpg. The 130-hp 2WD combination in a similar test Vibe averaged 26.6 mpg. And with 180-hp engine and manual transmission, test Vibe GT averaged 24.8 mpg. Toyota recommends premium fuel for XRS, as does Pontiac for Vibe GT.
RIDE QUALITY
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
Varies some with equipment. Standard and XR are firm yet compliant enough. XRS with 17-inch tires is noticeably harsher.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.3 |
These tall wagons are more prone to crosswind wander at highway speeds than lower-built small cars, but they handle with grippy assurance and little lean, aided by crisp, direct steering. Optional 17-inch tires make cornering a breeze. Only models with ABS made available for testing so far; they have good stopping performance.
QUIETNESS
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.7 |
Disappointing in any Matrix (or Vibe). Engines noisy and boomy in brisk acceleration, and not that relaxed in typical highway cruising. Fair wind rush and coarse-surface tire thrum, too.
CONTROLS
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Gauges a bit small and set in tunnels, so not that easy to see in some daytime conditions, and their bright trim rings reflect in windshield. Ergonomics simple and logical, but optional navigation system absorbs most audio functions, has undersized buttons and finicky "joystick" control, and is tough to figure out. Cabin finish and materials sturdy and in line with prices, but not Volkswagen-grade.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Excellent driving position only slightly elevated but more upright than in typical subcompact car. Fine head room even with optional moonroof. Adults long of leg may wish for more stretch-out space. Good comfort on long trips, but seats lack adequate lateral support for spirited driving. Mostly good visibility to all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 3.7 |
Enough head and leg room for two large adults, but knee clearance gets tight with front seatbacks reclined and the rear bench isn't particularly comfortable. Tall, wide doors eliminate most stooping on entry/exit, but they could open wider, and floor-level passageways are fairly narrow.
CARGO ROOM
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 3.8 |
Front passenger seat folds flat for added versatility, as does split rear seat. Fine overall cargo space for the exterior size. Bountiful small-item storage, including large glovebox and underfloor spaces around the spare tire.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 5.4 |
Like its Pontiac cousin, Matrix is an interesting alternative to conventional small wagons and compact SUVs. High utility, good road manners, available AWD, and Toyota-grade reliability are quite appealing. Tempering our enthusiasm are the needlessly noisy engines and the XRS model's harsher, high-strung nature. Note, however, that the Toyota's base prices are lower than those of comparable Vibes: The Matrix XR AWD starts about $1100 lower than the like-equipped Vibe, and the Matrix XRS starts about $600 under the Vibe GT.
Total Score
| Standard, man. | XR AWD, auto. | XRS w/17-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 57 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 58
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