Despite Toyota's recent, well-publicized problems the company continues to crank out decent cars. Take this 2010 Toyota Matrix S for example, it's functional, gets decent fuel economy and is a great value. In base trim you'll get a five speed manual transmission and a 1.8 liter engine. The mid-trim S model is about $22,000, that price includes the more powerful 2.4 liter engine (158 hp), a five speed shiftable automatic transmission, fog lights, alloy wheels, rear cargo mat, power windows, remote keyless entry and a single CD player audio system with a satellite ready radio. Cruise control is not on the list and it's the one you'll miss most if you ever do any kind of road trip. All-wheel drive is offered but depending on where you live, may not be a must have on a car that's main selling point is low price and decent mpg.
On the road, the Matrix's ride can be a little busy like any small car but for the most part it remains composed and pleasant. On a two hour car ride consisting mostly of freeways and small back roads the one constant was road noise. It's not unbearable but the Kia Forte is quieter on the open road at highway speeds. The Matrix is basically a Corolla wagon and the extra cargo space the wagon configuration allows is noticable. Weekend luggage for two adults and two small kids fit with no problem. Rear seat room is adequate for a compact - when a friend's kid wanted to ride with our family, sitting three across in the rear seat was no problem in terms of width or legroom but in this case the oldest kid was eight.
The bottom line is this - the 2010 Toyota Matrix is a decent car. It does what it should and no more. It isn't a sports hatch like the Mazda3 but it isn't a penalty box either. Nicely equipped, attractive and spacious enough, the 2010 Toyota Matrix S is everything you'd expect from a value priced Toyota and ultimately that's a good thing, just don't expect too much.
For Car Concerns Radio - Brian Moody
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