At the local auto show that I was just involved in they had a new Toyota Matrix. It was pretty cool, a small 5 door, a competitor to the Mazda Protege5. 180 hp, 6-speed...:D

I guess it could be a competitor to the Protege 5. I always thought it more a competitor to the PT Cruiser. The Protege 5 is more of a station wagon where the PT Crusier, Toyota Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe seem to be more of a "small minivan" or "tall wagon," like the Renault Megane Scenic.

The Matrix is smaller than it looks though. It looks really tall because of how high the window line comes in the back, but found the car to actually be quite short...

http://www.caranddriver.com/image_cache/DATA/Caranddriver/images/2001/october/0110_toyotamatrix.jpg

I think that's actually the exact one the was there....

I would LOVE to get my hands on one.:)

The car is a joint project with Pontiac's Vibe.

That car is going to be the next big thing i think.

It's about 20 grand for the fully loaded version Sporting the Celica's 1.8L engine.

Originally posted by Raveen69
The car is a joint project with Pontiac's Vibe.

What is the relationship between Pontiac and Toyota anyway???!!!

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2003/pontiac.vibe/03.pontiac.vibe.f34-2.500.jpg

Toyota still looks better..

The Matrix is better looking. What is Pontiac trying to accomplish with all that nasty plastic trim?

Its built on the Toyota Corolla platform with a Celica GT-S motor pushing 180HP. They also have the option of AWD on the Vibe GT model.

Originally posted by Civic_Addict
The Matrix is better looking. What is Pontiac trying to accomplish with all that nasty plastic trim?

I agree.. The plastic trim is TACKY!!

No longer just a concept, the Matrix, or more formally, the Corolla Matrix, needs its own forum.

This is one of the many PHATTEST cars that Toyota has made.
I CANNOT wait for it to come out, according to the Commercial i saw today, it is to be released 2.9.02. Yesterday, the 2nd of Febuary they started advertising it.

Earlier this week, i went to Maroone Toyota and i talked to a Sales Rep, and he said that he was tradin in his BMW 325i for the Matrix, what does that tell you.

I also was the 2003 Corolla, i was actually shocked to see how GOOD it lQQked!.

Originally posted by Raveen69
This is one of the many PHATTEST cars that Toyota has made.
I CANNOT wait for it to come out, according to the Commercial i saw today, it is to be released 2.9.02. Yesterday, the 2nd of Febuary they started advertising it.

Hopefully you're kidding. Did you forget about the Supra?

Originally posted by Civic_Addict


Hopefully you're kidding. Did you forget about the Supra?

Obviosuly you cant read when i wrote "ONE OF THE MANY..."

Many would include the Celica, Supra, MR-2, Highlander, Seqouia, Camry, Avalon......Should i keep going?

LOL! Gotya there.

Don't forget the big T's new Panasonic F1 joy.

Originally posted by Raveen69


Obviosuly you cant read when i wrote "ONE OF THE MANY..."

Many would include the Celica, Supra, MR-2, Highlander, Seqouia, Camry, Avalon......Should i keep going?

...and list the entire Toyota lineup? No, go ahead & stop.

Japan is getting it's own version of the Matrix, and guess what? It's basically the Vibe! It has been dubbed the Voltz, and will essentially be a RHD Vibe, with nameplate changes. I don't know if the Matrix sheetmetal will also make it to Japan as a second car, but if the Voltz will be anything like the "Toyota Cavalier" from the past, we can expect a whole lot of uninterested people. Toyota officials have mentioned that they want the Fremont, CA based NUMMI to make these GM-to-Japan vehicles once in a while, simply to maintain good relations within the alliance. I just wish NUMMI would really create the Toyota RSC/Pontiac R.E.V. concept twins, or something like it. Below is the Voltz:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/126020voltzfront.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/647942voltzint.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/902417voltzrear.jpg