2006 Toyota Matrix: Value Meets Fun

Toyota has a wide array of cars for all personalities. They offer the safe and ever reliable Camry and Corolla. Their 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and RAV4 are aimed for the sports enthusiast who like to go off the pavement and the soccer mom hauling kids and equipment. The Avalon is geared for those who want power and beauty and can afford to shell out a few more dollars. Toyota was missing one thing, though. They needed a car that would appeal to the teenage market. The Corolla was safe and affordable but its look didn't turn heads, and teenagers want a sleek car that looks good on the road. In response to this demand Toyota created the Matrix. Unveiled in 2003 the Matrix was based off the Corolla with its safety and dependability, but the Matrix's sporty look appealed to the tastes of the younger generation.

Toyota successfully created a car that teenagers would want to drive and parents would want their teenagers to drive. The original frame for the Corolla was used with a few tweaks. The Matrix sits higher above the ground (about 3 inches higher) and is about 8 inches shorter. The roof is sloped giving it a wedge like look. It has four doors and the back opens like a hatch giving it a wagon appearance, but this does not underscore its sporty feel. This also gives the Matrix more room for sports equipment, books, musical instruments, and any other accessories teenagers carry around these days.

Buyers have lots of options with this new car, so you can make it as individual and personal as you would like which is a major selling point for the younger buyer. The Matrix comes with a standard 1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. You can choose either a four wheels or front wheel drive, and it comes with 126hp and five speed manual transmission. You can also get a supped up engine with 164hp and a six speed manual transmission. The four wheel drive comes with anti-lock brakes and is also optional for the two wheel drive.

The Matrix gets great gas mileage with 30 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. This is perfect for teenagers on a budget who can't spend a lot of money on gas. The 13 gallon fuel tank can average 400 miles before hitting the gas tanks again. This is one of the highest mpg ratings without going for a hybrid. Because of all these features and its style the Matrix has become very popular among the younger crowd. There has even been a boom in the accessories market for window covers, hood covers, flood lights etc.

The Matrix starts at $15,110 for US and $17,200 for Canada. Even with all the options the Matrix is an affordable $20,000. The Matrix has made its way into the hearts and minds of the young and it doesn't look like trends will be slowing down any time soon