Review Car

2011 Toyota Matrix

The 2011 Toyota Matrix feels just like any other small sporty car. That’s not surprising as it uses many components straight from the sporty Toyota Celica. Judicious use of the gears allows one to have fun, however. There’s plenty of pep when driving around town, even with the automatic transmission. The engine is buzzy, which will appeal to younger buyers but might become a little annoying to older people. Equipped with the five-speed manual, the Matrix gets an EPA-estimated 29/35 mpg City/Highway. Steering is precise and even if the center of gravity is relatively high there is little body roll. Four-wheel-drive models are not as sporty as the two-wheel-drive models. As noted, four-wheel drive is only available with an automatic transmission and the 123-hp engine. With more weight (185 pounds more) and slightly less power than the front-drive models plus the friction from the all-wheel-drive system, the 4WD models do not accelerate as quickly as 2WD models. It’s still peppy, however, and the all-wheel provides superior traction on snow, ice, and slippery pavement. 2011 Toyota Matrix XR 4WD automatic gets 26/31 mpg.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix boasts a powerful 235-horsepower V-8 engine that provides 320 pounds-per-foot of torque, allowing you to tow up to 6,500 pounds with the new five-speed automatic transmission. At the touch of a button, the car’s locking center differential ensures that the front and rear axles are working in unison. The car offers a double-wishbone independent front suspension with torsion bar springs that provides superb offroad drivability. Throw in Vehicle Skid Control, four-wheel TRAC Traction Control, and 9.8 inches of ground clearance, and you’ll get your Land Cruiser up and over virtually any obstacle. The new available 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels punctuate a muscular simplicity. A refreshed front fascia and tail lamps of 2011 Toyota Matrix enhance its classic, functional lines. Inside, the car offers more of the same. New steering wheel audio controls are encircled by perforated leather trim. A new available rear-seat DVD entertainment system provides passengers with wireless headphones – on a reclining second-row seat. There are even classic Land Cruiser Prado FJ40 amenities, such as heated power seats up front, up to 90.8 cubic feet of cargo space in back, leather-trimmed seating for eight with nine cup holders, and a host of 2011 Toyota Matrix accessories available on order from dealers or from retailers. We encourage you to test drive one today! Shifting the manual transmission is easy. Although it might seem that the upright seating position and the high mounted gearshift would take some getting used to, it did not. Shifts are smooth and the standard engine revs nicely.