The 2003 Toyota Matrix is part of a new breed of car, dubbed
the crossover utility vehicle, designed for the young adventurers
out there who want a distinct set of characteristics, ones
that include power, space, fuel economy, luxury, versatility
and, preferably, all-wheel-drive (AWD). The Matrix is all
those plus it is a Toyota and as such is required to live
up to their standards of quality and reliability. In reality
this is a sporty hatchback/SUV crossover with the economies
of the former but some of the most valued characteristics
of the latter.
This means that that 2003 Toyota Matrix and cars like it
get the best of both worlds from sporty agility on one side
to cargo carrying versatility and adverse terrain capability
on the other. With the range of version\s and options available,
the Matrix is more of a chameleon than ever.
Available Models
The 2003 Toyota Matrix has three models comes in three models,
Standard, XR and XRS. The first is a basic model that nevertheless
has good standards. The second ups the ante with more features
and then, at the top-level, the high-powered XRS. Custom-like
exterior detailing gives the XRS a street ready look that
goes with its street-ready engine.
Interior Features
Inside any Matrix grade, an array of functional, utility-oriented
characteristics and features are offered. On top of ample
room for five passengers, high seating points provide easy
access and great visibility. Driver's seat height adjustment
is in place on the XR and XRS models but this is a small
part of the seating story. 15.1 cu. ft. of cargo room in
the back expands to 53.2 cu. ft. with the 60/40 split-folding
rear seats folded down.
In addition the durable and washable load floor is perfectly
flat and accompanied by tie down hooks and two cargo nets.
Accessories like a roof rack, rear bumper step cover, cargo
mat or pet screen are available. In addition, the front
passenger seatback folds down and flat enabling it to serve
as a table or to accommodate particularly long objects.
This is a next generation vehicle with a new perspective
on interior design priorities.
The key fact to note, though, is that the 2003 Toyota Matrix
also has many of the luxuries that we expect from today's
cars. For example, the generous standard equipment includes
air conditioning with an air filter, an AM/FM/CD sound system
with four speakers, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel,
intermittent wipers, a tachometer and a digital clock. Going
up a level to the XR grade adds power windows and door locks,
a sport steering wheel, keyless entry, variable intermittent
wipers and a rear wiper.
Exterior Features
The new requirements of the CUV make for a tall and distinctive
vehicle with odd lines. However, the designers talk about
"street performance utility" and "edge-web"
detailing. This focus looks for strong character from sharply
creased surfaces blended with rounded web-like contours.
Fog lights, optional front and rear under body spoilers,
alloy wheels and a power sunroof add-on all contribute to
the potential for sharp exterior styling.
Performance
The 2003 Toyota Matrix has a couple of different engine
offerings that will enable the buyer to choose a strength
that is important to them. Standard and XR Matrix models
come with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission
coupled with a 1.8-liter 4-cyl with 130 hp at 6000 rpm and
125 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. AWD versions have only
the automatic transmission and the power is slightly reduced
with123 hp.
The XRS is a different story. It has 180 hp at 7600 rpm
and a 6-speed manual is offered as well as the 4-speed automatic
transmission. The XRS has 180 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque
at 6800 rpm.
Safety and Security
Safety is an important factor in a vehicle designed for
adventurous risk-takers and the capabilities have been tailored
to the power offered. ABS brakes are optional on the Standard
model, standard on the XR and XRS models, and the latter
with 4-wheel disk brakes.
Dual front airbags and daytime running lights are standard
and front side airbags are optional add-ons to all Matrix
grades.
2003 Toyota Matrix Highlights
Customers
can choose from three model grades - standard, XR
with enhanced content and the unique XRS that injects
a big dose of high performance with its 180-horsepower
engine. A front spoiler with integrated fog lamps,
rear underbody spoiler, side rocker panels, and 16-inch
aluminum alloy wheels give the XRS an even bolder
street performance look to go with its high-power
muscle.
The
Matrix provides ample room for five passengers, and
its high seating points provide easy ingress/egress
and a command view of the road. The XR and XRS add
a driver's seat height adjustment. The rear seat offers
36.3 inches of legroom, on par with many midsize cars.
The
engine produces at least 90-percent of its peak torque
from just 2,000 rpm to the 6,000 rpm redline, giving
the Matrix especially good low- and mid-range response.
(Horsepower and torque slightly lower for the all-wheel
drive models).
The
Matrix XRS provides a high-performance driving experience
simply not available in any small SUV. Its 1.8-liter,
four-cylinder DOHC engine comes from the Celica GT-S,
along with that model's six-speed manual transmission.
The engine produces 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and
130 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,800 rpm
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Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Toyota Matrix.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
5
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MSRP
from |
$15,155
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Engine |
1.8L 4-Cylinder
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Horsepower |
130 @ 6,000
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180 @ 7,600
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Transmission |
4-speed auto
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5-speed manual
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6-speed manual
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
2WD Auto. 28/33
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