The 2011 Toyota Matrix saves fuel and is a useful vehicle for commuting. It beats its contemporaries in terms of performance as claimed by reviewers. Compared to its predecessor, the 2011 Toyota Matrix has undergone minor alterations. It has a new engine and new wheels. It has also the standard Smart Stop Technology which decreases the power of its engine when the driver steps on both the gas and brake pedals at the same time. The base model of the Matrix has a 1.8-liter engine while the S or sporty model has a 2.4-liter engine.
Comparisons
The 2011 Toyota Matrix is actually more expensive than the other compact wagons. You might consider buying other SUVs that are better in performance and looks. The S model performs better than the base model as reviewers claim. Considering that the S model is the sporty edition of the Toyota Matrix, it is not that sporty. It also consumes plenty of gas unlike the base model that saves gas. The base model also is ideal for the regular commuter but not for off-road drivers. You can upgrade the base model to an S model if you want.
One good thing about the Matrix as compared to other wagons and hatchbacks is that it has an optional all-wheel drive which its competitors do not have. As for its engine, it is ideal for commuting every day. In steering and turning it, you can control it properly and you can stop it immediately if you push on the brakes.
S Model
The exterior is attractive based on reviews. The 2011 Toyota Matrix S model include a wheel 17 inches in size, an S Badge, underbody spoilers at the front and at the rear end, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. It does not really have quality interior and it has limited cargo space as compared to its competitors. You get all this for an expensive price tag which is not really a good and equivalent equation.
Tall persons will not be able to sit comfortably in the front seat. The back seat can comfortably accommodate three children and two grownups. The driver however can drive comfortably because of its standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The Matrix also has a power outlet of 12 volts, remote keyless entry, power windows and doors, Bluetooth capability and an auxiliary audio jack. In terms of cargo space, the Matrix has a lot. When the back seats are used, it has 19.8 cubic feet, but when the back seats are folded, it has 49.9 cubic feet.
Safety First
Both the federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have yet to perform safety crash tests on the 2011 Toyota Matrix. In crash tests, the driver and the passengers’ safety were very good. Its roof has not yet been tested. It has airbags at the front and side curtain airbags at the back.
It has both the Vehicle Stability Control, a computerized technology that detects and lessens skids, and a Traction Control to prevent loss of traction and to ensure safety. It also has an Anti-Lock Brake System which allows the wheels to continue interacting with the road while braking. It has an Electronic Brake-force Distribution which applies pressure on the wheels to stop the power of the vehicle while continuing control. It has a brake assist to maximize braking pressure in emergency circumstances.
In terms of reliability, the 2011 Toyota Matrix has a 36-months or /36,000-mile warranty and a 60-months or 60,000-mile Powertrain warranty.
The Matrix is ideal for a small family for commuting to the office, school, and other domestic related chores. Although there are better options than this vehicle that are less expensive, it is fuel-efficient and excellent for middle-income families.
The SuperCars Overall Rating = 67/100
What others say:
“Practical and economical, the Toyota Matrix has easy cabin access, a roomy rear seat, and good cargo versatility.”Consumer Reports
“Though overshadowed by more distinctively styled competitors, the 2011 Toyota Matrix continues to provide plenty of practicality and comfort.”Edmunds
“The 2011 Toyota Matrix lineup shrinks with the loss of its sporty variant. This is essentially a tall-body wagon version of the Toyota Corolla compact sedan.”Consumer Guide
“Changes to the 2011 Toyota Matrix include new wheel designs, a revised interior, the addition of Toyota’s Smart Stop technology, and a significant increase in equipment on the base model. The XRS trim has been dropped.”KBB
“It doesn’t have much élan off the line, nor is it in any way posh, but the 2011 Matrix wagon does tote more cargo than its Corolla sedan cousins.”Car Gurus
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Compact Wagon | Base Price: $ 18,845.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 26 city / 32 hwy |
| Length: 171.9 in (437cm) | Width: 69.5 in (177cm) |
| Height: 61.0 in (155cm) | Curb Weight: 2865 lbs (1299kgs) |
| Wheel Base: 102.4 in (260 kgs) | Ground Clearance: 5.8 in (15 cm) unladen |
| Luggage Capacity: Rear set down – 61.5 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 |
| Engine: 1.8-liter DOHC 16 valve VVT-i 4 cylinder | Displacement: N/A |
| Horsepower: 132 hp | Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 4400 |
| Max RPM: 6000 | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: N/A | Top Speed: N/A |
| Option:Matrix S | MSRP: $19,800; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:Matrix S All Wheel Drive | MSRP: $20,910; MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:Matrix XRS | MSRP: $22,110; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy |
