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2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix 4-Door XRS 2WD CUV
2003 Pontiac Vibe 4-Door, FWD

Susan Frissell
Women With Wheels

2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix

Toyota Motor Sales and General Motors Pontiac have come up with another idea: Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe; two classy little cross-over vehicles aimed at the "active lifestyle," young set. Alike, yet different, the Matrix and Vibe are fun, practical rides. A team approach by GM and Toyota, the Matrix/Vibe combo resembles the Geo Prizm/Toyota Corolla twins of years past. This was a good combination, both vehicles selling well and holding up well.

We first tested the Toyota Matrix 4Door XRS model in "Radiant Red," complete with lots of goodies, including a 6-speed manual transmission teamed up with Toyota’s 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. It’s peppy, yet somewhat noisy, but then, isn’t that what this set of drivers wants and likes?

Our Matrix XRS carried a total vehicle price of $19.781 (destination $485); MSRP $18,750, with four options (all-weather guard package/cold area package and intermittent rear window wiper, $70; driver and passenger airbags, $250; 17" aluminum wheels and P215/50R17 tires, spare and alloy wheel ornament, $150 and carpet floor mats, $76). The XRS is equipped with the same 180-horsepower engine and automatic/manual transmission found in the Celica GT-S and is available only with front-wheel-drive. The XRS has a sport-tuned suspension and standard 17-inch wheels and tires.

The all-new 2003 Toyota Matrix is available in three trim levels (Standard, XR and XRS). The XRS is the "high-performance" model, featuring the 6-speed manual transmission. The Matrix is a ULEV (ultra low emission vehicle), featuring Toyota’s variable-valve technology. Both models are available with front-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive systems, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions.

Toyota’s aim in designing the Matrix was to create a SUV-like vehicle with four-doors and a hatch. Coming out of the CALTY Design Studio, Matrix was "Street Performance Utility," leaning toward sporty, and yet, utilitarian. Toyota calls Matrix’s design "edge-web," integrating sharp surface edges and rounded web-like contours, according to Toyota.

The Matrix is a comfortable, practical vehicle. Seating is accommodating to most shapes and sizes and the IP is attractive and sporty. However, we noticed when driving into the sunshine, it was difficult to read the IP. We like the look and shape of it (pod-like), but it isn’t easy to read. Matrix features a cargo-floor styling track system, making it a very versatile storage area. Load up your cross-country bike on the track and slide it out when you’re ready to ride; easy loading and carrying for all drivers. The ribs are made of plastic; how durable remains to be seen with wear and tear.

Standard equipment on the Matrix XRS includes power steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, rear center shoulder belt, A/C, rear window defogger, two 12-volt power outlets, rear cargo track system with tie downs, split folding rear seat, red optitron meters/tachometer/odometer/speedo, 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows/door locks/tilt wheel, keyless entry/cruise, deluxe AM/FM/CD with four speakers, among other things. This is about as plushy as you’ll get in a subcompact/mid-size car, which feels bigger than it is.

While Matrix has the feel of a small wagon, Toyota does not believe this will knock it out of the running for the "younger set." Rather, because of its car-like ride, SUV roominess and practicality, Matrix will appeal to other age groups, as well. This newly created category Cross-over utility vehicle (CUV), with, as Toyota calls it, "Street Performance Utility," is an attractive package, we think, and an overall desirable quality for those who have pocket change for only one vehicle in the stable.

Seating for five is no problem inside Matrix, and front and rear seats fold flat, providing 53 cubic-feet of space. Ease of operation is appreciated, as this isn’t always the case with folding rear seats we’ve encountered of late. And the sliding track is a feature that ranks right up there with the big boys (BMW) in up-to-date technology.

Pricing for Matrix runs from $14,670 for the FWD Standard model with 5-speed manual transmission, to $19,330 for the FWD XRS version with automatic transmission. Competitively priced, with a lot to offer for the money. And Toyota even throws in a full tank of gasoline.

Pontiac Vibe

2003 Pontiac Vibe

Our test 2003 Pontiac Vibe was also Red and a Base model. Equipped with the same 1.8-liter, 130 horse engine, features included A/C, a five-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive, 60/40 split rear seat, a handy dash-mounted 115-volt power outlet, power steering, window defoggers, rear wiper/washer/defogger, power windows, door locks and keyless entry. daytime running lights, underbody spoilers, and a distinctive split-nose grille and round fog lamps (which sets it apart from Matrix). We liked the styling of the Vibe a little better; a tad sportier and with more cladding and gingerbread.

Vibe’s interior is a sporty tone-on-tone cloth, high back bucket seats, center console, similar recessed gauges to Matrix, and chrome trim. Around the control panel is an alloy to enhance its look; matched up to the shifter and door-mounted switchgear. This is a fun car and its looks are very appealing. It seemed less "boxy" than Matrix, although they share the same platform. Perceptions are everything.

Ride is comparable in Vibe/Matrix vehicles, although Matrix may win out by just a tad for quietness. It’s hard to beat Toyota’s smooth, quiet ride, after all. Vibe is somewhat sportier, but than that was intended as Pontiac is the brand "that builds excitement," after all. We leaned a little more toward the Vibe, on looks alone. Knowing it shares most of its goodies with Toyota is a saver when making that decision to buy domestic vs. import.

In Consumer Reports’ test of the Matrix and Vibe, both came out with high marks. Built on the same platform, these small, versatile hatchbacks received "very good" overall ratings. Grouped together for testing, the Matrix and Vibe shared ratings with VW Jetta, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Ford Focus ZX5 and Mazda Protege5.

Noted in Consumer Reports’ test, Matrix and Vibe offer a lot of interior room and virtues of an SUV. Both vehicles are easy to get in and out of, a driving position to fit all heights and weights, plenty of head and legroom, and of course, the optional all-wheel-drive. CR tested the Matrix XR with AWD ($20,232) and the Vibe FWD ($19,200), giving AWD higher marks (icy, wet pavement).

Copyright 2002. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.