Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Matrix

When the Toyota Matrix came out in 2003, it was the first vehicle of its kind to combine a distinctly unique look with functionality. The Matrix falls somewhere between a compact car, sport wagon, and a crossover utility. If you look around now, the Matrix was definitely quite the trendsetter. Many similar vehicles have followed suit, but the Matrix still leads the pack in offering performance, affordability, versatility, and efficiency. And to add a little more to the Matrix's credit, it's dubbed as one of our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency.

The current 2009 Matrix comes as a second generation redesign. Cynthia Rawlings, a sales consultant at Checkered Flag Toyota (pictured here), says the Matrix is a very reliable vehicle that's based on the Corolla sedan, but comes as a sportier hatchback. Three trim levels are available for the Matrix: base (starting at $16,190), S, and XRS. The base Matrix is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that has 132 horsepower. The S and top level XRS both come with 2.4-liter engines and 158 horsepower. Transmissions offered are 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, and 5-speed manual gearbox.

Matrix engines also feature Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that help with performance and fuel efficiency. The base model gets 32 highway miles and 26 city. Both the S and XRS are rated at 28 highway, 21 city. With a 14 gallon tank you'll get around 450 highway miles.

Inside, the Matrix is friendly to both passengers and cargo. It comfortably seats five people and has enough space to carry items up to 8 feet long. Cynthia demonstrated the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, and it looks like you could easily fit a surfboard. I pulled an image from the Toyota website that shows how much you can really pack into it. Pretty impressive and useful. Every Matrix features colorful LED Optitron gauges that house an easy to read speedometer, fuel and engine temperature indicators. It's also equipped with an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary audio jack for your portable music player.

Safety wise, the Matrix comes standard with: front driver and passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags; 4-wheel ABS; Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System; active headrests, and much more. Visit here for the full list.

In addition to those standard features, an array of optional features are offered. Cynthia highlighted a few of the most popular options including: 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels; power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (only available on S and XRS models); and the JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer; and DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic capability.

The Matrix is a multipurpose and practical vehicle with a lot of style. It's loaded with space, which makes it a perfect errand runner. Visit Cynthia and the Checkered Flag Toyota sales team for more information or call (757) 490-1111.