Toyota Matrix Model Overview

The Matrix is Toyota's foray into the nascent "CUV" segment: Car Utility Vehicles. As the name suggests, the Matrix is a mixture of coupe, hatchback, and SUV elements.

The Matrix was introduced in 2003, and took the place of the Corolla wagon, which was retired in 1997. It provides increased storage space and length when compared to a coupe or hatchback, but doesn't ride as high as an SUV, so it's not as prone to rollovers. As expected, fuel economy is somewhere in the middle between the great results of the compact coupes and the relatively worse fuel economy usage of many SUVs.

The Matrix is actually a collaboration between Toyota and General Motors. The GM version is the Pontiac Vibe, which looks quite different from the Matrix, but the two cars are very similar mechanically.

The Matrix is marketed to a younger consumer. So far, sales have been strong and the Matrix is frequently seen on the road.