Surrounded by rumors of its imminent demise, the Toyota Matrix rolls into the 2008 model year as a value-priced five-door vehicle with characteristics of a small SUV. Built on the same platform as the Corolla and offering plenty of cargo space and a wide variety of seat configurations, the Matrix fits in well as a small family vehicle, a weekend workhorse, or economical around-town transportation for drivers on the go.

The Matrix displays a sporty design, with a slanted nose, a swept-back roofline, and stylish sheetmetal overall. Aerodynamic halogen headlights and sporty 16-inch wheels add to the Matrix's stylish exterior look.

Under the Matrix's hood, a 126-horsepower, 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine provides adequate but not overwhelming power. The engine links to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.

The Matrix comes in both Base and better-equipped XR versions. Standard features for the Base model include four-way adjustable front seats, a fold-flat passenger seat, two 12-volt power outlets, a heavy-duty rear window defogger, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and a four-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player.

The XR adds such features as remote keyless entry, an illuminated entry system, and power windows. Options include power door locks and an upgraded JBL sound system, as well as various features that are part of add-on packages.

According to some reports, following the 2008 model year the Matrix will give way to the new Toyota Blade, which will provide many of the Matrix's current features in an updated design.