Toyota’s “Corolla wagon in disguise,” the Matrix arrives in 2010 with few changes, fresh from a redesign in 2009. This front-wheel-drive sport-wagon is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Pontiac that also resulted in the Pontiac Vibe. With two available engines, three transmissions, two drivetrain layouts, and three trims, the Matrix sets high goals with a low price, but seems to have been plagued by quality issues.

The base engine for the “Standard” trim is a 1.8-liter inline four, good for 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, although it’s hard to really call it “good.” This engine is buzzy and wholly inadequate, requiring complete pedal-mashing in all gears, regardless of whether you choose the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Truly, if testers can be believed, the only solid difference, performance-wise, between the two transmissions is the loss of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving with the automatic - 25/31 mpg versus 26/32 with the manual. S and XRS trims come with a 2.4-liter inline four, which pushes horsepower and torque figures to 158 and 162, respectively, although that doesn’t seem to alleviate the anemia fully. Liberal use of the throttle will still be needed for most situations. EPA estimates for that engine fall at 21/28 with the five-speed manual and 21/29 with the five-speed automatic.

S trims were newly made available with AWD in 2009 and are paired exclusively with the automatic in that configuration. AWD S trims as well as the XRS trim come with an independent rear suspension, which helps slightly with the rather rough ride, although the best ride to be had is in the XRS, which gets a tuned suspension and larger 18-inch wheels, versus the other trims’ 16-inchers. Still, significant understeer, noseplow, and instability over rough road are all evident across the model line. Further complaints have been heard regarding general build quality, with cheap materials, squeaks, rattles, and the like.

Standard safety features for the Matrix are dual front, front side, and curtain side airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat active head restraints, a tire-pressure monitor, and daytime running lights. Additionally, the XRS gets an anti-skid system.