2011 Toyota Matrix Reviews

Toyota Matrix

2011 Toyota Matrix Reviews-When power is your chief concern, you have to upgrade to the 2011 Toyota Matrix's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. The smaller 1.8-liter engine gets 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.8-liter engine gets 26/32/28; the 2.4-liter engine gets 21/28/24. Cargo space is another major plus with the 2011 Matrix.

There are many great perks to owning the 2011 Toyota Matrix. Like any other car on today's market, the 2011 Toyota Matrix is not without its downsides. Beyond those very minor points, though, the 2011 Toyota Matrix is an exceptional vehicle.

The remaining trim levels gain more standard equipment, including cruise control, full power accessories, heated and folding rearview mirrors and rear-seat heat ducts.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix stacks up against a rather odd clique of 'twins. With the available 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, acceleration is brisk for this class, and the Toyota Matrix is also available with all-wheel drive. The 2011 Toyota Matrix is a five-passenger wagon/hatchback available in base and S trim levels.

The Toyota Matrix S adds fog lamps, a fold-flat passenger seat and a six-speaker sound system.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix comes standard with front-wheel drive, while the S can be equipped with all-wheel drive. The base Toyota Matrix is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder good for 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Front-drive models get a standard five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic. A front-wheel-drive Toyota Matrix S with the automatic returns an estimated 21/29/24 (21/28/24 with the manual), while an AWD Matrix S returns 20/26/22.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Matrix its highest rating of Good in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.

The base Toyota Matrix accelerates sluggishly off the line with its 1.8-liter engine, but its fuel economy will redeem it in the eyes of many shoppers.

The automotive industry finds that 2011 Toyota Matrix is a hodgepodge of highs and lows. The Matrix has some of the highest fuel economy ratings in its class, good cargo space, a comfortable interior and Smart Stop Technology. If you check out the Matrix’s interior, you should be satisfied with driver and passenger seating. Behold the Corolla wagon, says Car and Driver.

Sharing its mechanicals with Toyota’s bestselling small car, the Matrix attracts with spacious and practical hatchback utility. Performance is significantly better, but fuel economy plunges to 21/29 mpg city/highway with an automatic transmission. Next is cargo space. The Matrix’s maximum cargo capacity is good, but when you compare the Matrix’s figures to its competitors, this wagon is easily bested by the Honda Fit, a hatchback, and the Hyundai Elantra Touring and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, all of which have more than 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Standing alone, the Toyota Matrix is a decent wagon. It has a standard Magic Seat with four configurations: people mode, utility mode, tall mode and long mode. People mode offers comfortable seating for five, while utility mode offers 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The Toyota Matrix gets a few changes for the 2011 model year. The base model has a 1.8-liter engine. Compared to the rest of the class, as well as hatchbacks and compact SUVs, the Matrix is pricey.