2003 Toyota Matrix Photos, engines & full specs

Toyota introduced the Matrix in 2003 on the same platform as the famous Corolla lineup, but it designed it to be appealing to younger customers.

Younger generations didn’t want to drive their parents’ cars anymore and wanted something that could express their personality. Toyota noticed that and created the Matrix. A vehicle that relied on the trustworthy platform of the Corolla’s ninth generation (the E 130) but styled like a larger hatchback. In addition, the car was available in a few grades, including sportier and all-wheel drive versions. Furthermore, it could be bought with less than 3,000 hours on minimum wage, meaning students could afford it on a five-year lease program. Moreover, it promised a fun-to-drive experience despite its small-sized engine. However, its look was an essential sales factor that helped the automaker deliver almost 100,000 units until the second generation appeared on the market in late 2007 for the 2008 model year.

With a front fascia that looked nothing like a Corolla, the Matrix featured swept-back headlights flanked by a trapezoidal grille where the carmaker’s badge took center stage. The bumper differed from one grade to another, and the top-spec version, named the XRS, had a road-hugging attitude inspired by rally cars. It had a center air intake flanked by round fog lamps and slatted side scoops.

From its profile, the Matrix showed a short hood with a steep windshield that paved the way to a tall greenhouse. From the A-pillars to the back, the roofline followed a slightly descending line, emphasized by the window line featuring dark B- and C-pillars. Furthermore, the D-pillars were also black, leaving the impression of a wrap-around window area. Surprisingly, even the base version featured a roof spoiler mounted atop the tailgate. Still, Toyota reduced the production costs of that version by installing black door mirror caps and handles. Out back, the corner-mounted taillights featured clear lower lenses, which made them look like aftermarket parts. It was the era of car-related movies with the tuner communities, such as the first two episodes of “The Fast and the Furious” saga.

Inside, the high-mounted seats led to enough room for up to five occupants. Furthermore, even though the center tunnel crossed the car from front to back, there was enough legroom for the middle-seated passenger in the back. Up front, the driver fronted an instrument panel with four individual clusters that housed the speedometer in the middle, the tachometer on the left, and the fuel level and temperature gauges on the right. The center stack housed the HVAC control unit, the stereo, and the gear stick. Even the base model of the Matrix featured AC, and that helped Toyota with the sales.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a few versions of its renowned 1.8-liter inline-four gasoline engine. The base version provided just 130 hp (132 PS), while the top-spec version borrowed its heart from the Toyota Celica GTS and produced a healthy 180 hp (182 PS) from the same 1.8-liter dual overhead camshaft powerplant. Toyota offered the Matrix with either a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, or a five-speed automatic. The hottest model, the XRS, came standard with a six-speed manual.