During the early part of this decade, Toyota was examining its vehicle lineup and the decision was made to build a car to appeal to young people who were looking for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla faithfully served in this capacity, Toyota needed something that would express emotion. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of car and something radically different was needed. Enter the Matrix. Based on the Corolla platform, Matrix does what no Corolla can do: turn heads. Let’s take a look at this sport compact and see how it compares to the 2006 model.

In 2003, Matrix was introduced to the North American market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors, the Pontiac Vibe is its twin, the Matrix is ​​aimed at budget-conscious youngsters who want a car that stands out. To save money, the frame from the Corolla was used, but the Matrix is ​​about 3 inches taller and 8 inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The Matrix’s roofline is also completely different, sloping front to rear and ending in a wedge, giving the car a truck-like look. This laid-back appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look, as well as a little more room for people and things. In fact, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, like in a small SUV or a car like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With four doors and a liftgate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterior easily belies that fact.

Motorists can choose between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard engine for the Matrix is ​​a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Combined with a five-speed manual transmission, the engine makes a respectable 126 hp. For more power, there’s also a more tuned version of the same engine that delivers 164 hp. It is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.

The Matrix’s gas mileage makes the car a motorist’s dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front-wheel drive version of the car produces some of the best results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A 13-gallon fuel tank makes 400-mile trips a possibility on just one tank of gas; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive back and forth between the college campus and their home.

Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize their vehicles. Paintable hood guards, tail light covers, polymer air deflectors, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, fenders and window covers are just a few. Toyota parts and accessories offered to young people, who are the main owners of the Matrix.

MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top-of-the-line Matrix topping just under US$20K to around CDN$25K.

For the entire North American market, Toyota sells nearly 100,000 Matrixes a year. Not bad for a car whose origins are quite simple but whose heart is truly sporty and youthful.