Toyota Matrix

Not to be confused with Hyundai Matrix.

Toyota Matrix
2009 Toyota Matrix Standard
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
Also calledToyota Corolla Matrix[1]
Production2002–2014
Model years
  • 2003–2013 (U.S.)
  • 2003–2014 (Canada)
AssemblyCanada: Cambridge, Ontario (TMMC)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car (C)
Body style5-door hatchback
Layout
PlatformToyota MC platform
Related
Chronology
SuccessorToyota Corolla iM

The Toyota Matrix, officially named Toyota Corolla Matrix,[1] is a compact hatchback manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario and derived from the Corolla. Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Matrix was the result of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, with the GM version being the Pontiac Vibe, which was assembled by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California, United States.[3]

The Matrix was positioned as a sporty hatchback counterpart of the North American Corolla and was counted as a variant of it in Toyota's sales figures.[4]

Although identical mechanically, and nearly as much internally, the Matrix and Vibe had different sheetmetal and exterior trim designed by their respective brands. Both vehicles are narrow, tall station wagons styled in a quasi-SUV fashion (called a crossover utility vehicle or "CUV" by Toyota) and marketed to a fairly youthful market segment.[5] This type of car is also commonly referred to as a sport wagon.

First sold in February 2002,[6] the Matrix saw a minor facelift for the 2005 model year, and was redesigned completely in 2008 for the 2009 model year, following the tenth generation Corolla. Sales of the Matrix were discontinued in the United States in 2013 and in Canada in 2014.[7]

  1. ^ a b "Toyota 2003 Matrix Owner's Manual (OM12767U)" (PDF). Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, Inc. 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2019-02-09.
  2. ^ "Twinned Vehicles: Same Cars, Different Brands". Edmunds. 2001-08-03. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
  3. ^ "What We Make – Voltz". New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. Archived from the original on 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-10-13.
  4. ^ "Sales". Automotive News magazine. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  5. ^ Huffman, John. "A sleek "CUV" with youthful imagination - 2003 Toyota Matrix". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2008-04-26.
  6. ^ Jacquot, Josh (April 2009). "2003 Toyota Matrix XRS Road Test Review". Sport Compact Car. Retrieved 2013-08-07.
  7. ^ Holmes, Jake (2013-08-06). "Toyota Matrix Discontinued In U.S. For 2014". MotorTrend.