2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix – A Christmas Gift on Wheels

by Judy Gell

I drove the bright red Matrix before seeing the paper work on it, so I didn't know the color name of the paint. I thought about possible names; Candy Apple Red didn't quite describe it, neither did Christmas Red. I considered Pure Red, Paint Ball Red, Red Intensity and Laser Red, but nothing quite fit the red color of this paint! So, when I got to see the paper work, the first thing I looked for wasn't the performance, safety or special features--it was the name of the color. "Perfect!" I thought as I scanned the sheet of paper in my hand. Radiant Red is the paint color on this car. A giant, sparkly gold bow on top, and your Christmas shopping would be complete!

It wasn't just the color that made this car a pleasure, appropriate as it was for the season. Christmas shopping at the Mall and grocery shopping for the holidays, the Matrix was convenient and capable. The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine with 4-speed automatic transmission was spry enough for this small wagon. Power assisted rack and pinion steering and power front disc/rear drum brakes made handling smooth and nimble in traffic, while the size allowed parking in the tightest spot a snap. My purchases loaded easily in the rear, with a lift door that opened high enough to prevent me bumping my head. The tonneau cover, cargo net and rear cargo track system with tie-down hooks provided stability and security for objects of various shapes, sizes and weight.

The week of our test drive just happened to be one of record-breaking cold in our area. The TV News focused on the weather and the difficulties of driving on icy roads. Also record-breaking were the number of wrecks on the freeways. With that in mind, I postponed my trip to Longview until the sun melted the ice and the roads were reported to be safe for travel. I didn't take into account the left-overs from the accidents--semis on the shoulder, in the ditches, strewn across the median. I got caught in crawling traffic for over an hour. I was so grateful for a good heater, an audio system for my Christmas CDs and efficient front and rear window wipers and defoggers. I wasn't happy with the delay, but I was thankful for the comfort and dependability of the Matrix. I made it to Longview in time for a quick dinner before attending my granddaughter's second grade Christmas program! It was well worth the drive, even with the frustration of traffic.

The standard equipment on the Matrix includes remote keyless entry, outside temperature gauge, shift activated auto door locks,daytime running lights with twilight sensor and power outside mirrors, windows and door locks. Our test drive had an optional extra value package which gave it aluminum wheels with all-season tires, power tilt/slide moonroof, cruise control front fog and driving lamps and front and rear underbody spoiler.

The standard MSRP for the Matrix is $17,420.00. Ours with the extra value package plus $540.00 delivery came to $18,840.00. Estimated fuel economy is 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.