User:Ridge Runner/Sandbox/drafts2

First generation (2003–2008)
The Matrix was first introduced in the 2003 model year and based on the Toyota Corolla platform. Relatively unchanged in 2004, a facelift for 2005 brought minor revisions to the exterior - mainly revised styling to the front fascia due to complaints of rubbing the ground on the previous incarnation and adding clear lenses to the taillamps. Also, the center instrument panel was slightly redesigned and featured a Toyota head unit in place of the previous GM-sourced radio.

Two 1.8 L engines were offered in the Matrix: the 1ZZ-FE used in the Corolla, which originally made 130 hp in 2003 and 2004 models, but was reduced to 127 hp in 2005, and the performance-oriented 2ZZ-GE taken from the Toyota Celica GT-S, which produced 164 hp (previously 180 hp in 2003, 173 hp in 2004, and 170 hp in 2005).

In late 2006, Toyota discontinued use of the 2ZZ-GE engine and dropped the XRS from the Matrix lineup to be temporarily replaced by the M-Theory edition. Like each year of the XRS model, the M-Theory was a limited production run of 2500 cars. Up until the 2007 model year, the Matrix was available in all wheel drive with the 1ZZ engine, but the drivetrain was dropped for the first generation's last year of production.

Standard
Starting out at $14,670 in 2003, the no frills base model came with few options. While it did come with air conditioning, it left out such niceties as color-keyed mirrors and door handles, blacked out window frames, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. Ground effects, a rear window riper, and alloy wheels were also stricken from the options list by Toyota, forcing buyers to go with an XR or XRS model if they wished to have features like six-way adjustable seats and variable intermittent windshield wipers. However, one option the base model could be had with was AWD for an additional $1465 (although the actual increase was $2445, since AWD only came with an automatic transmission). Adding AWD brought the car's curb weight of 2679 lb up to 2943 lb and decreased power by 7 hp and 7 lbft. In 2004, the price of a base model remained unchanged, but by the last year of production, 2008, it had risen to $15,510.

XR
The mid-grade trim level, the XR was designed to combine the cheapness of the base model with the looks of the XRS. By checking this option on the order sheet, customers got standard features like color-matched mirrors and door handles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a panic button on the key fob. Options not available on the base included a sunroof, ground effects, and 16" alloy wheels. In 2007, the previously XRS-exclusive 17" wheels became an option on the XR when the XRS was discontinued. A 2003 XR started at $16,180 and 2701 lb, but when equipped with AWD cost at least $18,445 and weighed in at 2965 lb - only $305 less than an XRS. Like the base model, the AWD engine was detuned. Again, the car's price for its sophomore year stayed the same, but in the four years after that, it rose to $16,990.

XRS
For $18,750, the top-of-the-line model came standard with four-wheel disc brakes and six speakers (the two extra speakers were tweeters) - extras not available on the other trim levels. Also included on all XRSes were anti-lock brakes with electronic distribution, cruise control, and 16" alloy wheels. In 2003, 17" wheels could be had, but only on cars without a sunroof. An option combining 17" wheels and a sunroof became available the second year of production. in 2005, an XRS started out at $18,850 and for its last year, it went for $19,250.

The pièce de résistance, however, was Toyota's high-tech 2ZZ-GE engine. Displacing 1796 cc, or 109.6 cubic inches, it produced 180 hp and 130 lbft - an incredible 100 horsepower-per-liter. While its 11.5:1 compression ratio was a large factor in its performance, what set the engine apart was its ability to alter timing and valve lift through Toyota's VVTL-i. Because it could manipulate its valvetrain, the 2ZZ was capable of reaching 9000 rpm. Despite the tecchnology, however, the engine's high compression necessitates "premium" gasoline (91 octane or above in the (R+M)/2 scale. With the exception of an automatic in 2003, a six-speed manual transmission has been the only option for the XRS. A TLEV its first year of production, the 2ZZ was retrofitted in 2004 with a smog pump and reclassified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

A testament to Toyota's engineering, during testing by Motor Trend and Sport Compact Car, the Matrix was able to come to a full stop from 60 mph in only 114 ft. On a skidpad, the car achieved .83 g, only .03 g less than the Celica GTS. Unfortunately, due to being front wheel drive, the Matrix has a weight distribution of 59/41 and weighs in at 2800 lb.

Interior
tie-down's rails gauges steering wheel folding seats outlet radio & center bezel

Recalls
In May 2008, Toyota issued a recall for 2003 and 2004 model year Corollas and Matrixes. The recall notice cites two window bolts in each of the front doors as potentially causing either front window to come off the track and break. This recall only applies to models equipped with power windows. General Motors soon after issued a recall for the same issue present on Toyota's counterpart vehicle 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles with power windows.