Toyota Matrix Discontinued For 2014

I've always found it sort of bewildering that Toyota could take the same basic pieces, assemble them in the same factory, and give us both one of the most depressing automotive experiences going today (the Corolla), and something that's actually half-decent (the Matrix). I don't know if it was because the Matrix skipped the mouse fur uphostery, came painted in something that could actually be described as "colour," or just by being a hatchback, but even the step-backwards second gen is a passable car. So, yes, chalk me up as another Canuck hoping to see some form of compact Toyota hatch (with manual) here in the next couple years. I mean, other than the several other choices Toyota currently offers.

Even tho I have found most Pontiac styling in recent decades absolutely awful , I thought the Vibe was at least a much better looking car than the Matrix . A neighbor had one , she always called it " the Mandrix ".

My boss has a 2003 Matrix and she likes it. Not a car I'd drive, but the first generation models seem to be popular here in Maine. The second generation ones are not very common around here.

Purchased a Matrix the first year it came out - 2003 model, bought 10/02. Used it as a commuter car and quickly racked up 120k miles. Gave the car to my daughter when she went off to college. She did her very best trying to destroy it - couple of accidents, 4+ years in the Fresno CA sun - and failed. Now it soldiers on as my second car when I can't/don't feel like riding my bike to work. Looks like crap but still runs great and costs very little in upkeep. Has over 150k miles on it now. Overall Toyota had a great car yet, they did very little to advertise/push the car out to the public. Yet, they still sold a fair number of them. I see them all the time here in So Cal