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2007 Toyota Matrix Road Test

Ironic that the car I was driving before I got into the base level Matrix was aLexus GS 450h. The Lexus is a car busting at the seams with electronics, luxury and gadgets. In only 7 days, it's enough to overwhelm the mind. In a Lexus there is no such thing as a knob or dial. Buttons and touch screens electronically operate all controls and functions. To then step into the base level Matrix and sit in the simplified cabin reminded me that a back-to-basics car still exists. In this day and age that may not be attractive to some, but I, for one, found it refreshing. The locks are the only power option in the whole car, which is just fine with me. I've been getting lazy with power seats, power windows, power mirrors, power lifting trunks and automatic opening doors, so I'm in need of a little exercise. Anyway, is it that hard to roll up your own window? For those who must have such

I'm looking forward to the next Matrix. (Photo: Budd Stanley, American Auto Press)

luxuries, don't worry, as a fully powered version is available.

Looking at the Matrix, it's clear that it is due for a makeover.Despite being one of the more handsome vehicles in the Toyota lineup, it's a design we've been looking at for quite a while now. It is also the last station wagon in the Toyota fleet, if you could call it one. It could be regarded as a small minivan with a station wagon complex. Or possibly it's a crossover, but whatever it is the Matrix is extremely versatile and therefore does its job well.

The station wagon has always made

The cabin seems like it was designed to lure in SUV and minivan buyers as the driving position is similar. (Photo: Budd Stanley, American Auto Press)

life a little easier for families with children, as the two-box configuration is ideal for moving people and cargo. Toyota's designers dealt in a proper amount of common sense when they laid it all out years ago, which is why even today it offers up more for the money than many competitors; more style inside, more features, more little conveniences and more cargo volume.

Rear storage space is rated at 15.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is on par for this size car (although there aren't many wagons this size on the market anymore). Fold downthe 60/40 split rear seatbacks and the cargo area balloons to a healthy

The up side of the taller body is a great view out. (Photo: Budd Stanley, American Auto Press)

53.2 cubic feet. Now if you really need to ram a ton of gear in, the front passenger seat also folds forward allowing even more usable space, although Toyota has no measurement available for this one. I would guess that the total cargo space would be in the 65 cubic-foot area, or thereabouts. Not too shabby, as this puts the Matrix on a level playing field with several small SUVs, with the added bonus of a more compact design with excellent fuel efficiency. With all the seats down, the completely flat loading area is covered with a durable plastic that reduces wear and tear. However, the loose fitting panels along with a tonneau cover tend to rattle, making a lot of noise on harsh roads. It also creates a slippery surface that may send cargo sliding around during hard cornering

The Matrix is simple, leaving out such driver's aids as ABS and traction control. (Photo: Budd Stanley, American Auto Press)

or braking.

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