Used 2011 Toyota Matrix S for sale 

Talking about trims, Toyota has a small alteration in place for this year’s squad of the Matrix. Previously at the top, the XRS trim has been discontinued for the upcoming year, and thanks to this, the entire lineup has undergone a refurbishment in terms of specs and features adornments. Thus, for 2011, the Matrix will only be available in two trims - Base and S. 

One of the major reasons for the reduction in trims is the failing response towards these short-wheelbase vehicles. Nevertheless, the list of features has remained unchanged for the Matrix, just that a few features come optional than standard. For instance, the Premium Package adds a more powerful engine, a sunroof, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, and an upgraded six-speaker sound system with an iPod/USB audio interface.

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The Matrix has earned its name in the market, and we believe that if one needs to purchase it, he needs to do it in style. Now with the XRS out of the picture, there remains a lot of room for customization and improvement, and Toyota has the perfect package for it. On can go with either trim. The Sport package available on both trims adds front and rear underbody spoilers and a snazzy S badge, along with fog lamps for the base model and 17-inch alloy wheels for the S. If you see it the way we do, you have earned yourself a hot badass. 

Toyota Matrix is always known for the better performance it delivers with the high-output powertrain it upholds. Although the base Toyota Matrix is powered by the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the Corolla, good for 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, in the hatchback, it really feels more empowering. 

A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional, both taking power to the front wheels only. Meanwhile, for those who love vigor, the Matrix S gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Front-drive models get a standard five-speed manual again or an optional four-speed automatic. A four-speed automatic is standard with AWD. 

We drove both the versions of this car, and the minor 1.8L, as expected, proved to accelerate sluggishly off the line. For the record, it delivered 0-60 MPH time of 9 whole seconds, even more than some pickups can do these days. The 2.4-liter engine in the S is the opposite; power is ample and the ride is smooth and well-insulated. The 2011 Toyota Matrix might not be the sportiest economy hatchback (especially now that the sport-tuned XRS is gone), but its refinement is laudable. When comparing the top speed of the hatchbacks in the competition, Matrix is the fastest at 119 mph.

Starting off straight with the base version, the 1.8L proved to be a boon in terms of refinement and convenience of the ride. Thanks to the under-tuned setup, the engine returned figures close to the EPA estimates of 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with the automatic that we drove. Meanwhile, a similar performance was observed with the manual. Meanwhile, A front-wheel-drive Matrix S with the automatic returns an estimated 21/29/24 (21/28/24 with the manual), while an AWD Matrix S returns 20/26/22. These estimates are disappointing given the fuel economy of some crossover SUVs.

With vehicles closely related to the Matrix, we observed the host be a little extravagant. The only exception turned out to be the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which was just good for the Matrix S to compete against. Besides, Toyota’s hatchback is equipped with a decent fuel tank for a hatchback, but would still call for more frequent runs to the gas station. Meanwhile, the very inexpensive but agile Mazda 2 returned the best figures.

On the inside, the Matrix has undergone some slight changes. In fact, the Matrix comes with more standard features than some competitors. The base model carries standard air conditioning, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry, power windows, and doors.

Meanwhile, front sport seats and a three-person rear bench seat give the Matrix room for up to five people. The 60/40-split backseat can fold down when more cargo room is needed. 

Inside the cabin, the Matrix has a significantly edgier ambiance than other Toyotas but doesn't go quite as far as the funky cabins found in the Scion tC or the Mazda 2. Also bound to be a good thing is the Matrix's generous cargo capacity. There is 19.8 cubic feet of luggage capacity behind the rear seats and a maximum of 61.5 cubic feet if you include the space provided by the fold-flat front passenger seat. Major interior features include-

• Available metallic interior accents
• Front passenger seat folds down on S
• Standard power windows and locks
• Standard cruise control
• Single Zone Front Air Conditioning
• Rear Ventilation Ducts

2011 Toyota Matrix Infotainment:

As mentioned above, the Matrix’s list of standard equipment is much better than some of its rivalries. However, speaking of entertainment, a four-speaker stereo with an auxiliary jack is what you get along with a CD player in the Base Matrix.

AM/FM is also to be included in the list. For more tech features, choose the S trim. Look for models with an available Premium package that adds satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a USB port with iPod connectivity. This entirely changes the looks inside the cabin, and the overall experience one receives inside it. Few key features include- 

• Standard CD stereo with auxiliary input
• Adjustable Speed Sensitive Volume Control
• Mast Antenna
• 6 Total Speakers
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Preferred Accessory Package (O)

Just like any hot hatch, the Matrix has an aggressive-looking front end that features a bulging hood, thin wraparound headlights, and a small trapezoidal grille.

Smooth body side moldings give the Matrix a modern appearance and the hatchback’s forward-swept D-pillars enhance the car’s sporty shape. S models can have an optional sports body kit featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, a front underbody spoiler, and a rear spoiler. 

The Toyota Matrix sets itself apart from many 2011 small cars. The distinctive coupe-like roofline and an extended rear section make it look longer than it actually is. Most of its dimensions are on the smaller side of the story, but it still manages to impart enough practicality and pleasing elements. The range of colors it is available in is particularly interesting to traverse. Major exterior highlights of the hatchback are-

• Available 16- or 17-inch wheels
• Daytime running lights
• Heated power mirrors
• Available fog lamps
• Available sunroof

The Matrix has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) saw it earning a perfect five stars for frontal and front-seat side impacts, dropping to four stars for rear-seat side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Matrix its highest rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing. The 2011 Toyota Matrix comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Major safety features include-

• Front side-impact airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Active front head restraints
• Anti-lock brakes
• Electronic stability system
• Traction control

If you’re looking for a small car that offers a roomy back seat and a large cargo hold, the Toyota Matrix is the one to go with. The hatchback segment is not left with much now, but manufacturers like Toyota have ensured that there is no deterioration of quality. The lineup may have been reduced, but the best is still in business. Overall, the Matrix will still grow to be a great contender for the hottest hatch in the United States.