Mantrack

March, 2002

hey...it's personalMatrix, the CarBlame it on Chrysler's PT Cruiser. By morphing minivans into pint-size SUVs, automakers create small trucks that handle more like sports cars than sport utilities. Toyota's new Matrix (pictured here) shares underpinnings with Pontiac's Vibe. Choices abound: three trim grades, two engines and five transmissions--including permanent four-wheel-drive. Our opinion: Go for the XRS front-wheel-drive sport version. Its 180 hp, twin-cam four can be coupled with a six-sp...