2011 Toyota Matrix Freshens up for Chicago Auto Show

Toyota has chosen this week's Chicago Auto Show to stage the reveal of the 2011 model year Matrix. If you're having a hard time finding the styling differences between the 2010- and 2011-MY versions of the Matrix, that's because the revisions are barely noticeable.

On the outside, the subtle refresh is limited to all-new front and rear bumpers with integrated front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel. The newly designed 16-inch steel wheels and 17-inch, five-spoke alloy rims plus the introduction of a new Spruce Mica color round off the changes.

Inside, the instrument-panel gauges feature new silver ornamentation, while there are also new metal-plated rings around the air conditioning vents, and the audio unit has a new flush surface. The updated model also gains a fresh choice of seat fabrics, while there's also a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel with spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth capability for the Matrix S.

For 2011, the Matrix is available in two grades, the base model powered by a 132HP 1.8-liter engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic, and the S version which gets a 158HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The S model is also offered with all-wheel-drive (AWD), in which case the 2.4-liter engine is matched to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

According to Toyota, the base Matrix 1.8L has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the manual gearbox, and 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for automatic model, while the 2.4L S version, 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the stick shift, 21 mpg city and 29 mpg with the automatic transmission, and 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the AWD model.

Pricing for the 2011 Matrix is expected to be announced at the Chicago Auto Show.

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Toyota issues voluntary recall for 1.1 million Corolla/Matrix models, beats Feds to it

It's official: that little snafu Toyota had a few days ago with the stalling Corollas has evolved from an Engineering Analysis to a full-blown (voluntary) recall. The world's largest automaker will recall around 1.13 million vehicles, specifically the 2005-08 Corolla and Matrix (and Vibe?) for "improperly manufactured" engine control modules. Toyota will replace the modules for free on affected cars, while providing people who have already had to replace theirs with the opportunity to file a claim for reimbursement.

Toyota says this recall specifically affects cars that have the 1ZZ-FE (1.8-liter) engine and front wheel drive. The issue stems from cracks that could form on the solder points or varistors (an "electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage") on the ECM.

Signs to look out for are a premature engine warning light (so embarassing), jerky shifts, and the engine failing to start. Another red flag would be the car stalling while driving, although Toyota implies that this is highly unlikely. Who's going to be the first person to fake a stalling debacle for media attention?

Toyota's North American chief quality officer Steve St. Angelo says, "This recall is an example of our commitment to standing by our products and being responsive to our customers. Our goal is to help ensure that Toyota drivers are completely confident in the safety and reliability of their vehicles."

According to the Japanese automaker, there are three unconfirmed accidents alleged to be related to this condition, one of which reported a minor injury.

Thoughts?

By Phil Alex

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Toyota issues voluntary recall for 1.1 million Corolla/Matrix models, beats Feds to it

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Just when you thought it was Safe to get back in the Toyota: Stalling Issues Could Prompt Recall of 1.2 Million Cars

Toyota isn't out of hot water just yet, although many people have conveniently forgotten their accelerator issue after BP went all "Look at me! I'm dangerous, too!" For those who don't recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been dealing with another problem regarding some ToMoCo products: a stalling issue with up to 1.2 million 2005-2007 Corollas and Matrixes (Matrices?). That means possibly beating dead-horse Pontiac some more, since the Vibe was a brand-engineered Matrix.


As for the update: our Toyota Warning level has been elevated from "Preliminary Evaluation" to "Engineering Analysis" (one step below Recall) due to the cars still stalling at any speed and not being able to restart. To your battle stations!


Word from the safety agency is that over 160 complaints have come in about a situation where "the engine can stall without warning at any speed and not restart" due to a faulty ECU. Although Toyota doesn't seem to think it's a problem, I'd venture to say engine cut-off on a highway or intersection might be a major problem.


Toyota says the issue stems from either cracks in solder joints on, or defective coating of, the ECU circuit board. According to some commenters, the repair could cost owners up to $1,000. And the hits keep coming...


By Phil Alex


Source: NY Times

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Just when you thought it was Safe to get back in the Toyota: Stalling Issues Could Prompt Recall of 1.2 Million Cars

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