2007 Toyota Matrix Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Toyota Matrix Exterior Review
Exterior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
Opinions of the Matrix's appearance are split. U.S. News' Rick Newman describes a "snub-nosed" wagon that "may have ugly appeal, like Doc Martens or those rectangular black-frame glasses," but the Chicago Tribune is turned off. "If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, those who marvel at Matrix design better check for cataracts."
Still other critics chime in with opposite descriptions. The Orlando Sentinel thinks the Matrix is "expressive, looking as though it's moving forward even when it's parked," but the New York Times finds a roof that "slopes awkwardly," a rear lip that "protrudes over the back window like a stunted spoiler" and "pinched" side windows.
The slanted roofline is the most often mentioned part of the Matrix, and Automotive.com says it draws the eye. "In a reverse wedge shape, the roof slopes down at the back while the belt line along the lower edge of the side windows slopes up, creating a sleek wedge shape to the windows." Meanwhile, Road and Track says the slant is coming from somewhere besides the roofline. "There's a definite wedge, and this is where Toyota's Calty Design in California performs some magic: The roofline actually dips very little; it's the sloping side glass that suggests this wedge."
