Matrix and Matrix XR are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 130 horsepower with two-wheel drive and 123 horsepower with four-wheel drive.

The base Matrix ($14,670) comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission and plenty of features, including air conditioning and an AM/FM radio with CD player. (Destination fee of $485 is not included in these manufacturer's suggested retail prices.) A Power Package ($480) adds power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry.

Side-impact airbags ($250) and anti-lock brakes with elecronic brake-force distribution ($300) are optional, but we recommend them highly for their ability to save lives.

Matrix XR ($16,180) adds ABS with EBD, power door locks, power windows, and the remote key fob as well as a rear window wiper. A wider range of optional equipment is available for the XR as well. Extra Value Package 1 ($270) includes cruise control, fog lamps, and front and rear spoilers. To this, Extra Value Package 2 ($880) adds 16-inch alloy wheels and power moonroof.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on Matrix and Matrix XR. An automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are options, but only for the base and XR models. (Automatic transmission adds $800, while 4WD adds another $1,465 to the retail price.)

Matrix XRS ($18,750) is a high-performance model powered by a 180-hp version of the 1.8-liter engine. XRS is available only with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. XRS gets four-wheel disc brakes, preferable to the rear drum brakes found on the other models.