This is from Toyota's website:

"Independent MacPherson strut front, double-wishbone rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars "

So the front suspension is the same, for both FWD and AWD matrix and Corolla, but the rear is different between the FWD and AWD, probably because you can't fit a rear dif. w/ a torsion beam rear suspension.

 

so a matrix is just a tall corolla wagon / minivan thingy (5 door model)

 

I think so. It seems like Toyota want to impress the young buyer and the Corolla does not do that very well, so they make the Matrix. It looks different but i assume most parts are shared, you just don't see it. Same platform, same engine, same suspension, just different exterior and interior design.

 

My point still stands. I think its weak as hell of them. They are SOOO going to advertise the hell out of this, and then have to come up witha phrase to do so. "Like the Toyota Corolla lineup is the best selling small car lineup in the USA."

 

As long as it helps them sell more Corolla, I don't think they're complaining.

 

Obviously. That's the only reason why it's grouped with the Corolla anyway.

 

 

I'm very surprised the Element is doing so well. Well, its the first month or so of sales, we really have to wait and see if it stands the test of time.

Also, I'm very surprised with Infiniti sales (esp. I35 - its outselling the IS300???).

 

I don't know why the IS300 is selling so poorly. The only two reasons I can think of is the interior and rear are perhaps geared towards the younger crowd who can't actually afford it, while those who can prefer something more "classic," like a 325i.

The I35 surprises me too. It's a lame duck.

The Element sales don't surprise me.

 

I35 lost amost 50% in sales year-to-year so it's not that impressive. But I guess if you add the G35c, G35s, and I35 together since they're in the same price range and class, the total is similar to Toyota, Acura, and Benz.