The Detroit News's view

Anita first experienced the 2003 Toyota Matrix in Hawaii, where she picked up two hitchhiking surfer dudes and got their input on this strange new breed of ride.

Paul didn’t pick up anybody as he tested the Matrix on his home turf in Michigan. He couldn’t even get teen-age drivers in the neighborhood to take a second look.

The five-passenger Matrix, which is based on the redesigned 2003 Corolla, is best viewed in side profile to show off the upward sloping beltline, pinched-off rear windows and distinct bulge where the sheet metal arches over the rear wheels.

But what is the Matrix? Toyota calls it a crossover. But our $20,350 test vehicle — a four-wheel-drive model — reminds one of us of the Toyota RAV4 sport-utility vehicle.

He: I don’t know what to call the Matrix, but I know I really like driving it, despite its flaws. From some angles, it looks like a tall station wagon. From others, it does resemble the RAV4, but I wouldn’t really call this a sport-utility vehicle. I’d give serious thought to owning a Matrix if it weren’t for the exterior styling, which turns me off. Too flashy. Too busy. And not nearly as tasteful as its companion model, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe.

She: So you’re going to ignore the fact that I picked up two guys in the Matrix? That’s almost good enough to get me on the Jerry Springer Show, I would guess.

He: Just tell me why they kept calling you mom.

She: Well, as usual, you’ve gotten right to the heart of the matter. Those two twentysomethings didn’t seem convinced that this is their dream vehicle. In fact, I’m betting lots of people like me will appreciate the Matrix’s merits, especially that utilitarian cabin that includes a household-style electrical outlet on the dashboard. On paper, the Matrix should be an excellent car for entry-level buyers. But our four-wheel-drive test vehicle had a base price of $18,445. Add several options, like cruise control, side air bags and a premium stereo with an in-dash CD changer and you’re near family sedan price territory.

He: I suspect younger buyers could go for the nimble handling and lively twin-cam 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which on the four-wheel-drive model makes 123 horsepower. Even with the four-speed automatic transmission, the engine felt really zippy and responsive. I was amazed to see the EPA rates this combination at 26 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. That’s way better than you could ever expect to get on a standard SUV. The one drawback to a high-revving, overhead-cam engine like the one in the Matrix is that it tends to be noisy at highway speeds. It gets really tiresome after even a short drive.

She: The Matrix, while neither fish nor fowl, has some sedan-like characteristics. It’s as easy to handle as a sedan, parks in a snap and makes U-turns on narrow streets with ease. It’s got virtually no step-in height, so you slide right in. The doors aren’t heavy and the rear seats are t he one-pull, fold-down variety. I like that fact that the seats, even the front passengers’, fold flat and are protected by hard plastic backs that look as durable as playground equipment. The cargo floor has the same scratch-resistant, washable surface. And the Matrix is spacious, with lots of headroom. But that high beltline can make smaller passengers feel as if they’re sitting in a big tub. That’s how I felt.

He: That high beltline — basically where the bottoms of the windows meet the sheet metal — also cuts down on visibility to the side and the rear. I thought the ride quality was a little stiff, too, which surprised me considering the Matrix comes with standard 16-inch wheels and tires. I did appreciate all the safety features, including standard anti-lock brakes on the Matrix XR. But you have to pay $250 extra to get side air bags. I can’t imagine many younger buyers requesting side air bags, can you?

She: But they would ask for a roof rack — and the guys I was with in Hawaii did ask about that. It seems like a glaring omission. My other concern about the Matrix is the concern of a mother — or anybody with some auto buying experience. I look at this funky hauler and I wonder if it’s going to go out of fashion quickly. Is it just a novelty like the PT Cruiser?

He: Or maybe like the Mini or the Beetle. I can solve that problem. Just bring it back in 30 years and call it the Matrix Classic.

Anita’s rating: (Above average)

Paul’s rating: (Above average)

Likes: Loads of personality. Top-notch assembly quality. Nice mix of high-tech materials in cabin. Unusual features like household-style electrical outlet on dash. Lots of headroom. Good gas mileage, better than conventional SUV. Decent safety features. Fresh styling (Anita). Nimble handling.

Dislikes: High beltline makes me feel claustrophobic (Anita). Side and rear visibility are mildly impaired. Engine is extremely noisy at highway speeds. Bizarre styling (Paul). No lighted vanity mirrors (Anita). Lack of standard roof rack is a glaring omission (Anita). Ride quality is a little stiff. Price may make this a better choice for empty nesters and seniors than entry-level buyers.

Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, five-passenger utility vehicle.

Price: Base, $18,445; as tested, $20,350 (inc. $485 destination charge).

Engine: 1.8-liter I-4; 123-hp; 118 lbs-ft torque

EPA fuel economy: 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

Twelve-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,243 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Cambridge, Ontario