Latest Matrix hatchback is roomy, flexible

Toyota has been cutting corners on its interior fabrics and materials for a few years now, and as a product positioned toward the lower end of the company’s lineup the Matrix is particularly hard hit. Every surface inside the car seems as hard as Hillary Clinton’s steely resolve (and just as comforting).

The compact car market remains quite crowded with a number of contenders vying for purchase consideration. The Matrix faces a stiff challenge from quality alternatives, especially considering its price — the as-tested $22,480 sticker price indicates questionable fiscal prudence for a car that is supposed to be a near-entry-level machine.

Exercising some restraint will trim that price back dramatically. Opting for a more frugal base engine can save thousands compared to the top-of-the-line XRS version that I tested. Also in this price range are the excellent Mazda3, Saturn Aura and Volkswagen Rabbit — all available as five-door hatches. If the quasi-SUV aspect of the Matrix and its available all-wheel-drive are the source of your interest, look hard at the Subaru Forester. And if thrifty family hauling is your purpose, ignore the uncool sliding doors and take a look at the Mazda5. All of these vehicles are more engaging to drive than the Matrix and should be seriously considered.

But for the boomer-generation faithful who automatically return to the Toyota store like salmon churning upstream in the Columbia River, the Matrix is a great choice. It’s the best Corolla that Toyota sells, thanks to its flexible hatchback body style and seemingly better executed steering and suspension tuning.

One last thing to consider is that Pontiac dealers sell a rebadged version of the Matrix called the Vibe. It is bolted together on the very same Fremont, Calif., assembly line as the Toyota Corolla and the Pontiac benefits from General Motors’ generous powertrain warranty and whatever sales incentives Pontiac dealers may offer to help them sell cars, which can make that version a better deal.

Yes, I understand that some people have an aversion to the adolescent image the Pontiac brand evokes, but you’ll have to decide whether that image is enough to forego a longer warranty on the engine and transmission.

Also in msnbc.com business Answer Desk: So you have a crystal ball, eh? Your Career: Get a job working for the CIA Interactive: Ten cars that Detroit will regret Local governments face hard budget choices   Video: ‘Cash for Clunkers’ might be a win-win

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