Despite the slight price increase for the 2010 model year, the Matrix still comes in on the more inexpensive end of the crossover or sport wagon segment. The base model, with a 1.8-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission, starts at $16,550, while the XRS with a 2.4-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission starts at $21,960. VSC and TRAC are standard even on the base model -- which achieves 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the manual transmission.
