Overview & Reviews

Toyota's compact hatchback/wagon is redesigned. The new 2009 Toyota Matrix is the same size as the old one, but a new 2.4-liter engine makes it a better performer and all-wheel drive is once again an option.

• Smooth and quiet ride, ergonomic cabin layout, adult-friendly backseat, perfectly flat load floor makes it an excellent cargo hauler.

• Mediocre gas mileage with 2.4-liter engine, tepid driving dynamics.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 104.00

• 

  Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixok - April 18 - 5:16 pm

  Paint chips all over. Will have to have it repainted. Blind spot in the back. Gas mileage is good. Had tire blow out and had to replace 2 tires and rims. This was due to something the dealer did but as another review said the dealers do not own up to anything. On 3rd radio. Transmission seems to be slipping. Interior is hard to keep clean

• 

  Highly Recommend the Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian - April 17 - 12:20 am

  We got this as a combination commuter and cargo hauler (for small jobs for catering & food business, deliveries). We use it in place of the van when appropriate. The back seats fold down COMPLETELY flat, allowing for secure storage w/o spilling sauces, etc. There is an incredible amount of interior space, especially given its relatively small exterior size. The car (base model 1.8L) has plenty of power. No need to get the larger engine unless you like to really zip around. We get around 28 mpg (city/hwy. combined), much better than 14 mpg for the van.

• 

  Is Toyota ever going to do what I want? - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By windysun - February 19 - 11:36 pm

  I love my 09 Matrix. My tall kids are comfortable in the back. I think it is the best looking car for this class. However, Toyota skimps on little luxuries. If this car were made by Lexus under a different name, I would buy 3. This car needs more comfortable seats. As usual, it is bare bones. I dont feel I paid bare bones price though. When you hit a curb or something, holy cow. The whole car gets a jolt.

• 

  Great commuter car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixgirl09 - January 23 - 4:40 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 months and I like it a lot, I wanted the hatchback for carrying around stuff like my bike. I like that it sits higher off the ground like my suv did. Great gas mileage. The base model has enough power for me. The gauges take some getting used too, I can see them even with sunglasses on but in direct sunlight (usually at sunset) they can be hard to see.

• 

  Very happy with this car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By snowman - January 14 - 7:26 am

  I am very impressed with Matrix and the versatility it offers. There is plenty of room in the back, especially if the seats are folded down. It is zippy and handles very well on the road. I agree that the visibility out the back is a bit limited, and I am also under the impression the paint may be prone to chipping. I also like the higher seating position as it makes getting into and out of the vehicle much easier. No issues after two long trips, and I dont believe it is any noisier on the highway than most other cars.

• 

  Did i make a mistake? - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Terry - December 22 - 10:20 am

  I purchased my Matrix XR in May, 2008. I think the vehicle is comfortable, fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. Love the look of the vehicle as well. However, everything was fine until about 25,000 km. The alignment needed adjusting, windshield has a air leak somewhere, and the dash board also squeaks really bad when its cold. Its quite annoying. Had it in the dealership and they agreed something was wrong with the windshield. They removed the windshield and then replaced the seal. Noise is still there. My radio failed. New one on order. Hate the way the rain leaves marks on the interior of the seats.

• 

  Marixn 09 disappointing! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Poormel - November 18 - 5:13 am

  Not particularly fun to drive, has awkward sitting position, seat doesnt travel far back enough for my comfort. I get a back ache after 2 hours of driving, which I dont get in my 01 Corolla. Emergency brake lever placed in a bad position, it seems to be always in the way and can easily be pulled up by a child or you by accident. It creates a cramped area in between 2 front seats. Rear seating room is very limited. Doors sound cheap when closing them.

• 

  Nice Ride - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By GrindEm - October 19 - 7:03 am

  Bought the 2.4L with the 5 speed manual tranny in radiant red. This car needs the 2.4L to move the extra pork at an acceptable pace. I love the engine and the tranny, very positive driving experience! I am 61 and find it to be a little tight in the seat and in the foot wells. The layout is very handy and will fit a lot of stuff with the seats folded down. However the design makes for the worst tunnel cover for privacy I have ever seen! I really like the new exterior styling, big improvement over the geriatric 1st generation. I love the way Toyota puts their packages and model lines together, clean and straight foward. All in all a fun car to drive, quick, agile, stable, good price, aux jack.

• 

  Perfect for me - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By 09trix - July 28 - 8:05 pm

  I got this car over a year ago to replace my first car, an Oldsmobile that broke down at least once a month. As a young girl in college, I wanted something reliable that also looked nice. I love the unique look of the XRS, the interior is comfy, and everything is easy to use. I know a lot of people arent happy with the gas mileage in the 2.4L but its fine for me, I get about 30mpg on the highway. I also LOVE how much space it has; I was able to haul a full-size mattress in it! The only complaint I have is that its a little cheaply made... the paint flakes off the hood way too easily and the interior scratches very easily. Other than that, no complaints. This car is just what I needed.

• 

  Love this car! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyota lover - June 8 - 7:56 am

  Oh my I love this car! It is peppy when passing other cars, who needs the 2.4 ltr, sacrificing the gas mileage is not worth it. Gas mileage so far is about 32mpg and that doesnt include any highway. The handling is amazing and it runs really quiet, hardly any road noise at all! Sound system is nice and the interior is positioned very well. The back seat is adult friendly and you can pack a ton of stuff into the back when the seats are down. This car is great, the best one we could have chosen for sure. There is nothing bad about it so far! Buy one, youll love it!