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 31 through 40 of 104.00

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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Happy Matrix Owner - November 17 - 12:43 am

  This car has been excellent in all ways. Very dependable, quiet and comfortable. Yes, a bit of a blind spot, but if you know about it, them you adjust the mirrors and compensate for it. Surprising amount of room for both passengers and for hauling stuff. Tinted the windows and it looks nice and sporty.

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  2009 Matrix S not great in winter - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Springleaf - November 10 - 4:30 pm

  I used to own a Chevy Blazer that was lucky to make 11 miles to the gallon at sale. Now I have a highly responsive 2.4L 2009 Toyota Matrix S Auto. Im liking the option of shifting manual, especially when shifting down. Its a smooth ride on smooth pavement, but hit a bump and the whole car jumps (ka-wump). Hit some ice recently and the car kept going, ABS worked, tires didnt. At least I didnt spin around like the guy in front of me. Like a controlled slip. I recommend practicing driving on ice away from traffic first. Bottom line, not thrilled, would trade it in if I could find something better without paying more after trade-in. Would probably keep it if it never snowed.

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  Poor Fit and Finish - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Ed - October 30 - 5:00 pm

  I had a Sienna before this Matrix. The Sienna was the best vehicle I ever owned. I cant say the same for the Matrix. The first 6,000 miles were great, no problems. Then it got cold and the noises started. There was an air leak on the drivers window, the dash made noises, and it sounded like the windshield is going to fall out. Finally, the strut on the hatch failed. The dealer could not fix anything and they even made the problems worse. Toyota said they could not make the dealer fix the car, so now I have to make a several hour trip to get the car fixed somewhere else. I wish I would have bought a Honda!

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  Good Car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By twocruzin - October 8 - 6:26 pm

  Have had the car for four months now and its working out very nice. It now has over 7k miles on it and we just got back from a 4k trip. Gas mileage on the trip ranged from 27 on very hilly interstate to over 33 on flat interstate all with A/C on. At home we consistently get 30 to 32. We like the higher profile of the car and the ease of getting in and out. The headrests are a problem for short people (5) as weve had to turn one around to accommodate my wife otherwise it pushes into her head. We dont care for the low profile tires as they ride rather hard on the country roads where we live if inflated to recommended pressure (32 psi). Theyre better at 30. Like the 17" wheels though.

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  Fun econo car with extras - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By fingerstyle22 - September 10 - 2:13 pm

  Downsized from an 02 Ford Explorer. Off the bat, the 09 Matrix has greatly exceeded my expectations. First off, I ordered the car with extras: leather seats, darker tinted windows, backup sensor, Perma Plate protectant. Uniquely original design for 09: dramatic outlines all around; SUV to CUV/stationwagon functionality. However, with 17" tires, VSC, AWD, 2.4 liter 158hp engine and 162lb feet torque (double cams), electronic steering, the car slices easily through traffic, and corners like butter. Handles road bumps with a rock solid chassis. Excellent fuel at 20/26 variable plus or minus 3 mpg either way. 5 Star metallic paint! "Black Sand Pearl".

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  Big Disappointment - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By camrykiller - September 7 - 3:34 pm

  I bought this car because it looked cool, and I always had Toyotas. I thought it would be fun to drive, and good on gas. Wrong. The car is ridiculously boring to drive. At 49,000 miles, the paint is peeling off the hood and front bumper...should be rusting soon. This car has the worst blind spot in auto history with the ridiculous pillar thing in the back rear. The interior is cheap, and it drives like a tonka toy car. Although the car will probably run forever, I would not buy this car again. I traded it in at 49,000 miles for a 2007 Honda Accord. Let me tell you....There is no comparison! The Toyota Matrix is so boring to drive and is a waste of money unless you just want A to B

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  Love my Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By RM - August 8 - 9:56 pm

  Great performance, so far has been reliable. Ive enjoyed driving this car. Handles great. Headrest is very uncomfortable, causes pain in the neck and back. A little hard on fuel. Other than that I would say Matrix is a great car, I have a S AWD.

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  Good value - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Baystater - July 3 - 2:20 pm

  Bought an09 base model 1.8L manual with power package June 1 of 2008 for 16K. Have 13500 miles on it. Smooth ride, smooth shifting, excellent stability control for cornering, excellent disc brakes, decent gas mileage (28-29 city and 34-35 highway), good cargo capacity (can fit my bike w/o taking wheel off), very readable dash, adjustable telescopic steering wheel, seat comfort lacking in lumbar support, poor paint job (easily scratches from road debris), and horrible rear visibility (almost didnt buy it because of poor visibility). Given price difference with a Prius, e.g. 16K vs 23K, I figured it was a better value. Glad I bought it.

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  awesome car !! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By barbara - June 29 - 4:33 am

  I just got the AWD Matrix yesterday. I love it !! I am down sizing from a Toyota 4 Runner. Its fun and easy to drive. As fast as a bullet ! I got the radiant red loaded one. I have never had so much fun driving a car. I am 47 years old.

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  I really like this car! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Ken - September 20 - 7:33 am

  Ive owned this car for about a month and my conclusion is I really like this car. Had an Accord prior and wanted to size down for more gas savings and better maneuverability with a small vehicle with good storage space. I liked the balance offered by the Matrix and thus far it has been a great little car. I got the 1.8 engine on purpose to save gas, and it is surprisingly peppy. Im going to the beach and its amazing what I can fit into such a little car. Im having a blast!