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 81 through 90 of 104.00-
Dont Believe the Negativity - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By matrix09lover - March 4 - 1:12 amIve owned my 2009 XRX Matrix since the 1st one came into the local showroom in Feb 2008. Positives: I get 27mpg in town & 30-35 on the freeway with the 2.4L engine. Im 63" and have plenty of headroom. I love the smart gears which allow me extra power going up hills or lower gearing for the heavy snows. The storage is great and Ive gotten lots of compliments on the rear seats. I love the peppiness and get up and go the car has when getting on the freeway. Cons: Yes, there is a lot of road noise and performance tires needed for the XRS trim are more expensive than regular tires and only last 36K-40K miles at the most. This is a great car. I plan on keeping it a long time.
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Didnt Know What I was Looking For Until I Found It - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By tandem2 - February 19 - 5:09 amI had been looking for a vehicle to give my 2001 Trooper a rest for the work commute. I had driven everything from BMW X3s to the Nissan Cube and was really getting disappointed. Then I got behind the wheeel of a 2009 Matrix XRS with 10k miles on it...WOW! Within 5 minutes I knew that I had found the vehicle I was looking for. Comfortable for my 6 foot frame, sporty, fun to drive, relatively economical and pretty darn practical for the exterior dimensions. It has been 3 months since the purchase and my wife and I are still commenting how pleased we are with the car. We some long (400+ mile) trips coming, and we are looking forward to them. Great job Toyota!
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Fun to drive, some utility, good on gas - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By Steve - January 9 - 4:16 pm1800 miles so far. Fun to drive. Feels like a sports car. Great for utility. Only slightly smaller in back than my 4runner. 2.4L engine is great but reduces mpg. I get 30 highway. 35 would be more to my liking. Its worth it to me so far though. 5-speed manual is fun but needs one more gear on the high end. A 6th speed (extra overdrive) is what it really needs. That would gain a few mpg and reduce revs on highway. This engine could handle it. Gas pedal seems to be on wrong angle for me (6 and slim). Right foot hurts if I drive highway too long. Always get a nice greeting when people see it, esp younger. It is a slick looking car. Clutch was jumpy for first 1000 miles, ok now.
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A big step up. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By gabagooo - January 4 - 9:16 pmI traded my 2007 Yaris HB in on the Matrix. As a city car, the Yaris was great, but as a roadmaster, not so good. I test drove a Rabbit, which felt small compared to the Matrix, which seems bulk. The car has a heavy feel and is very comfortable on long drives. I am getting 29.5 mpg highway and 20 mpg city - exactly as advertised. The Matrix offers a lot of value for the money and I am pleased with my purchase. Compared to the Yaris, this car feels very solid and safe.
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2009 Matrix get a 1.8 engine not a 2.4 - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By Dude - December 27 - 1:56 pmThe Matrix 2009 is a great looker but terrible on gas mileage maybe 17 if I am lucky. If you drive like a old man at 55 maybe get 20. I screwed up and wanted power and bought the 2.4 engine instead of the 1.8 . With a 2.4 the gas goes down these fuel injectors like its no tomorrow. Its really a shame I picked a gas guzzler and it doesnt look like a SUV.
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I love my new car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By Alex - November 27 - 10:53 amI just bought a new Matrix. So far, I love the car. It drives well and with the larger engine, has great pickup. I am a large person, but with the extra headroom in the vehicle, I dont feel cramped. I think this car will meet and exceed my expectations for an economy vehicle.
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Love it! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By Love it - November 19 - 12:56 pmFrom a woman point of view I love the car! I like the way it looks. But my husband has enjoyed it also. The interior space is surprisingly big; I mean, I knew everybody talks about the cargo space, but as a passenger you do have lots of room to play with. It has a nice turn to it, it is a smooth drive.
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Great car my awd - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By HWR - November 4 - 7:20 amWe purchased our 09 matrix in 2008. At the time living in snowy area we got the awd-s model with the 2.4 litre Camry engine. Traction control on snow/ice fantastic. Not too many other cars can beat it from a light, eccept maybe a sports sedan with a v-8? paint chips easily, seats uncomfortable&blind spots, mileage is o. k. 28-30 mpg on highway. Overall the car is good. 31,000 miles&only oil changes. All 4 tires will need to be replaced soon. Remember, its awd!
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Good so far - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By Pleased so far - October 24 - 3:23 pmIve had this car for a year now and have put 10,000 miles on it. I have been pleased so far. Paid $16,500 for base model with auto, air and power windows. Getting over 30 MPG in mixed highway/city driving. Keeping between 60-65 I can get about 38mpg on the highway. With the back seats down and the front seats up, a twin size air mattress will fit in back. The back seats have plenty of room for 2 adults. Handles relatively well in the snow. Despite all the news about recalls Ive had no problems with quality so far.
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Mixed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
By ed - August 1 - 10:46 pmI suspect engine, and starting reliability will be there, but Ive got mixed feelings on build quality from a Toyota product, as all 4 doors sound differently when you close them, and passenger sounds like its going to break. 20 mile commute is comfortable and all-wheel drive adds to the handling, fuel tank could be larger, and rear blind spots need attention.
