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 1 through 10 of 104.00

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  Toyota onslaught of Service Bulletins - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix1_8l - October 11 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this car originally because I wanted to replace my old hatchback with something reliable and fuel efficient. So I went for the 1.8L up until now I had gotten what I paid for. The issues started when I went hit the 50000 mile mark. Since then I have been to the dealership service center over 5 times for major repairs. All of which are documented in Service Bulletins. The latest issue affects all matrix and corollas with the 1.8L engine and will not be covered after the 60000 mile warranty runs out. They actually have to go in, take apart the engine and replace engine components of the crankshaft assembly. That doesnt seem reliable to me.

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  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.

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  Where is MPG? - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By george - March 16 - 6:50 pm

  I have not gotten an MPG over 20 mpg (mainly stop & go traffic), with the panels in the door column coming off. Mechanical noise coming from the engine contributed to the gas by the toyota dealership. the head rest is uncomfortable and unmovable. I thought Toyota was famous for their quality.

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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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  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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  Literally feel every bump on the Road - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By my2009toyotamatrix - July 31 - 11:06 pm

  In 2009 Toyota came out with a new sharp style Matrix with powerfully 2.4 engine instead of 1.8 . So I bought it after what I thought was a long test drive. After having it for a while It started bugging me with the road noise driving literally any where. Road noise and bumpy ride is finally starting to drive me nuts. It has those showy 17 inch rims with hardly any tire meat on them to absorb simple roads conditions. It looks like 2 inches thick makes a really terrible bumpy ride. Now I am stuck with a $20,000 car that looks cool but rides like a milk truck. They made the disk brakes so big you cant change it for a smooth ride, I better trade it in before word gets out. This car is done.

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  Good looks, poor ride - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By lizstx - September 25 - 6:16 pm

  Weve nicknamed our Matrix the "covered wagon" because of how horrendous the ride is. Every bump, pot hole, and dip is magnified many times over by the fact that the "sporty suspension" makes this car feel like it has no shocks whatsoever. Its loud, rough, and we regret the day we bought it. Spare yourself the pain and pass this one by.

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  2009 Matrix get a 1.8 engine not a 2.4 - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Dude - December 27 - 1:56 pm

  The 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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  update - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By gthumb - April 15 - 3:46 am

  posted a review last Nov. since then the weather has turned colder, more rattles, and the windshield sounds as though it is going to pop out. More paint has chipped off the front end, noise inside the car has increased, and the recall has added to the loss of resale value. I will never by a Toyota again.