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

• 

  AWD Lacks Good MPG - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Gabagooo - December 12 - 10:30 pm

  I have had the AWD Matrix since July 2008 and overall, I like the car. The AWD system has been very nice to have this winter, but at a high cost. I am averaging just 22 MPG on the highway, which is lower than expected. Next time i am in the dealership I am going to have them check for problems. Also, on very long drives, the seats can become a bit uncomfortable. When the car is wet, water from the roof spills onto the rear seat when you open the back doors.

• 

  S AWD - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Steven - September 7 - 4:03 am

  Driving experience is fun for a crossover AWD vehicle. Ride is fairly smooth and build quality seems good other than a crackle and pop here and there. The car has ample power for a 158 hp 4 cylinder with all wheel drive, especially when driven in 3rd. Has plenty of room in it and versatility. The car has good looks inside and out, and definitely doesnt blend in with the ugly looks of some of its competitors. The dash layout is very nice and sporty looking, and is easy on the eyes.

• 

  2009 matrix 4d hacthback - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By abstract007 - June 30 - 5:23 am

  I replaced a vw beetle with the 2009 matrix its good not to be in the every month. So far so good its lacking pickup the automatic transmission could use improvement in order to get power I have to be hard on the kickdown but it will reach 110mph on a good day with a tail wind. Toyota need to improve the transmission, noise level fr;under carriage, front suspension easily get out of alignment,fuel 31mpg average I commute it meet the daily needs

• 

  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

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Its Been Very Good - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Good Around Town - December 17 - 12:36 pm

  I bought this 2009 1.8 4cyl / auto March 2008. I drive 50 miles a day and it has been good on gas 28-30 in town & 32-35 Hyw. The seats looked cheap so I bought some leather seat covers for $20.00 each and they been very comfortable. I have noticed the Paint is very cheap there are lots of chips on the hood ! A bicycle ran into the front when I was parked and pushed the bumper off to the side about 1/2 inch. I wonder how it would be in a real accident? We took a trip from Tulsa, OK. to Whittier, Ca. 3500 miles and had a very nice trip. The 1.8 cyl ran up over all the mountains with cruise control, on and the air conditioner on, and never slowed or had any problem. Were home safe and loved it.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!