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 21 through 30 of 104.00

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  2009 Matrix S - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Mike Vukich - January 22 - 5:33 am

  Great car! But Ive always known Toyota made excellent vehicles. This is my 3rd one. Quiet, smooth ride. No maintenance worries. We just had a stretch of sub-zero weather. My matrix started right up; maybe a few extra cranks of the starter. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Owned for over one year - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By gthumb - July 20 - 9:53 am

  This car drives very easily, however the fit and finish is horrible, rattles since day one, tire issue within 1st 3 mos. Toyota service awful, seems very cheap, not worth the price, poor paint quality, paint is chipping off the hood, design looks nice, but the front end needs a redesign to prevent the damage done to it from simple everyday driving.

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  A nice small hatchback. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Anthony in Charlotte - August 11 - 8:40 am

  I needed an economical, affordable, and reliable car for around town and to commute to work in. The Matrix fits what I need exactly, its big enough for a child seat in the back seat, has the versatility of a "mini" SUV, is pretty stylish, and is actually fun (enough) to drive every day. The 1.8L with 5 speed wont win any races, but is surprisingly smooth and refined, especially on the highway. I know a lot of reviews on the new Matrix are filled with critics, but I really think its a great little car for what it tries to be. Our other car is a Lexus, and our 3rd Lexus - the Matrix gauges have the same feel of the new IS, really. Give the Matrix a shot, Im glad I didnt buy a Civic.

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  A new day - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By sonny - April 20 - 12:16 am

  I was impressed by the utility, and the ease of driving. The new look is what attracted me to this car. I had overlooked the car for this very reason. The car is nimble and even tho its the smaller engine, there is enough go for me. The fit and finish appears to be first rate.

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  Didnt Know What I was Looking For Until I Found It - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By tandem2 - February 19 - 5:09 am

  I 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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  Great car my awd - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By HWR - November 4 - 7:20 am

  We 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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  Mixed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By ed - August 1 - 10:46 pm

  I 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.

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  Great car for a great price! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Mom of 2 - June 24 - 4:16 am

  We sold our Honda Odyssey because it was getting terrible gas mileage. I decided to test-drive a Matrix as several others I know have a Matrix. I LOVE IT! The only complaint is the paint job seems kind of poor and scratches v. easily (silver is my color). But so long as it get 32 mpg and is dependable thats all I need! Great little car and fits me, my 6-year old twins and our 2 dogs just fine! I would not hesitate to buy one! Love the hatch-back too. Very sporty and fun to drive (I have the basic 1.8 ltr/automatic).

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  Problems with the seats - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By annemarie - June 22 - 9:53 pm

  2009 Toyota matrix ....Grey interior ....problem with seat staining from getting wet, seats replaced 2 times front and back still having the same problems ....3 water leaks.....replaced the carpets....car still smells mildew...Is this Toyota quality???? Toyota needs to do something!!!!!!! I had a 2005 matrix - good little car, shouldnt have ever traded in.

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  2009 Toyota Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By 2009 Toyota Matrix - May 14 - 3:20 am

  I have had my Matrix for one year today and have loved every minute of it. I drove my first Matrix as a rental car in 2005 and had wanted one ever since but did not like the 1.8 liter engine. When I found out that the car had been redesigned in 2009 with a 2.4 liter engine I jumped on the chance to get it. The gas mileage is a little low but is well worth it in my book. I would definitely recommend the Matrix if you want both the hauling capability of a small truck and the ability to haul four people easily.