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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  Continue to be impressed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By SoCalMatrix - December 10 - 11:36 am

  Ive had my Matrix for almost nine months and my affection for it continues to grow. The Matrix is great for former SUV owners (such as myself) - it sits higher than your average sedan, and has a surprising amount of space. My first test drive sold me, as I found I had plenty of arm room and didnt feel cramped at all (unlike my test drive of a Mini Cooper, which felt almost cartoonish). But what really sold me is the styling - what a great looking car! My only disappointment is city MPG. Most of my driving is in stop-and-go city traffic, and I only get about 22 MPG. I chose the base model for fuel efficiency, but that aspect of the car has been slightly disappointing.

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  Better than Professional Reviewers Say. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By CarParker - November 7 - 7:40 pm

  I read a lot of tepid & dismissive reviews before I purchase the Matrix S. Ive driven many of the cars recommended as alternatives. I think the problem is perception. The look of the Matrix is a bit sportier than its performance. But the gap between its main contender, the Fit, is even greater. If you accept that no one really cares what you drive, so dont rely on your car to define your personality, what you get in the Matrix is Balance. I think this balance is what confounds the automag pros. A little sporty, a lot practical, amazingly reliable. Design is Clean & Simple, Driving is Balanced & Poised. Quick & smooth without being completely lifeless. A sport hatch for the pragmatic.

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  Love my Matrix XRS - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By hlnkid - August 27 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Matrix XRS 3 weeks ago, downsizing from a Highlander. I absolutely love it! XRS model comes with 18" wheels, that roughen the ride a tiny bit, but they handle beautifully, esp around turns. Great sporty look and feel. XRS comes standard with rear spoiler, helping to give the car a bit more ump to its looks. Good interior room, easy controls. A few small blind spots in rear, but easy to get used to. Im not at all disappointed with my purchase. Id highly recommend the 2009 Matrix to anyone looking for a solid smaller car with great handling, good gas mileage and one thats fun to drive!

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  The 1.8L is great too - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By docket - August 25 - 12:06 am

  I never thought I could love a car so much. There is so much room inside, yet it is small on the outside. The ride is smooth and the seats comfortable. My dad is still talking about how he could fit in the backseat with ease (all 350 pounds of him). The gas mileage is averaging 25 mpg with a combination of city & highway driving.

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  Surprising new generation of Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By 4kbeast - July 24 - 12:53 pm

  All wheel drive really helped me out; we got a couple of inches after I got it and the AWD in combination with the vehicle stability control and traction control gave me a lot of confidence. Plus, you get like 6 airbags. Im a big fan of the new look of the vehicle. I overlooked the previous generation, but after seeing a rally built version at the SEMA show, I was a big fan of the hatch. Ive always loved hatchbacks! I couldnt decide between the AWD S or the FWD XRS; both have the multi- link rear, which gives it a much sportier feel. I decided on the AWD auto over a XRS auto or manual because I drive in traffic and need AWD for winter. Both have the Camry 2.4L 4 cylinder.

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  Highly Recommend the Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian - April 17 - 12:20 am

  We got this as a combination commuter and cargo hauler (for small jobs for catering & food business, deliveries). We use it in place of the van when appropriate. The back seats fold down COMPLETELY flat, allowing for secure storage w/o spilling sauces, etc. There is an incredible amount of interior space, especially given its relatively small exterior size. The car (base model 1.8L) has plenty of power. No need to get the larger engine unless you like to really zip around. We get around 28 mpg (city/hwy. combined), much better than 14 mpg for the van.

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  Great commuter car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixgirl09 - January 23 - 4:40 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 months and I like it a lot, I wanted the hatchback for carrying around stuff like my bike. I like that it sits higher off the ground like my suv did. Great gas mileage. The base model has enough power for me. The gauges take some getting used too, I can see them even with sunglasses on but in direct sunlight (usually at sunset) they can be hard to see.

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  Very happy with this car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By snowman - January 14 - 7:26 am

  I am very impressed with Matrix and the versatility it offers. There is plenty of room in the back, especially if the seats are folded down. It is zippy and handles very well on the road. I agree that the visibility out the back is a bit limited, and I am also under the impression the paint may be prone to chipping. I also like the higher seating position as it makes getting into and out of the vehicle much easier. No issues after two long trips, and I dont believe it is any noisier on the highway than most other cars.

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  Perfect for me - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By 09trix - July 28 - 8:05 pm

  I got this car over a year ago to replace my first car, an Oldsmobile that broke down at least once a month. As a young girl in college, I wanted something reliable that also looked nice. I love the unique look of the XRS, the interior is comfy, and everything is easy to use. I know a lot of people arent happy with the gas mileage in the 2.4L but its fine for me, I get about 30mpg on the highway. I also LOVE how much space it has; I was able to haul a full-size mattress in it! The only complaint I have is that its a little cheaply made... the paint flakes off the hood way too easily and the interior scratches very easily. Other than that, no complaints. This car is just what I needed.

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  Love this car! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyota lover - June 8 - 7:56 am

  Oh my I love this car! It is peppy when passing other cars, who needs the 2.4 ltr, sacrificing the gas mileage is not worth it. Gas mileage so far is about 32mpg and that doesnt include any highway. The handling is amazing and it runs really quiet, hardly any road noise at all! Sound system is nice and the interior is positioned very well. The back seat is adult friendly and you can pack a ton of stuff into the back when the seats are down. This car is great, the best one we could have chosen for sure. There is nothing bad about it so far! Buy one, youll love it!