2009 Toyota Matrix: Tester's Comments
2009 Toyota Matrix ▼
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- MSRP: $16,290 - $21,950
- Invoice: $15,229 - $20,084
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Toyota Matrix. See if the 2009 Toyota Matrix is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Toyota Matrix (LONG TERM) |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | S |
| Arrival Date: | 07/07/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 20,400 |
| Price as Tested: | 21,759 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 22 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 12675 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 12653 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 540.386 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 23.54 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Cruise Control, Vehicle Stability Control/Traction Control, Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Mat
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
The redesigned Matrix offers good cargo versatility, swoopy body styling, and the rare-for-the-class option of all-wheel drive. On our long-term AWD S tester, however, the ride and handling aren't as sporty as the styling might suggest, fuel economy is only so-so so far, and the thoroughly cost-cut interior makes the car feel like less of a bargain.
David Hall
Matrix is a great entry for interior space, practicality, and availability of all-wheel drive. For interior materials and refinement, however, it seems subpar and uncharacteristic for Toyota.
David Hogan
Matrix S has edgy styling and pleasing pep that give it a leg up on Versa and Scion. But Matrix's poor visibility is a major drawback: I quickly got tired of the narrow glass and "bathtub" cockpit. You'll pay extra dough for the S model's performance. A mid-level Accord will cost about the same, and probably be a more satisfying daily driver. And for a small car, the Matrix S is pretty thirsty.
Don Sikora
The 2009 Toyota Matrix trumps compact sedans with mini-SUV utility, and the tidy turning circle lets you easily navigate tight areas around town. But the Matrix disappoints. Tinny doors, a sub-par cargo cover, and a noisy, rattly interior are not traits you expect to encounter on a nearly $22,000 compact car. Also, the fuel economy has been disappointing in the car's break-in period, hopefully it will improve as our Matrix logs more miles.
Ed Piotrowski
Matrix is another one of those bothersome vehicles where, for every positive attribute, there is at least one other negative. This hatchback is practical, comfortable, and comes with the added benefit of all-wheel drive. At the same time, it doesn't ride or handle especially well. Further, its cheap-looking interior materials and random squeaks and rattles don't bode well for long-term durability, something that has been a Toyota hallmark for many years. We'll see how it goes over the course of this extended-use evaluation.
Harry Kapsalis
I admit that the Matrix was more pleasurable than I expected it to be for use on a long trip. Other than the sound system not being able to overpower the road and rain noise, nothing stood out as exceptionally positive or negative.
Jack Stewart
The Matrix is roomy, economical, with good performance and handling. Those who value comfort should avoid sport suspension models. At $22,000 for the AWD S, the price is reasonable.
Jennifer Geiger
Matrix is a surprisingly speedyish, relatively fun-to-drive compact, but its positive attributes are marred by build-quality issues (persistent interior rattles and an overall sense of shoddiness), poor rear visibility, and substandard fuel economy. Twenty-one miles per gallon is disappointing and $21,759 is too much to spend on a car that feels this cheap.
John Biel
Even with a few useful extra-cost options like cruise control and an antiskid system and traction control (all of which are standard on the costlier XRS model), the sticker price with delivery on this test S AWD still stopped well short of $22,000. In return, drivers get an easy-handling, fairly roomy vehicle with a good number of comfort and convenience features. However, "fun" stuff like a navigation system, power sunroof, or alloy wheels can start spiking the tab more substantially and cutting into the "good bargain" nature of the Matrix S.
Lynne Richman
Gas mileage is disappointing. This would be a good entry-level car, but the $21,000-plus sticker price is too high to appeal to that market.
Rick Cotta
Aside from the overly high cowl and restricted rear-corner visibility, our extended-use AWD Matrix strikes me as a fine all-around car at a fairly reasonable price. Power is sufficient, ride and handling are pleasant, and its versatile cargo-carrying capability is enhanced by numerous in-cabin storage cubbies. Mileage hasn't been impressive for a small car--even one with AWD--but the odometer hasn't yet hit 1000 at this writing, so it may improve after some break-in miles.
Tom Appel
Matrix is the car that the Dodge Caliber should have been. I am frankly surprised that the high-wagon compact isn't a more popular body style, as little trumps the layout for the combination of space and urban maneuverability. Our AWD car comes with the torquey 2.4-liter engine, which makes up for its relative thirst with strong getaway squirt. If you're thinking about a compact SUV but think you might need a wee less vehicle, give the Matrix a look, it's a nice package.
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