2009 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews

awesome car !!

Written by: barbara on 11/05/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix S 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I just got the AWD Matrix yesterday. I love it !! I am down sizing from a Toyota 4 Runner. It's fun and easy to drive. As fast as a bullet ! I got the radiant red loaded one. I have never had so much fun driving a car. I am 47 years old.

Favorite Features

AWD, JBL radio, blue tooth, fold down back seats, easy controls in dash, gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

None !!!

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Mixed

Written by: ed on 10/19/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix S 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I suspect engine, and starting reliability will be there, but I've got mixed feelings on build quality from a Toyota product, as all 4 doors sound differently when you close them, and passenger sounds like it's 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.

Favorite Features

AC outlet, tonneau cover, integrated door cup holders, outside temperature.

Suggested Improvements

Pad the center console, change out the 1984 digital clock.

4 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Not as good as I thought it would be

Written by: greenplant on 10/17/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Gets great gas mileage (avg 33 mpg in mixed driving), comfortable, easy to get in and out, plenty of power in the base model AT, but fit and finish is horrible, rattles in several places, exterior paint chips all over the front (I say paint is bubbling, dealer says road debris), if that's the case, the design is poor, it looks good, but the paint will be destroyed by simple everyday driving. This has never occurred with other cars I've owned and driven on the very same roads.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Power window buttons should be moved lower, I keep putting down back window when I mean to put down the front. Include alloy wheels as standard, better stereo system, six speakers std rather than four

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love my Matrix XRS

Written by: hlnkid on 10/11/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix XRS 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

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 it's looks. Good interior room, easy controls. A few small blind spots in rear, but easy to get used to. I'm not at all disappointed with my purchase. I'd highly recommend the 2009 Matrix to anyone looking for a solid smaller car with great handling, good gas mileage and one that's fun to drive!

Favorite Features

Automatic door locks that lock when you shift into drive, and unlock when you shift into park. Handling around corners with the 18" wheels. Sporty look. Nice acceleration. Fold-flat rear seats & front passenger seat. Excellent interior lighting. Comfortable seats with good leg room.

Suggested Improvements

Power driver-side seat. Tonneau cover for rear. Privacy glass for rear/back windows. Reshape the sunglass holder so the glasses go in horizontally rather than vertically. Larger door pockets to store small items.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I love my car!!

Written by: I LOVE MY CAR on 10/02/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

After driving a Chrysler 300 for 2 years and filling gas up everyday I decided that I wanted a smaller car. I finally found the 2009 Matrix! After my test drive I was in love! The matrix interior was super comfortable and everything seem to be perfectly designed for the driver. The look is great and drives super smooth! I could have not asked for a better car!

Favorite Features

Everything

Suggested Improvements

Nothing

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Two Months now

Written by: JC on 10/01/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix S 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I brought this after having a Toyota Camry wagon for years, and a Subaru Outback for past 7 years. In two months I have put only 1500 on it. I love this car, got 34 with NO AC on a longer trip, getting 20-22 around town. Both above EPA estimates for this 2.4 auto. Love the handling and pep, the styling is distinctive and attractive, many compliments. On the practical side, hey I never buy a vehicle I can't sleep in, and this is no exception with lots of room, love the folding FPassenger seat. Roofrack is study for bike. Its a sporty hatchback/small wagon, and a welcome change from poor mileage with Subaru AWD, which I do not need in Central Virginia.

Favorite Features

Pep, styling, versatility, relative MPG for space and size.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe more standard features such as cruise, all weather and traction.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Matrix doesn't disappoint

Written by: greg on 09/18/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The Matrix replaced a 2001 Dodge minivan. We hoped to retain cargo flexibility, improve gas mileage, vehicle handling and reliability. With care in packing, the Matrix had ample camping room using a 10 c.f. soft carrier pack on the roof. Skis can be stored inside or on top. Gas mileage has averaged 30 mpg combined; 32 mpg- highway. The car is quiet, steering responsive, holds the road, suspension somewhat stiff, solid feel overall. For its weight, engine, and transmission combination, acceleration is quite good. Seating is comfortable with ample back seat room. The more I drive it, the more I appreciate its subtle qualities. A car to buy for long term value and not for instant gratification

Favorite Features

Dashboard layout; cargo capacity with folding split rear seats. I like the stick shift, but mistakenly drove the 1st 900 miles in 3rd gear rather than Drive; a mistake corrected after reading of manual. Anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags provide piece of mind. Like the exterior style.

Suggested Improvements

Wish there was more clearance between the frame and road, and better rear visibility. The radio reception could be improved. The roof rack style and weight capacity limits its functionality without buying an expensive carrier system.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Reflects the Driver...

Written by: Jack Rabbit on 08/28/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix S 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Being an Admirer of the Prius and the fact that there's a waiting list for one, I browsed the lot at the dealership I went to and I could not get over the awesome body style and "unusual" paint job (sunburst metallic). The thought of another six year car payment was dreaded but I'd moved from a 30 minute commute to and from work a day to a 65 minute one and I needed better gas mileage and a warranty so I decided to "bite the bullet" and managed to leave with a manual 09 Matrix S. Not for one moment do I regret it!!! The gas mileage is incredible (compared to my 01 Chevy Cavalier), It's very "giddy" in the speed department, Very maneuverable on the road and comfortable to drive...

Favorite Features

The sleek, sporty body style and color

Suggested Improvements

Absolutely none

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Trucker for life converted

Written by: smeg on 08/26/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix S 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I was looking to downsize from my Tacoma since gas is so expensive and I went to look at Scions when the sport Matrix jumped out at me at the dealership. I never wanted to drive anything but a truck but this little car is really growing on me. The city gas mpg is so so but its a huge improvement from what I had, also I've already been camping in it and not only did it fit all mine and my GF's gear, we still had plenty of room for my 70lb lab to be comfortable and we got 30 mpg most of the trip. I like the re-design of the 09s over the older models, especially the aggressive front end. This certainly isn't my dream vehicle but I defiantly don't regret the purchase.

Favorite Features

MP3 jack is nice and the Bluetooth is really cool. Most of all I like the cargo room it has for such a small feeling car. My dog goes everywhere with me and it has held us both very comfortably.

Suggested Improvements

Not too much to complain about except that I wish it had an A/C vent in the backseat because although were nice and cool in the front seat the dog is a little warm back there and for a few months during the summer sometimes rolling the windows down doesn't cool her off as quick as I would like.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Vibration Issue

Written by: Burrito on 08/15/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix S 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The Matrix has been a fun car to drive and I have enjoyed it greatly over the 2006 Corolla I traded in. I don't enjoy the 35 MPG that I did with the Corolla, but I have been averaging about 27. The car has pep as I easily find myself doing 80 in a 45 without noticing. I have been experiencing a vibration on the light console above the gear selector (Map Console?). The vibrations occur only when the sun is low or set, but will start even on a smooth road. I am chalking it up to thermal expansion of the roof when it is in the sun. Has anyone else experienced this? I can not get Toyota to fix because alas, the service department is not open when it is dark out.

Favorite Features

I have the stereo controls on the wheel and blue tooth hands free for my phone which suites my lifestyle.

Suggested Improvements

Cargo net should come standard.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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