2009 Toyota Matrix Reviews

Overall is very utilitarian car. We've packed the interior with the rear seats folded down, attached a small trailer loaded and taken it for a spin. You do notice the weight but the engine pulls it along without complaint and still leaves some power for an occasional maneuver. Air noise was annoyingly noticeable without the radio on but not enough to be a distraction. Seats didn't cause any fatigue on long trips and rear seated passengers remained comfortable. Fuel mileage is about what you'd expect for a hatchback but still easy on the wallet. Fun quotient could be higher but I suspect the XRS to have options for excitement.

    * Performance – acceleration is not extraordinary, but sufficient considering the 1.8L engine. Braking is better than average, smooth, vibration free. Handling is exceptional, though the suspension is not upgraded as in the XRS.
    * Build Quality – hasn't needed repairs, but it is still quite new. However, Toyota's quality lends itself nicely to trouble free driving.
    * Appearance – interior styling has definitely improved over past versions. Love the CD/Mp3/WMA player with Auxiliary input jack. The exterior styling has far-surpassed its predecessors. In its first iteration, the Matrix did nothing to entice me (unlike the first Vibe). However, the '09 beats the old Martix and both the new and old Vibe, hands down.
    * Cost of Ownership – gas mileage seems to be fair. The engine has not fully "broken-in" yet, and mileage should improve notably then, but we still get 30 miles to the gallon. Maintenance does not seems to be much of an issue as of yet. Though dealer service may add up quickly.
    * Fun Factor – is this car fun to drive? Without a doubt. Top 5 of all the cars I have driven in.
1 - 2000 Honda S2000
2 - Acura Integra Type-R
3 - 1989 Toyota Supra Turbo
4 - Pontiac Vibe GT
5 - 2009 Matrix

I've drove the Maxtrix base model (Automatic) for twenty minutes I was very satisfied with it. It was very comfortable, has adequate performance and has a roomy, versatile interior. Gas mileage is steady at 33mpg, but I am an "eco-driver", the kind you hate to be behind. My two quibbles with the design are: Shifter is too prominent on dashboard, I am had to learn not to knock it out of gear when reaching for the radio; and rear quarter visibility not the greatest, but large mirrors help with that. After 6 years in a Volkswagen New Beetle, I like the upright seating position. Being 6 years older now makes me appreciate entry and exit ease. I've driven driven many Toyotas over the past six years exclusively, reliability has been top-notch. I would never gamble my transportation money on anything else