2009 Toyota Matrix Consumer Reviews

Mad

Written by: mary on 11/04/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought the Matrix because I heard Toyota was a great car. I owned my Matrix for a month when I noticed paint chips on the hood, roof & back bumper. Took it to the dealership, they had the hood redone & touched up the roof & the bumper. That upset me. I thought it should have been repainted. Mind you I spent the extra 2000 & for the protective coating. One month later it's chipping on the hood & roof again. They sent me to the gentleman who repainted & touched it up the first time. I don't believe it's his fault. They should be dealing with it.

Favorite Features

I do like the way it drives.

Suggested Improvements

Paint needs big time improvement. Seats not so comfy & they stain easy. I have the protective product on them to.

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Owned for over one year

Written by: gthumb on 11/04/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Steering is very easy, good gas mileage (ave. 33mpg).

Suggested Improvements

Better front end design, ipod connection standard, better fit and finish, better quality paint, better Toyota service (nothing is ever their fault).

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A nice small hatchback.

Written by: Anthony in Charlotte on 09/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I needed an economical, affordable, and reliable car for around town and to commute to work in. The Matrix fits what I need exactly, it's 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 won't 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 it's 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, I'm glad I didn't buy a Civic.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy, front styling, practical.

Suggested Improvements

Alloy wheels on base model, better base sound system.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Love my Matrix

Written by: RM on 08/21/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Great performance, so far has been reliable. I've enjoyed driving this car. Handles great. Headrest is very uncomfortable, causes pain in the neck and back. A little hard on fuel. Other than that I would say Matrix is a great car, I have a S AWD.

Favorite Features

All, except the headrest.

Suggested Improvements

Headrest is extremely uncomfortable. Would like to get better fuel miles.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Few Problems, but Like Car

Written by: Ms. Doll on 08/16/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I actually really like my 09 Matrix S, but I have run into a few problems. My seats spot too easily during rainy weather. There is a blind spot in rear window. Gas mileage is not as great as it could be. My stereo keeps blacking out/powering off and is suppose to be replaced next week.

Favorite Features

Performance is great. I love my Sundance color. Dealership staff is always great when I take my car in for service.

Suggested Improvements

Better paint, because it does seem to chip easily. Different seat material to prevent so much spotting. Better stereo system to prevent malfunctions.Better gas mileage. Less of a rear blind spot.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2009 Toyota Matrix

Written by: 2009 Toyota Matrix on 07/31/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

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.

Favorite Features

I love the cargo space the most. I no longer have to rent a truck to haul larger items. My husband is tall so he likes the extra head room. I also like the higher seats. I don't feel like I am getting off of the floor when I climb out of it.

Suggested Improvements

The sport model could get better gas mileage. I got the Metallic Gold/Bronze color and the paint seems to scratch easily. I was offered a paint protection plan during the purchase which I declined. I wish I had gotten it now. Be mindful of that if you choose to purchase Matrix in this color.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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It's Been Very Good

Written by: Good Around Town on 07/26/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this 2009 1.8 4cyl / auto March 2008. I drive 50 miles a day and it has been good on gas 28-30 in town & 32-35 Hyw. The seats looked cheap so I bought some leather seat covers for $20.00 each and they been very comfortable. I have noticed the Paint is very cheap there are lots of chips on the hood ! A bicycle ran into the front when I was parked and pushed the bumper off to the side about 1/2 inch. I wonder how it would be in a real accident? We took a trip from Tulsa, OK. to Whittier, Ca. 3500 miles and had a very nice trip. The 1.8 cyl ran up over all the mountains with cruise control, on and the air conditioner on, and never slowed or had any problem. We're home safe and loved it.

Favorite Features

The electric assist steering and sports car like handling. The Fuel economy and the Price we paid - $14,000.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality paint !!! A higher quality interior !!!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Reliable and Practical

Written by: axiom on 07/09/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I'm echoing what CarParker already mentioned - he has said the best. It really is a sport hatch for the pragmatic. This car feels confident on the highway and quick in the city. I personally prefer the styling of this Matrix to a lot of its competitors out there. They did a great job with the front grill. The suspension is hard and the ride can be rough in the city, but this is expected from a car of this type. Nonetheless, the stability control works well. Brakes are excellent and the seat are very comfortable for me (I'm about 5'11 200 lbs). Comfort is a premium for me since I have issues with my knees for long journeys. Overall, this matrix gives you a smooth ride and great gas mileage.

Favorite Features

Plenty of cargo space with hatch, very reliable, looks great (I have the black sand pearl color), practical, good gas mileage, stability control, great pick up from dead stop, and a functional interior. This is a very good bargain.

Suggested Improvements

Rear visibility is a bit lacking. Road noise. The ride in the city can be rough, perhaps different tires or adjust psi? Interior center console can use some sprucing up.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I really like this car!

Written by: Ken on 07/04/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I've owned this car for about a month and my conclusion is I really like this car. Had an Accord prior and wanted to size down for more gas savings and better maneuverability with a small vehicle with good storage space. I liked the balance offered by the Matrix and thus far it has been a great little car. I got the 1.8 engine on purpose to save gas, and it is surprisingly peppy. I'm going to the beach and it's amazing what I can fit into such a little car. I'm having a blast!

Favorite Features

Storage area with fold down flat seats, automatic head lights, the outside look of the vehicle, and gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

More storage areas in this vehicle, upgrade interior material, and a little more width in back seat to fit 3 adults.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Harsh Ride Has Gotten Better

Written by: twocruzin on 06/28/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

No problems with this car in the 15 months I've had it. My only complaint is the way it rides on those low profile tires (45's). I think I have finally figured out the best air pressure for the best ride at 4k elevation. I've gone from the recommended pressure of 32 psi up to 35 and down to 30 and then 28. At 28, the ride was pretty good, but you could tell the tires were a bit soft as the handling was just a little mushy. Plus it's not really recommended to go that low as the tires can heat up excessively and cause a blow out. All this said, I've now gone to the other extreme and am running them at 38 psi, and this actually is the best yet. I think I'll leave them there.

Favorite Features

The height of the car and the visibility.

Suggested Improvements

Lose the extremely low profile tires - 55's or 60's would be more tolerable.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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