Used 2009 Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Toyota onslaught of Service Bulletins
matrix1_8l, Atlanta, GA, 12/02/2011
Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
36 of 40 people found this review helpful
I bought this car originally because I wanted to replace my old hatchback with something reliable and fuel efficient. So I went for the 1.8L up until now I had gotten what I paid for. The issues started when I went hit the 50000 mile mark. Since then I have been to the dealership service center over 5 times for major repairs. All of which are documented in Service Bulletins. The latest issue affects all matrix and corollas with the 1.8L engine and will not be covered after the 60000 mile warranty runs out. They actually have to go in, take apart the engine and replace engine components of the crankshaft assembly. That doesn't seem reliable to me.
Reliability is the name
faosa, Milwaukee, WI, 02/15/2020
Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I owe a second hand 2009 1.8L manual transmission since 2011, and I writing this review in 2020. I never had a Toyota before and I am truly impressed with the reliability of this car. It had 24k miles when I bought it, now 103K miles. The engine never had a problem and I never had to replace the water pump, just breaks, oil and filters. The engine feels like it felt when I bought it. A lot of people complained about the rattle, mine has no dashboard rattle and everything sounds like when I bought it. This doesn't mean it's silent, it is not in the highway for today's standards but nothing changed which for me is unheard of. I also found out that this 1.8L does not have the same problems as the 2.5L that burns oil, so I guess I got lucky. I am getting pretty bored of driving the car, just because it's been 9 years, but it's such a money saver and I can always drive my wife's car every once and while. I note that I drove this car from the Midwest to, Baja CAlifornia, Mexico, to Maine, to Florida and to Washigton, looping back through Oregon, Calfornia, Nevada (in +100F heat), Colorado and back to Wisconsin. Super reliable machine.
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Trip Mileage
Lou, 06/04/2009
Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I recently came off a trip and the mileage I got with my Toyota Matrix was 40 mpg going and 41 mpg returning. It's no bull. I couldn't believe it myself. I never drove over 62 mph; used cruise control; and I was the only person in the car. The car operated flawlessly. I'm 73 and this is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned many.
utilitarian
chuck k, Mukwonago, WI, 12/18/2018
Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
A great commuter car. Basic, simple, reliable. Only work I've had done is caliper, disk, pad, and rear hub replacement due to salt and rust damage. I wish the brakes were stronger and that the car had more low end torque. I have a manual transmission. There is a slight delay when pressing the accelerator from idle . I think the seats are comfortable, but the clutch and brake pedals are too close together, which is a problem when wearing boots. A good reliable car for the money.
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Caught dead with a matrix
Jeffery Sheppard, Venetia, PA, 09/11/2018
Toyota Matrix 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
16 of 21 people found this review helpful
Buyers beware, 2009 Toyota Matrix is a lemon that never got recall! This car has problems with oil consumption that do not warn the operator of the vehicle. The engine rattles. and now the check engine light comes on indicating that there ia a problem with the coil. The coil was replaced a few times. All of my cars are Toyota from my wife's Highlander to my 4X4 Tundra. If I had to do it again, no small cars from Toyota will be shopped. Toyota appears to have forgotten its base of customers that proudly supported her. I will never buy a Matrix again. I really hope someone sees this post before they make the same mistake.
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- Performance
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- Comfort