Topic: 2009 Toyota Matrix

[johngenx]

Go drive it.  Personally, I have found the 4AT in the Corolla smooth as silk and the ratios well chosen for the mission of the car.  Also, the 4-speed is a known quantity, bulletproof.

[silver]

I test drove the Matrix and couldn't wait to get out!

The one I drove must have been a lemon, because it didnt seem to want to swtich gears (automatic).

  I am almost 5'11 and the visability for me was terrible!

[Schmengie]

I test drove the Matrix and couldn't wait to get out!

The one I drove must have been a lemon, because it didnt seem to want to swtich gears (automatic).

  I am almost 5'11 and the visability for me was terrible!

  I'm also 5'11" and I found the Matrix's visibility really bad. The car's high belt line swoops up even higher to the rear making the door sills so high I couldn't comfortably rest my arm on them. Shoulder-checking was an exercise in frustration, at least for me. Those odd rear-quarter windows are so small they're pretty much useless. My Versa's visibility is better in every respect.

[SteelyDon]

I just leased a 2009 Matrix 1.8 Litre.  The lease rate is high, 6.9%, still half a point lower than the Vibe.  Toyota thought that the 2.4 Litre would sell much better than the 1.8, so they contracted for a zillion 2.4 engines, etc..  This was a big mistake.  People buying Toyotas tend to be conservatives drivers and buyers, and are buying for fuel economy as much as anything, and a souped-up version of a fuel-efficient car is counter-intuitive, to me.  So it proved.  Buyers are after the 1.8, and there are very few.  As soon as they arrive, the dealers mark them on the computerized inventory system as SOLD.  There is much more demand for the 1.8.  Check the dealers' lots: they are all XR and XRS models, and Toyota is knocking $500 off those two.
http://tinyurl.com/642zuw

[rrocket]

PICS!!!

[mrgoody]

One of the biggest reasons for going to xr is not only a slightly Power full engine, You also get high safety features like traction and stability control, the later is proven to save lives. Yes the bigger engine consumes a little more gas- but the extra features are certainly worth the extra expense.

I just leased a 2009 Matrix 1.8 Litre.  The lease rate is high, 6.9%, still half a point lower than the Vibe.  Toyota thought that the 2.4 Litre would sell much better than the 1.8, so they contracted for a zillion 2.4 engines, etc..  This was a big mistake.  People buying Toyotas tend to be conservatives drivers and buyers, and are buying for fuel economy as much as anything, and a souped-up version of a fuel-efficient car is counter-intuitive, to me.  So it proved.  Buyers are after the 1.8, and there are very few.  As soon as they arrive, the dealers mark them on the computerized inventory system as SOLD.  There is much more demand for the 1.8.  Check the dealers' lots: they are all XR and XRS models, and Toyota is knocking $500 off those two.
http://tinyurl.com/642zuw

[ArticSteve]

IMO, the 1.8 litre is the more natural fit for the corolla/matrix.  But the Corolla\Matrix with the 2.4 is really gonna fly and comes with great standard features for the price.  The power is significantly more and the mileage while good, will be significantly less than the 1.8 versions in the city, but if you're primarily an expressway or highway driver it will be worth the extra few bucks particularly in auto.

[Leviathan]

Graham Fletcher has a go at an AWD Vibe in episode 17 here. Not exactly a glowing review.

[ArticSteve]

I wouldn't recommend one of those either.

[Ilpav]

My mom rented a 2009 Matrix base with "option B" package a couple of weeks ago. I did some driving in it and here are my thoughts:

- I hate the look of it from the front, it looks like a hippo (looks OK from up close, though).
- Visibility isn't so good because of the smaller windows.
- I hate the electric power steering, feels too "artificial."
- Power is not bad from the 1.8 L engine and 4-spd auto is ok.
- Some of the interior plastics are horrible and fit and finish isn't the best (I can easily move the panels around).
- Space is very good, it has more space then a Camry , even.
- Seats are very comfortable and supportive. You can fit 3 people in the back without too many problems. 
- Driving position is pretty good because all Matrices have tilt/telescopic steering wheels as standard.

Overall, I would give it a 8/10.

I am actually considering a 2005 Matrix XR, can anyone here please compare the previous gen to the current gen Matrix?