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By 
Bengt Halvorson, Editor
To bring you this extensive review of the 2009 Toyota Matrix, the experienced auto enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com consulted a wide range of published reviews. TheCarConnection.com’s editors also included firsthand experience as applicable.
Likes
-Torquey 2.4-liter engine in AWD and GT
-Smooth ride for a small car
-Good fuel economy with the 1.8-liter
-Roomy hatchback body style
Dislikes
-Rearward visibility can be difficult
-Cargo area is rather small with back seats up
The 2009 Toyota Matrix is a tall-hatchback version of the popular Toyota Corolla sedan and is sometimes called the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix; whichever name you want to use, it’s been completely redesigned for 2009, with a new look, more standard safety features, and more power on tap from a new 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine.
The base engine is still an economical 1.8-liter four-cylinder, finessed to 132 horsepower. Both engines come with a standard five-speed manual or optional automatic, but the automatic has four gears with the 1.8-liter, five with the 2.4-liter. The Base model of the 2009 Toyota Matrix includes the 1.8-liter, but the S model and sporty XRS antes up to the 2.4-liter. There’s also an all-wheel drive S model, which also includes the larger engine.
The 2.4-liter engine makes a substantial difference behind the wheel of the 2009 Toyota Matrix, as it has noticeably more torque, making it a much better choice with automatic transmission. The 1.8-liter engine has enough pep with the manual transmission, and with the smaller engine fuel economy is near the top of its class, at 26 city, 32 highway.
Compared to the 2008 Matrix, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has a lower, sportier stance, though it keeps similar proportions; inside the seats are positioned a bit lower and styling has been perked up with a matte-metallic instrument-panel treatment
The 2009 Toyota Matrix has seating for up to five people, theoretically, though only two adults will comfortably fit in the back seat. The rakish hatch impairs cargo space somewhat, but the folding seats and tall body afford quite a bit of space for stuff. Ride comfort is a strong point; top XRS and AWD S models come with a fully independent rear suspension that may bring an even smoother ride without a handling sacrifice.
All versions of the 2009 Toyota Matrix include power mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering, and an auxiliary input jack—items that aren’t always standard on small cars. The S version includes power windows and locks, a useful 115-volt power outlet good for laptops, cruise control, and a flat-folding front passenger seat, along with a spruced-up appearance, and the XRS brings big 18-inch wheels and a strut-tower brace. A DVD navigation system with XM NavTraffic is a most noteworthy new option.
Standard safety equipment on all 2009 Toyota Matrix wagons includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags, along with active headrests and anti-lock brakes. Stability and traction control is standard on the top XRS model, optional on the other versions. The Matrix earned five stars in side-impact protection for front occupants and four stars for rear occupants, in the federal government’s crash tests, but it hasn’t yet been tested by the insurance-industry-funded IIHS.
The Bottom Line
Can’t make up your mind between coupe, sedan, or SUV? The versatile, economical, and safe new 2009 Toyota Matrix might be the solution.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Toyota Matrix, also consider:
Kia Spectra5
Mazda 3
Pontiac Vibe
Subaru Impreza
Though mechanically similar to the Pontiac Vibe, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has different styling inside and out and some minor differences in equipment. Its exterior styling in particular is smoother and cleaner, without overtly flared wheel wells like the Vibe. In nearly all other attributes, the two vehicles are virtually identical. The Spectra5 and Mazda3 are arguably more fun to drive than the Matrix, with peppy engine response and a tighter suspension, and similar in overall space—though the Mazda3 has a very tight back seat. The Spectra also stands out for its long warranty, especially its ten-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Subaru Impreza hatchback is also a worthy alternative to the Matrix; though it’s somewhat more expensive, the Impreza has standard all-wheel drive, a torquey flat-four engine and an enviable safety and reliability record.
Buying Tip
If you’re tired of the “push ‘em through” attitude at your local Toyota dealership (they’re typically rated quite low in J.D. Power’s surveys for satisfaction), and you don’t mind the slightly different styling of the Pontiac Vibe, you might want to go with the Pontiac dealership.
