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2009 Toyota Matrix Safety Review

July 19, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Good, frontal offset impact; Good, side impact; Acceptable, side impact
IIHS

Five stars, frontal impacts; five stars, side driver impact; four stars, side passenger impact
NHTSA

Visibility is poor to the rear corners
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix easily meets all safety benchmarks, thanks to its impressive crash-test scores and long list of standard features, as well as an affordable stability system for lower-end versions. TheCarConnection.com's research shows that this Toyota 2009 model is no longer behind the small-car curve in safety equipment.

In government-sponsored NHTSA testing, the 2009 Toyota Matrix earns a perfect five-star rating in three out of four impact tests, with the only blemish coming in the form of a four-star rating for side passenger impacts. Insurance-industry-sponsored IIHS tests yield similarly high scores for the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix, with the vehicle earning the highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset and side impact categories.

In addition to a very strong report card from the crash-testing agencies, the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix offers an admirable list of safety features. Edmunds reviewers report that "every 2009 Toyota Matrix comes with antilock disc brakes, though the S and XRS have larger discs all around" than the base version. MyRide.com adds that this Toyota 2009 model features "standard front-side airbags and side-curtain airbags," while Cars.com notes that "all five seats have head restraints, and active head restraints are standard up front." One other major positive for the 2009 Toyota Matrix is the fact that, as Cars.com points out, "an electronic stability system runs an affordable $250—compare that to $450 on the Rabbit, $440 on the Caliber and $650 on the outgoing Matrix. The system is standard on the Matrix XRS."

With all the great safety news regarding the Toyota 2009 Matrix, you might be wondering why the vehicle doesn't score a perfect 10 in this category. The short answer is that, as TheCarConnection.com's editors point out, visibility can be frustrating. ConsumerGuide reviewers also notice this unfortunate trait, stating that "visibility is poor to the rear corners," which can create a serious safety problem during lane changes and other merging situations.

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota Matrix has the selling points to satisfy most safety-conscious consumers.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Good, frontal offset impact; Good, side impact; Acceptable, side impactIIHSFive stars, frontal impacts; five stars, side driver impact; four stars, side passenger impactNHTSAVisibility is poor to the rear cornersConsumerGuide The 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix easily meets all safety benchmarks, thanks to its impressive crash-test scores and long list of standard features, as well as an affordable stability system for lower-end versions. TheCarConnection.com's research shows that this Toyota 2009 model is no longer behind the small-car curve in safety equipment. In government-sponsored NHTSA testing, the 2009 Toyota Matrix earns a perfect five-star rating in three out of four impact tests, with the only blemish coming in the form of a four-star rating for side passenger impacts. Insurance-industry-sponsored IIHS tests yield similarly high scores for the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix, with the vehicle earning the highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset and side impact categories. In addition to a very strong report card from the crash-testing agencies, the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix offers an admirable list of safety features. Edmunds reviewers report that "every 2009 Toyota Matrix comes with antilock disc brakes, though the S and XRS have larger discs all around" than the base version. MyRide.com adds that this Toyota 2009 model features "standard front-side airbags and side-curtain airbags," while Cars.com notes that "all five seats have head restraints, and active head restraints are standard up front." One other major positive for the 2009 Toyota Matrix is the fact that, as Cars.com points out, "an electronic stability system runs an affordable $250—compare that to $450 on the Rabbit, $440 on the Caliber and $650 on the outgoing Matrix. The system is standard on the Matrix XRS." With all the great safety news regarding the Toyota 2009 Matrix, you might be wondering why the vehicle doesn't score a perfect 10 in this category. The short answer is that, as TheCarConnection.com's editors point out, visibility can be frustrating. ConsumerGuide reviewers also notice this unfortunate trait, stating that "visibility is poor to the rear corners," which can create a serious safety problem during lane changes and other merging situations. ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota Matrix has the selling points to satisfy most safety-conscious consumers. 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "The look of the five-door attempts to be sportier and more aggressive" MotherProof: "A sporty hatchback that looks as if some thought actually went into the design" Edmunds: "Ergonomic cabin layout" The 2009 Toyota ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Though mechanically similar to the Pontiac Vibe, the 2009 Toyota Matrix has different styling inside and out, as well as 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 backseat. The Spectra also stands out for its long warranty, especially its ten-year/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.

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See the Toyota Matrix in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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