When the Toyota Matrix hit the streets in the latter part of 㢦 it was arguably one of the most interesting looking compact wagons of its time. The Matrix also boasted decent cargo room, good acceleration (in XRS trim), and though interior quality could have been improved, the Matrix represented a good value in its class. Fast foreword six years and Toyota has given the Matrix its first complete redesign, making the 㤑 models the second generation. Though Toyota has a reputation for consistently improving their products from one generation to the next, some of Toyota's new products are inferior to their most recent predecessors [the new Corolla, for example]. Does the 2009 Toyota Matrix fall victim to the same cost cutting as some of Toyota’s other products?

The '09 Matrix is available in four trim levels: Base, S, S with All-wheel Drive, and XRS. While the base trim comes equipped with Toyota's 1.8-liter 4-cylinder producing 132 horsepower, the S, S AWD, and XRS receive Toyota's more potent 2.4-liter (borrowed from the new Scion xB) making a healthy 158 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft of torque. Except for the AWD S, which can only be had with a 4-speed automatic, each trim level can be teamed with either an optional 5-speed automatic w/sport shift (add $1,200) or the standard 5-speed manual gearbox. Note: Though the top-of-the-line XRS trim retains the same 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine as the lesser S trim, it receives an independent rear suspension, a strut tower brace, and large 18" wheels. It should also be noted that the Pontiac Vibe (The matrix's nearly identical twin) has also been similarly redesigned this year and is still offered at Pontiac dealerships.

Styling: 8/10

Like its sedan counterpart (the Corolla) the Matrix 5-door wagon also gets completely restyled for 2009. Unlike the new Corolla, however, the freshly redesigned Matrix looks markedly different than the outgoing models. Neither flashy nor too conservative, the 2009 Matrix boasts a more aggressively styled front fascia with sharply angled wrap-around headlamps, smoother profile lines, and a rear-end that is devoid of the dated Altezza-style tail lamps that plagued the 2005-2008 matrices. Overall, Toyota gets a thumbs-up with the Matrix’s redesign: it's attractive, sporty, and though I'm not a fan of the stock 16" alloy wheels on the S trim (sexier 18s come standard on the XRS) this is a fun-looking wagon with a tastefully executed design scheme.

Performance: S FWD 2.4-liter 4-cylinder w/ 5-speed manual gearbox:

Acceleration: 8/10

After '06 Toyota dropped the Matrix's optional 164 horsepower 2ZZ-GE engine, leaving a not so impressive 126 horsepower 1.8-liter engine as the Matrix’s sole power plant. While the base trim Matrix is still powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder [horsepower is now up to 132, though], for 2009 Toyota has once again given consumers the option of a more powerful engine. I drove the S trim level that sports the Matrix's flagship engine a standard equipment: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 158 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft of torque. Though 158 horsepower is hardly class-leading (the Caliber R/T and the Subaru Impreza 2.5i offer superior horsepower numbers), the Matrix S feels just as quick as its more powerful competitors. What makes the Matrix's engine so admirable is its completely accessible power throughout the rev range. Stab the Matrix's throttle from a stop and there is plenty of giddy-up from idle to its 6,500 RPM redline. For those who cringe at the thought of driving a 3,000 lb. wagon with a 4-cylinder engine, rest assured that the Matrix’s motor gets the job done with finesse.

Engine Quality: 8/10

The Matrix's engine doesn't just provide good power, it's also refined. At idle the Matrix's engine is silent and vibration fee, and though it’s not terribly quiet at wide-open-throttle, it offers a pleasant exhaust note that never sounds harsh or thrashy while accelerating hard. But I digress, with refinement sometimes comes boredom, and I fear that fans of the 1st generation XRS, with its sling shot 1.8, will find the 2.4's more linear flow of power to be yawn evoking in comparison.

Transmission: 9/10
The 5-speed manual gearbox equipped in my Matrix S (a 5-speed automatic with sport-shift is optional for around $1,200) was a pleasant surprise. Unlike the 6-speed manual in the 1st generation XRS, I found the new 5-speed to offer smoother gear engagement, even better gearing (despite having 1 less gear), and the shifter's throws feel shorter than what I remember them being in the XRS. What I also like about this transmission is how easy it is to use and how forgiving it is; those just learning how to drive a manual transmission will undoubtedly appreciate this.

Handling: 7/10

Although I drove the Matrix S, meaning I didn't get the rear multi-link suspension or the 18-inch wheels found on the top-of-the-line XRS trim, the S trim is still able to tackle most twisty with confidence. While the Matrix still feels a bit mini-vanish due mainly to its tall seating position and 5.3" of ground clearance, body roll isn't as much of an issue as it was in the previous generation. The Matrix S comes with a dated rear torsion beam suspension and small-ish 16” wheels wrapped in 205/55 all season tires (17s are optional for around $900), however it still feels well controlled on all but the most demanding of roads. Even when road imperfections were tossed in the mix, I never experienced any wheel hop (a common problem with rear torsion beam suspensions) nor did I feel I was being tossed off course. I do have one major gripe in this department, though: Toyota’s horrible electric steering. Like the new electric steering in the Corolla, the Matrix's electric system feels disconnected and provides absolutely no feedback with too much assist at lower speeds. Overall, the Matrix’s handling has improved modestly for 2009, however there are still more fun to drive comparably priced wagons out there, i.e. the Mazda3S, the VW Rabbit, and the Impreza 2.5i.

Ride Quality: 8/10

Although the Matrix is geared fairly tall, my S never felt short of power on steep inclines or while making quick passing maneuvers; its healthy torque numbers are to blame, no doubt. Unlike the previous generation XR trim, which sometimes needed to be downshifted from 5th gear all the way down into third gear just to overcome steep inclines, my S trim was able to tackle the same steep roads with no need to downshift from top gear. The Matrix is also relatively quiet while driving up mountain roads. While the previous generation XRS and XR screamed up steep mountain roads, the new S is more than happy to climb up 7% grades: earplugs not needed.

One of the major gripes I had with the 2003-2008 matrices was its inability to keep wind/engine/ and road noises isolated from the cabin. Though wind noise is still a mild issue in the 2009 models, engine noise is much more subdued in the new model and road noise is no longer a major gripe. The new Matrix is also better at absorbing potholes and general road imperfections for 㢭. Despite having a relatively taught suspension, the Matrix absorbs bumps with a solid thud and it never felt uncomfortably jarring on rough pavement.

Fuel Economy: 4/10

Unfortunately Toyota has taken a few steps backwards when it comes to fuel economy. While fuel prices are still among the highest ever recorded in history, the Matrix S receives a V6-ish 21 MPG city/28 MPG highway according to the EPA. If you are downgrading from a SUV, these numbers may seem acceptable, but for an economical wagon these numbers are downright gas-hoggish. Toyota also doesn't give the S a very big gas tank (13.2 gallons) so fill-ups will most likely be needed around the 250-300 mile mark: not exactly impressive or convenient. If you are looking for a more economical wagon and willing to sacrifice engine power, the base model will provide a few extra miles per gallon on both the highway and in town, or alternatively, the Saturn Astra, Mazda3S, and Nissan Versa all offer modestly superior EPA numbers.



Interior:

Styling: 3/10

Though Matrix has been redesigned for 2009, its interior styling remains uncannily similar to the outgoing models' cabin. Toyota's has once again overdosed the interior with faux metal trim that is not only dated and tacky, but hard on the eyes: literally and figuratively. Toyota also made the mistake of making the dash fascia too busy with a multitude of shapes: you got round buttons, square buttons, a mix of overlapping oval and round instrument cluster gauges, round titanium laced vents, etc. I get that Toyota wants the Matrix to appeal to young audiences and sometimes gimmicky gauges and bright metal accents do the trick, but the overall look seems forced and messy; Toyota should know better.

Quality: 4/10

My gripes with the Matrix's interior don’t end with its cheesy interior styling; the Matrix's interior quality also fails to impress. While not as poor as the new Corolla's uber-cheap interior, the Matrix’s redesigned interior materials feels less expensive than what is typically provided from Toyota’s workshop. The Matrix’s dash materials, for example, feel hard and un-textured and the door paneling feels as if Toyota dipped into Ford's parts bin: even the HVAC controls feel clunky and cheap. I'm also not 100% in love with the seat fabric. Though the new Matrix's seats offer tons of cushioning, I prefer the Valuer type seat fabric in the outgoing models to the cheaper-feeling fabric in new models. Note: the XRS trim gets upgraded seat fabric.

Ergonomics: 8/10

Ergonomics remain about the same as the outgoing models, that is to say all the switchgear is logically placed and easy to use while operating the vehicle. Though I would have liked to have seen the center stack curve just a bit more toward the driver's seat for those of us with a T-Rex ape index, I still found all the swtichgear fairly easy to reach. Those who found it difficult to find a good driving position with the 1st generation will be pleasantly surprised with the new Matrix. Thanks to lower cropped seats, 6-way adjustments (the front passenger seat receives 4-way adjustments), and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, finding a good driving position is now made painfully easy.

Seat Comfort: 9/10

Save for the mildly uncomfortable seat fabric, the Matrix's seats are about as good as seats get in this class. Not only do the Matrix's seats boast good upper and lower body support, but they also offer high levels of comfort that can't be matched by many of its competitors; these seats should be a huge plus for those who take frequent long road trips.

Creature Room: 6/10

Creature space ranks about the same as the outgoing models. I didn't notice any marked improvements or degradation of space with the new generation. With that being said, most consumers should have plenty of head and leg room in both the front and rear, however 3-passenger's in the back will probably still be a tight fit, especially if your passengers are in the 6' range.

Storage space: 8/10

Though the Matrix doesn’t offer much more creature space than the outgoing models, it does offer a healthier amount of storage space. The redesigned cabin still offers your typical amount of storage, i.e. 4-cup holders, a relatively good sized glove box, and a small center console, however the rear cargo space has improved dramatically. With the rear 60/40 split seats folded flat the Matrix offers a good dose of cargo room for a compact wagon: almost 20 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats in their upright position and a whopping 62 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. There are also the convenience of tie downs and a grippy plastic floor with rubber strips to keep items from moving around. The front passenger seat also folds flat, so if you plan on carrying long items or need a surface for your laptop, this feature will be appreciated.


Amenities: 5/10

While the base Matrix is an unfortunate stripped down model, the Matrix S comes adequately equipped. However, even with the added amenities on my S model, it still falls short of what I would expect from a car in the 19K-price range. Standard on the Base Matrix comes only the necessities, i.e. AC, daytime running lamps, a 12 volt power outlet, a 4-speaker sound system with CD player, an informative trip computer with diagnostics, ABS brakes, and 6 air bags. Opt for the S trim, however, and you get upgraded with power windows/locks, a 115 volt household power outlet, an upgraded sound system with 6-speakers, and the ability to add on a multitude of options i.e. a sunroof that can't be had on the base trim. As for the standard sound system in the S trim, it offers plenty of grunt for those who usually keep their stereo volume in the low range (this system sounds horrible above 70% max volume), however audiophiles will need to upgrade. If you want the upgraded JBL 6-dish in-dash CD changer/w MP3 capabilities expect to add $420 to the MSRP.

Price/Warranty: 3/10

The Matrix starts out at $16,190 (almost $700 more than last year's base trim), but my S had a base sticker of $18,260! With the option of cruise control ($250) my Matrix S came to nearly $19,000 before taxes. The comparably equipped Base Scion xB wagon (which boasts even more cargo room, by the way) comes in at over $3,000 less! That being the case, the value of the new Matrix is questionable. Toyota continues to offer a somewhat stingy standard warranty. If anything goes wrong with your new Matrix, Toyota offers an adequate 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Overall: 6/10

The redesigned Matrix, overall, is a modest improvement over the outgoing models, but I think Toyota missed the mark on pricing. While the Matrix S boasts comfy seats, good performance, and a quiet ride, it's interior is plagued with cheap materials, dated interior styling, it only gets mediocre gas mileage, and unless you opt for the XRS (nearly $2000 more than the S trim) you also get a dated suspension. With that being the case, the S's nearly 20,000 dollar price tag after taxes is about $3,000 overpriced. When all is said and done, I do recommend checking out the Matrix S, but before making any final buying decisions, do yourself a favor and make sure you check out the Scion xB, the Mazda3 S, or even the Chevrolet HHR.

Thanks for reading!




Amount Paid (US$): 19,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: S 5-speed