Positioned just above Corolla, the Toyota Matrix is a picture of frugal functionality. In addition to having 48.9 cubic-feet of total cargo volume and seating for five, base price for this hatchback is $17,010.
Plus, Matrix is completely redesigned for the 2009 model year, offering a sleeker exterior profile and better performance.
2009 Toyota Matrix
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Engines: 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder; 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic (with AWD)
Drivetrain: FWD, AWD
Horsepower: 132 (1.8), 158 (2.4)
Torque: 128 lb.-ft. (1.8; 162 lb.-ft (2.4)
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Length: 171.9 inches
Width: 69.5 inches
Height: 61.0 inches
MPG (city/hwy): 26/32 (1.8, MT); 25/31 (1.8, AT); 21/28 (2.4, MT, FWD); 21/29 (2.4, AT, FWD); 20/26 (2.4, AT, AWD)
Base price: $17,010
As-tested price: $24,409
For 2008, Matrix had a 1.8-liter engine, delivering 126 horsepower. For 2009, Matrix maintains a base 1.8-liter engine that delivers 132 horsepower and adds an up-level 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower.
The biggest change to the naked eye comes to the exterior styling. Matrix gets the Toyota treatment for 2009, with wrap-around taillights, rounder curves and winged headlights. This new Matrix looks more like a hatchback and less like a stubby little wagon.
The interior, however, is nothing special. It’s simple and basic and filled with some nice little cubby holes for sunglasses, maps and beverages. The standard cloth seating surfaces have a subdued pattern that is both sporty and sturdy. The gauges and dials are easy to see and reach. Behind the steering wheel gauges follow the simple theme, but the chromelike rings surrounding them add depth and interest.
One of the things I really like about Matrix is that the base model comes pretty well equipped with the fuel-efficient 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. It has standard features like air conditioning, auxiliary audio input jack, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.
The midlevel S model has a base price of $19,080 and upgrades to a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and three transmission choices: five-speed manual, five-speed automatic and four-speed automatic (with all-wheel drive). It adds standard features like integrated fog lamps, power door locks with shift activated locking and power auto-down driver’s window.
The top-of-the-line XRS model has a base price of $21,480. Like the S model, it has the 2.4-liter engine, but it adds up-level standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
While I like the base price at $17,000, you should be warned that adding anything extra shoots the price up rather quickly. For example, the test-vehicle was an S model with all-wheel drive. The starting price was $21,220, but after adding the power tilt/slide moon roof with options package ($2,960) and XM satellite radio, the as-tested price rang in at $24,409.
I liked Matrix, but I thought that $25,000 was a bit steep for a very basic car. At this level, I would expect leather seats and heated front seats. Not to mention the fact that I’d want the vehicle to feel a bit more solid. The Matrix thunked over Chicago potholes, and the doors felt a bit flimsy and hollow, shutting with a tinny echo.
Ride and handling for Matrix was definitely more on the entry-level side of the spectrum. Steering is a bit loose and ride is a bit rough.
Engine power in the test vehicle was fine for a vehicle weighing 3,000 pounds. The 2.4-liter engine allowed the test vehicle to merge well with traffic, and there was still a little left over for passing maneuvers at highway speeds.
I am always a huge proponent for AWD in Chicago, and I was definitely thankful for it during the test week since we were still in the middle of our deep freeze here in Chicago while I drove it. That means I was driving over icy piles of snow on a daily basis, and I didn’t get stuck once.
Unfortunately, with the AWD system comes a very notchy four-speed automatic transmission. In addition to providing a herky-jerky acceleration, the combined transmission/AWD system sucks down the fuel. You’re looking at mileage estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is not stellar for such a compact vehicle. In comparison, without AWD and with a five-speed manual, the 2.4-liter engine has estimates of 21/28 mpg, and the 1.8-liter has excellent estimates of 26/32 mpg.
I guess what this review boils down to is: I liked the Matrix. Kind of. At its base level, it has a decent price, a nice engine, phenomenal fuel economy and a nice amount of standard features. But, once you start stacking on the options, it quickly becomes overpriced for what it is: a car that’s just a notch above entry level.
I’d like to see a tweaked transmission, leather seats (even as an option) and a smoother ride. With the same price points.
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