MSRP: $16,290 - $21,950
Invoice: $15,229 - $20,084
MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.4
Performance:6.7
Exterior:6.9
Interior:7.4
Safety:9.2
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Plenty of cargo room with seats up or folded
  • Good gas mileage from the base engine
  • On-demand all-wheel drive
  • Good visibility from driver's seat
  • Hard plastic of cargo floor could scratch items
  • Poor cabin quality

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Toyota Matrix - What the Auto Press Says

The Matrix is a redesigned model with as much utility and comfort as the previous model. But the car's design, performance and cabin don't have enough positives to distinguish it in either the small car or hatchback class.

Eagle-eyed reviewers are less than impressed with the new Matrix's design, quality and performance. They note merely competent power from the Matrix's two engine choices, too many hard plastic surfaces inside the five-seat cabin, and an exterior design that's lacking the edginess hatchback buyers might want. But like its corporate twin the Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix still provides a compact's fuel efficiency, an SUV's utility and a minivan's comfort, and is all around a good choice for this affordable segment. According to Forbes, the Matrix is one of the best cars for suburban drivers because it's very reliable. Forbes, which also picked the Toyota Camry or Prius for this list, notes that "suburban drivers have a lot to juggle. That tricky combo of kids, groceries, and Fido can make for a harried trip. But some vehicles can make the drive less crazy -- even, dare we say, enjoyable."

If you're looking for an alternative to the Matrix altogether, many reviewers recommend the 2009 Honda Fit. A 2009 U.S. News Best Car for the Money in the subcompact category, the Fit has plenty of high-quality cabin features and utility options.

If you need even more space, check out the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 has a strong reputation for quality, safety and comfort, plus it offers impressive performanance with either a four-cylinder or optional V6 engine.

Be sure to check for current Toyota Deals that may be available on a new Matrix.

  • "Even when pushed, the Matrix felt like a car you would feel safe handing over to a young driver. And if you are a veteran driver in search of stable, basic transportation with some exterior sportiness, shop the Matrix against other hatchbacks. You won't be disappointed." -- Boston Globe
  • "The Matrix should appeal to those who want a fuel-stingy utilitarian vehicle that's generally fun to drive." -- Chicago Sun-Times
  • "The Matrix doesn't stand out anywhere as much as it provides a useful, better than average package for any purpose short of pickup-sized building materials or a trip to the red carpet." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "The 2009 Toyota Matrix, when equipped with all-wheel drive, works as a practical car for people living in wintery regions. However, it forces some pricey technology trade-offs and doesn't let you have it all." -- CNET
  • "Although there is a lot of news to talk about with the 2009 Matrix, it's hard to get excited about what we see here." -- Car and Driver
  • "Go ahead and check out the Matrix if you're considering a small car. The hiccup is you're going to pay a bit more for the Toyota. ... If you keep the options to a minimum, you'll be better off budget-wise. She's fun around town -- a good commuting car, really. But in the end, my hard, hard heart wasn't completely sold on the Matrix." -- Mother Proof 

Matrix Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The Matrix's base engine "revs smoothly, if not terribly quietly," according to Car and Driver. "Feel through the tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel was rather tepid and springy. Yawn." They aren't the only bored reviewer. Others report the newest Matrix is competent for the class, but doesn't have the engine power or precise handling to stand our in such a large segment. Read More

Matrix Exterior - 6.9 (Mediocre)

Some say the 2009 Matrix's "new sheetmetal swaps the 'grandma's high trousers' look for gangsta chic," as The Truth About Cars says. But others think the modified design is too boring and uncharacteristic for a hatchback. Read More

Matrix Interior - 7.4 (Good)

Automobile.com says, "The new Matrix, which once again shares its interior...with the Vibe is every bit as good as the old one, and better in a number of ways," but several writers complain of cabin noise and low quality inside the hatchback.  Read More

Matrix Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

In addition to its full list of standard safety features, the Toyota Matrix does well in federal government crash tests. Read More

Matrix Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Toyota Matrix reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Toyota Matrix has a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, with powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Read More

Review Last Updated: 7/1/09