Toyota Matrix

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $24566.00 from Kendal Toyota, Ancho

Year / Model Reviewed:
2009 2.4 Ltr S AWD

Strengths:
Incredible amount of Safety standard, Great premium sound, great handling, good ergonomics, handles Alaska winters wonderfully, stands up to kids abuse (and dads driving) well.

Weaknesses:
Direct Ipod integration incompatible with JBL premium sound system, road noise with studded tires, hollow sounding doors w/ windows down when you close them. tiny blind spot in the rear, no bike rack offered for the factory roof rack.

Summary:
Incredible remodel of an already solid car. New, larger engine in the AWD makes a huge difference, no longer is a slow pig in acceleration and at passing. Handling is very nice, the AWD makes it quite fun to drive and the higher HP and Torque contribute to the fun factor as well. It serves as a great people hauler even with me at 6ft and 220lbs driving. The premium JBL sound system is a lot better than I expected and that's saying alot since I used to be a MECP certified audio car installer at a pro shop.

The added convenience of integrated bluetooth as well as all the safety options (traction control, stability control, side impact airbags, head curtain airbags, ABS, etc) on this car made it a no-brainer for this family. Kids love it, wife feels safe and I (who used to sell Toyota's hence the bias) really like the new 09' AWD S Matrix. I can not recommend it enough to anyone wanting a solid, dependable, versatile car, with only very minor quirks.

Similar Products Used:
05 Ford Focus (@14k miles entire suspension started to go) , 95 Honda civic EX (never a problem with 150k miles +).

Price Paid:  $20000.00 from Miller Toyota Culver

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Toyota Matrix 1.8L

Strengths:
Gas mileage is a lot better than the Ford Focus I used to have. Should've been the opposite.

Weaknesses:
Rides a bit rough over bumpy ground. Can be a bit noisy. The old style clock needs to be placed higher.

Summary:
Always wanted a hatchback. Lots of room. Wider than I though originally. Handles well and I am still having fun with it. Bought the bumper mat for protection. Doesn't look bad. I had 3 other people with hiking gear and it didn't lose power uphill.

Similar Products Used:
Ford Focus

Price Paid:  $16880.00 from Pappas Toyota St. Pe

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Matrix

Summary:
I love it so far!

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.67 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $20000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 XR

Strengths:
Size, easy to drive, sunroof, price.

Weaknesses:
gas mileage, brakes are already squeaking, very jerky acceleration.

Summary:
I really like this car. It's amazing how there is so much room in a car that's 7 inches shorter than the Corrolla. I haven't had any trouble with it other than I only have been getting 23mpg in town and 28mpg on the highway, and the breaks are already squeaking.

Similar Products Used:
Ford Focus

Price Paid:  $19000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Matrix B package

Strengths:
Handling, radio, style

Weaknesses:
Very painful to drive.

Summary:
Just bought the 2009 Matrix and ergonomically it sucks. Can't drive long distances without intense pain. Made for skinny, short drivers.