The Toyota Matrix still looks just like the Pontiac Vibe. The two are essentially the same vehicle, as Toyota and Pontiac signed an inexplicable pact to co-produce the vehicles. WebRidesTV's own Larry B. gives us a quick demonstration of Toyota's new 2009 Matrix S. This 3000lb ride packs a small, but powerful 2.4l 158 horsepower engine and sports a high-mounted 5-speed manual transmission. The car's bulging headlamps and taillights illustrate the recent trend in Toyota's designs. Similar lights can be found on the Toyota Camry and Corolla. The 2009 Matrix features a newly shaped body smoother than the previous Matrix model.
The Matrix S provides creative versatility for the busy driver. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats, combined with the flat-folding front passenger seat, provide adequate space for a grown man to sleep (up to 7'). The engine can be described as flexible, torque-y, and powerful. The low profile and smooth shifting transmission contribute to the car's youth appeal. U.S. News and World Report labeled the 2008 Matrix the #6 Best Affordable Compact Wagon behind the Mazda 5 (#1), Scion xB (#2), Chrysler PT Cruiser (#3), Kis Rio5 (#3), Pontiac Vibe (#3) and tied with the Kia Spectra5. The 2009 model starts at a steeper price ($$16,190 - $21,850) compared to the 2008 model ($15,510 - $17,820) and doesn't even produce better gas mileage (see below).
Though this model looks sleeker and provides w bigger zip to its drive, Toyota still has a lot of work to do to catch up to the Mazda5, which owns a similar price range of $17,995 - $22,515. The Matrix falls short of the Corolla XRS's handling and performance standards because of the top-heavy nature (3.5 inch higher CG), but provides a more-than-capable vehicle for the young blood looking far an affordable crossover wagon.
One car review summed up the 2009 Matrix very well:
"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. In short, the new Toyota Matrix is a very sensible choice."
2009 Toyota Matrix Specs
1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder;
132 hp @ 6000 rpm;
128 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder;
158 hp @ 6000 rpm; 162 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
[Matrix S]
MSRP: $16,190 - $21,850
Invoice: $14,973 - $19,773
MPG: 21 (Est) City / 28 (Est) Hwy
2008 Toyota Matrix Specs
MSRP: $15,510 - $17,820
Invoice: $14,346 - $16,126
MPG: 26 City / 33 Hwy
