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Wagons Toyota Matrix All-New 2009 Toyota Matrix
179 messages, Last post on Sep 04, 2009 at 11:48 AM
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I was excited when I heard the Matrix would be all new for '09. We currently own a minivan, but with our kids growing up and moving out, our need for a minivan may be fading so we may be looking to downsize a bit without totally giving up the utility of a minivan. The '09 Matrix is a more attractive looking vehicle than it's predessessor, but Toyota may have missed the mark in several key areas. While I haven't driven a Matrix yet, most people who have say the 1.8 liter vesion is a bit underpowered, and the 2.4 liter version is not very good in terms of fuel economy. A vehicle of this size and weight should do much better on gas. In fact, from what I've seen so far, considering price, fuel economy, and everything else in general, I'd be hard pressed to choose a Matrix over a Mazda 3 wagon. The 3 is much better looking, from the reviews I've read it drives and handles better, has more interior space, and is a bit less expensive. Fuel economy for the 2.3 liter version is about the same too. The only real advantage the Matrix has over the 3 that I can see is its rear seats fold completely flat, whereas the 3's rear seats fold down to a slight angle. I really don't know what's going on with designers these days. They have to be aware of a given vehicle's shortcomings when they're putting through their paces before they go into production, and yet they produce them with the shortcomings anyway. Either they just don't care, or there's only so much improvements they can make with a given model. |
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Replying to: alexisd (Mar 26, 2008 7:19 pm) The engine runs at high rpms for the first couple of minutes after a cold start, and that is probably the chugging you are feeling. If the engine is actually rising and falling in revs (look at the tachometer to check) then you might want to have the dealer check it out. As for long cranking/slow starting when the car is warmer, that was a trait of the old model with the 1.8, and since you have essentially the same 1.8 I would not be surprised that this trait has continued into the '09s. bottgers: I agree, for an "all new" model, it is a fairly mild update. The only substantial change is the availability of the 2.4L powertrain. And some of the little changes are negative ones, like losing the opening glass in the back hatch. |
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We just picked up an 2009 matrix S AWD today. It drives a whole lot better than our old 2004 XR AWD. I like the new look of the body and wheels. The extra 50hp is noticable. It's got a little zip to it now. The ride seems quieter. Headlights are better. The only draw back is that I hit my knee on the passenger side. I'm 6'3" and my knee hits where the shifter area sticks out by my left leg on the passenger side.. Other than that, I like it.
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Replying to: loudog2 (Mar 29, 2008 6:04 pm) |
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Replying to: bottgers (Apr 04, 2008 4:19 am) |
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Replying to: bottgers (Apr 04, 2008 4:19 am)  And the new one still has a 4-speed auto even though all the FWD models with the 2.4 get a 5-speed auto, That kinda sucks. Was it cost or 5-speed incompatibility with the AWD that led Toyota to do this? I am thinking incompatibility with the AWD, as the same is true in the RAV4. With the current push for fuel economy in all models, Toyota ought to figure out real quick how to stick the 5-speed auto in these AWD models.
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Replying to: nippononly (Apr 04, 2008 11:47 am) |
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Replying to: bottgers (Apr 04, 2008 4:19 am) |
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| I can't believe the rav4 fully loaded is as 4k less than a fully loaded highlander. I think prices in general are going up. My 2004 4runner woould be 2k higher today with the same options. Our 2004 matrix xr awd was stickered at $22,100, this one we got was stickered at $24.334. It's almost the same car. But now side airbags, vcs and traction control is included. | |
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Replying to: nippononly (Apr 04, 2008 11:47 am) So technically the new Matrix AWD has 42 more hp than the old model! I think it's also put on like 200 pounds, so part of the power increase will get lost to weight gain. |
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