Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS First Drive

14 messages, Last post on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Matrix, Wagon

First Drive: 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS - A highly practical and refined compact wagon that will appeal to those who are practical and refined, but it's no match in personality for the Mazda3 five-door, even in this sporty XRS flavor. (more) -

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#1 of 14 Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS First Drive by KarenS HOST Nov 30, 2007 (9:27 am)
Take a look at our first drive and post your comments here. First Drive: 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS
#2 of 14 BORING! COMPACT! NO! by autovehicles Dec 02, 2007 (1:34 pm)
I think the previous Matrix was very good,although this one is very bland, and its gotten and looken more compact, also I hate when the logo is on the hood, its very BLAND. I feel the new Matrix will sell less than last years Accord Hybrid. Replies to this message: la4mead (Dec 02, 2007 2:05 pm)
#3 of 14 Re: BORING! COMPACT! NO! [autovehicles] by la4mead Dec 02, 2007 (2:05 pm)
Replying to: autovehicles (Dec 02, 2007 1:34 pm) I realize styling is a top priority for many buying in this segment and style is never universally appreciated, however I personally feel styling is lower on my priority list than other factors like handling dynamics (fun), utility, reliability and durability (separate), value and equipment (packaging), real-world cost-to-own over the long haul, and a manufacturer and dealer network that stands behind their product. I'm cautious (although optimistic) that the redesign included long-awaited and much needed fixes for some apparently inherent design glitches rather than carrying them over from the previous generation Matrix and Vibe, like suspension/tire eating and the poor useful life of the manual transmission bearings. Only time/mileage accumulations over the long haul will tell if the redesign marks a turning point back to help save whatever reputation Toyota had for very reliable vehicles. I myself have had generally very favorable experience with Toyota products, but any car is never flawless, and the prior generation needed mechanical improvements more than new styling. As for the look, I think it's a plus that the redesign comes in two flavors: Matrix and Vibe, to hopefully satisfy folks who think the Matrix styling is too boring for their tastes but otherwise appreciate the package. Also, I welcome the return of the different models of Matrix to appeal to folks who want something different out of one of the few small (but high-utility) fun 5-door hatches available in the US.
#4 of 14 2009 Matrix Market Data Flawed! by observer999 Dec 02, 2007 (7:41 pm)
My wife and I (40 & 50 something respectfully) have owned a 2003 Toyota XR AWD Matrix for the last two years. We both love it! My wife uses it to commute to work daily (120 miles roundtrip) and consistently gets over 30 mpg with the 1.8L engine. The AWD is awesome and one major reason we choose the Matrix: AWD + MPG = an ICON. I'm seriously doubting the so-called market analysis for this vehicle. Around the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington area I would have to say that at least 50 percent of Matrix owners are 30 something drivers looking for an alternative to the overly priced Subaru AWD. In addition, every Matrix owner I've chatted with has NO complaints about the 1.8L power curve! Who the hell makes up this stuff. Believe it or not alot of Matrix owners enjoy the 30 plus mpg and have enough common sense to know that you can't have a dragster and excellent fuel economy both in the same vehicle. Several friends have done double takes when we tell them what kind of mileage we get. Up here in northern Idaho, we have several mountainous passes, none have given this little champ a hard time! Several postal carriers have run this little beauty for nearly 200K without any major problems, plus we get our mail even during the worst winter weather! So I say again ... what in the hell is Toyota thinking and where are they getting their market data! My gawd man, if you want to destroy an iconic competitor to the Subaru Outback, you're doing a great job in stripping away the best traits of this beauty! Replies to this message: thedavid01 (Dec 05, 2007 6:10 pm)
#5 of 14 Re: 2009 Matrix Market Data Flawed! [observer999] by thedavid01 Dec 05, 2007 (6:10 pm)
Replying to: observer999 (Dec 02, 2007 7:41 pm) I totally agree but for different reasons. I have 2005 XRS and looked at all the competitors before buying the Matrix. The Mazda 3?! Please! I'm 6'3" and couldn't fit. I drive primarily city, in San Francisco and drive a 6 speed on the hills. The Matrix blows everything else out of the water..stop light to stop light. As far a versatilty..the flat folding seats are phenominal! Need to haul that new flat screen? Use the Matrix. Toyota is so FAR off on their marketing. This is THE crossover in the small wagon, SUV category. You sit up higher than an average car, but it isn't a SUV. Can park it ANYWHERE!. It SO kicks ass on the freeway.....This seems to be a perfect vehicle, yet Toyota seems cluless. Like the new re-design, very Lexus-looking. Its way sportier looking than the Outback, (sorry, not a soccer mom.).Its the best vehicle i've owned compared to Honda and VW.
#6 of 14 C&D by nippononly Dec 05, 2007 (11:25 pm)
published a short blurb in the January edition on the new Matrix, and among the facts reported was this: average age of Matrix buyers is 52. Average age of Corolla sedan buyers, 47. Toyota is trying hard to get to younger buyers. They also said that steering on trims from base to XRS ranged from numb to more numb, and they could detect no handling improvement from the IRS of the new XRS vs the torsion beam of the old. It seems like a very mild update to this model in most respects for '09. At least now you will be able to get the 2.4 with the AWD (still only 4 speeds in the automatic though, but then that's all the Impreza has too). It seems like you will also be able to get the 1.8 with the AWD as before. I wonder what the fuel economy will be like on that model. C&D is reporting that the heaviest models will now weigh in at 3400 pounds, pretty heavy for an engine with 128 lb-ft of torque putting power to the ground through a 4-speed auto. I think in many ways the current Matrix (I own one myself) is such a great car, that maybe the best news on the new model is that prices are hardly going up at all and most things will stay about the same as before, even as they bring back the AWD they never should have dropped. I am glad I have one of the soon-to-be-old models, as it sounds like the transition to electric power steering will not be a change for the better on this model...
#7 of 14 RE: posts #5 & #6 by observer999 Dec 07, 2007 (11:05 am)
thedavid01: Your comments are very valid indeed. Although both my wife and I don't tower above 6' foot, like you rightfully noted, the Matrix has ample headroom. We also must note the excellent visibility this little-ICON provides. OH ... and your comment regarding how the rear seats all fold-down providing a completely unobstructed flat surface (nay we forget the cargo brackets) is such a huge plus ... one you can't find anywhere in the competition. nippononly: published a short blurb in the January edition on the new Matrix, and among the facts reported was this: average age of Matrix buyers is 52. Average age of Corolla sedan buyers, 47. Toyota is trying hard to get to younger buyers. This is a very interesting stat, " ... average age of the Matrix buyers is 52." - but not surprising! And you bring up an important fact, that the Matrix is mounted on one of Toyota's must reliable and trustworthy frames - THE COROLLA! But, I am surprised that the typical Corolla buyer is 47 - younger than the Matrix buyer! HUmmmmm With regard to your comment about Toyota trying to appeal more to younger buyers - I thought that's why they created the SCION line! I'm thrilled with the revelation that the 1.8L with AWD maybe coming back! There is hope ... and the possibility of buying another Matrix after all ! Prior to learning about Toyota dropping the AWD model, one of the things I was toying with was an after market lift package for the Matrix. I experimented with getting more ground clearance - at least on par with the Outback - and besides learning that the Matrix AWD can accommodate a slightly taller tire (adds about 3/4" in height), a 1 1/2 to 2 inch. lift kit would really add some nice clearance for deep snow events. Last winter we received 8" of snow one evening. I still made it home thanks to the AWD and (taller) snow tires. I literally plowed our 1/4 mile driveway with this little pseudo-Jeep. nippononly: do you have a link to the article you mentioned? Now, for my ultimate MDC (Matrix Dream Car) : KEEP - interior room and versatility features. KEEP - AWD KEEP - hydraulic steering ADD - turbo diesel option with 6 speed auto/manual transmission. ADD - AWD to FWD on-the-fly electronic controls. ADD - increase ground clearance 1 to 2 inches. I can dream can't I? Replies to this message: nippononly (Dec 07, 2007 1:38 pm)
#8 of 14 RE: posts #5 & #6 [observer999] by nippononly Dec 07, 2007 (1:38 pm)
Replying to: observer999 (Dec 07, 2007 11:05 am) "nippononly: do you have a link to the article you mentioned?" It's currently in the print edition of C&D (January 2008) that just hit the newsstands. Usually C&D doesn't put articles on their website until the next issue has been published.
#9 of 14 Real Life Car by gmahserjian Jan 06, 2008 (7:50 pm)
Sometimes too much emphasis is put on speed & 0-60. Personally, I'm tired of seeing "professional revues" always based on speed. In the real world, I don't need to worry about how fast I can get to 100 mph+ to get to where I'm going. I have a 2004 xr model, which has been a great vehicle for the past 4 1/2 yrs. I'm a 42 yr old male, run 40+ miles per week, coach football & baseball, have 2 kids in multiple sports all thru the year, & my Matrix has been stout. Also my roundtrip mileage to work is 60 miles a day. This car has been most dependable, as well as being sporty & having an edge.
#10 of 14 a step down in looks... by fendertweed Jan 09, 2008 (6:51 pm)
we have an 05 XRS we bought a month ago... this 09 is an ungainly looking thing, definitely a step way down in looks IMO, not a car I would have any interest in owning. But what do I know, I'm 52, my wife is 47 and my "other" car is an old 911, LOL.