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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#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.
#11 of 14 Deanee by cedworth Jan 22, 2008 (11:48 am)
My Matrix XRS 6 speed, 180 hp Yamaha engine was rear-ended this weekend and now is a write-off. So am looking for a replacement. Can anyone tell me the difference between the 2003 and 2004 XRS in as far as the 6 speed, 180 hp Yamaha? Was this available for both years? Thanks from Calgary, Canada Replies to this message: nippononly (Jan 22, 2008 1:02 pm)
#12 of 14 Re: Deanee [cedworth] by nippononly Jan 22, 2008 (1:02 pm)
Replying to: cedworth (Jan 22, 2008 11:48 am) At some point they made some changes related to smog emissions and the engine got downrated on power as a consequence. But I think that was '05, not '04...
#13 of 14 It doesn't add up! by bonesjustice Apr 13, 2008 (7:12 am)
I didn't care for this review. Anyone that buys a crossover (station wagon) for it's sportiness is fooling themselves. Yet time and again, these reviewers focus on the sport model and how fast (or slow) it is. No mention of the lack of a separate rear liftglass in the new model. Or that the front passenger seat doesn't fold on the base model. Or that the new car weighs more and gets less MPG than the old model. Toyota needs to put back the cargo features removed and remove some of the extra weight while they're at it. Oh, and nice math in the review, 40% plus 50% only leaves 5%? Okay. Replies to this message: nippononly (Apr 13, 2008 10:09 am)
#14 of 14 Re: It doesn't add up! [bonesjustice] by nippononly Apr 13, 2008 (10:09 am)
Replying to: bonesjustice (Apr 13, 2008 7:12 am) How could they cancel the separate rear liftglass? To me, that is one of the most valuable features of the car, I really like it. And they did this at almost the same moment as they put separate rear liftglass INTO the new Highlander! It's unclear to me why anyone would buy the Matrix XRS, what with the things they removed from the last-gen model and its lack of extra features vs the S model.