Toyota Matrix

Name: 2009 Toyota Matrix
Brand: Toyota

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

A tall hatchback based on the Toyota Corolla sedan, the Matrix has added height, giving it more passenger and cargo space than most competitors. This also eases entry and exit. Additionally, Matrix returns impressive fuel economy for its size and has good power. Many of of the virtues of an SUV, such as a little higher driving position, easy access, and optional AWD are among its attributes. Stability control was standard too. Other plusses include a compliant ride, fairly nimble handling and effective brakes. But an unsettled ride, boomy engine and a cheap feeling interior number among shortcomings that also include a flawed driving position and a noisy engine. Still, overall, Matrix offered a good and practical alternative to a small SUV.

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Toyota Matrix

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Civic

Honda Fit

Hyundai Elantra

Pontiac Vibe

Toyota Corolla

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2009 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2009 Toyota Matrix

$5,300 - $5,500

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,875 - $3,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

$3,100 - $4,025

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet HHR

$3,225 - $5,225

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$3,175 - $4,150

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Dodge Caliber

$3,050 - $4,900

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Ford Focus

$2,800 - $3,475

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Civic

$2,775 - $7,500

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Fit

$5,450 - $6,000

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Hyundai Accent

$3,175 - $3,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Hyundai Elantra

$4,150 - $4,750

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $3,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Kia Rondo

$3,450 - $4,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Kia Spectra

$3,000 - $3,900

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mazda 3

$4,000 - $4,625

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,775 - $5,225

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Nissan Cube

$2,900 - $3,825

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Nissan Sentra

$3,200 - $3,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Nissan Versa

$2,850 - $3,400

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Pontiac Vibe

$4,625 - $4,975

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Scion xB

$5,425 - $5,975

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Scion xD

$4,800 - $5,200

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Subaru Impreza

$4,250 - $11,625

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Suzuki SX4

$2,725 - $3,875

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota Corolla

$5,900 - $6,475

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota Prius

$5,950

EPA MPG 47 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota Yaris

$4,375 - $5,900

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,475

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

$4,175 - $4,450

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volvo V50

$5,350 - $6,025

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.8-liter 4 (132 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (158 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

More powerful engines made the Matrix's 2009 redesign feel more eager to drive. We measured an impressive 27 mpg overall from the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder; all-wheel-drive remained an option. This tall hatchback has more passenger and cargo space than most competitors, and the high roof eases entry and exit. Folding the rear seats and the front passenger seat lets you haul extra-long cargo. However, the car falls short on refinement, with an unsettled ride on the highway, pronounced wind and engine noise, and a cheap-feeling interior. Hard plastic lining the cargo area lets small items slide around and rear visibility is pinched. The addition of a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helped the previously awkward driving position, but the wheel doesn't adjust enough to suit everyone. Stability control was standard from 2010 on. 2013 closed out the Matrix.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

Practical and reliable, the Matrix is a Corolla-based small wagon available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Practicality reigns here, with very easy access, a roomy rear seat and a large and flat load floor, once the rear seats are folded. Performance is modest from the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which drones loudly under acceleration. XRS models use a more powerful engine, but you need to use the six-speed manual transmission to rev the engine hard to wring out its power. Handling is fairly nimble, and the ride is compliant if a little jittery. The optional AWD system works well, but hurts acceleration and fuel economy. Limited left foot room and a long reach to the steering wheel combine to hurt the driving position. Stability control was a rare option through the years.