When Toyota introduced the youth-oriented Matrix in 2002, it not only caught the eye of the younger generation, it caught the attention of the young at heart as well.
A versatile, well-crafted, economically-priced vehicle based on the popular Toyota Corolla platform was a great place to start. The compact Corolla is the world's best-selling passenger car. Toyota added a "crossover" body style (in other words, a five-door wagon-like design) providing more cargo-carrying options built around a four-cylinder powertrain with Matrix. Toyota also markets the slightly larger RAV4 sport utility, but RAV4 is available with the choice of four or six-cylinder engines and an optional third row. Matrix offers two rows of seating and four-banger engines exclusively. Toyota publicly unveiled the 2009 Matrix at the October 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) annual showcase in Las Vegas. Matrix is getting an early start on the rest of the 2009 models as it started arriving to dealers in February of 2008
The 2009 model year represents Matrix' all-new, second generation efforts. Unlike the past two model years, Matrix for 2009 is now available with all-wheel drive and three trim levels. In 2007 and 2008 model years, Matrix was solely available with front-wheel drive. Buyers of 2009 offerings can choose between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, both of which are good choices for Chicago-area driving although front-wheel drive versions cost a tad bit less. Only 14 percent of sales are expected from all-wheel drive models. This second-generation effort remains more evolutionary rather than revolutionary although when it debuted in 2002, it was a styling leader in the emerging compact wagon/crossover segment.
The "crossover wagon" segment has been exploding in popularity over the past five years in all size (compact, medium, large) segments. These are car-based vehicles generating better fuel economy than their heavier, truck-based brothers. With more stringent fuel economy standards looming, expect these types of vehicles to grow even more popular.
Exteriorwise, the five-door 2009 Matrix has a lower profile stance with dimensions that are a half an inch longer and a half an inch lower than the 2008 effort.
Inside seats have been lowered slightly, increasing headroom a bit but not interfering with easy entry and exit. Seating positions are high enough so drivers don't feel they're riding close to the ground as with some past compacts or sports cars. New this year is a three-spoke steering wheel. Rear seatbacks fold with a 60/40 split increasing cargo capacity. Two adults travel most comfortably in back. A temporary spare tire stows beneath the cargo floor in the hatch region. Two interior colors are available: charcoal or a combination of charcoal and gray. As with many Toyota products, special attention is given to quick interior cabin heating and cooling depending on the climate.
Standard, S and XRS represent 2009 trim offerings. Standard models come with front-wheel drive and five-speed manual transmission standard ($16,190 starting price). A four-speed automatic is optional in standard trims ($17,000 starting price). The front-wheel-drive version of the S model comes with a five-speed manual transmission and an $18,260 price tag ($19,450 with five-speed automatic). The S trim is available with an all-wheel-drive model with standard four-speed automatic transmission ($20,400). The top-line front-wheel-drive XRS comes with a five-speed manual transmission ($20,660) or an optional five-speed automatic transmission ($21,850). This is the first time a five-speed automatic transmission has been offered in the Matrix. The mid-grade S is projected as the volume leader, accounting for about half of Matrix sales. The Top-line XRS will grab only about 5 percent of sales with Standard models rounding out the mix at about 40 percent.
All three trims include air conditioning, rear window defogger, stereo with compact disc player and MP3 capabilities, electronic power steering, anti-lock brakes, traction control, side air bags and side curtain air bags. The S trim adds remote keyless entry, rear window wiper power windows and power door locks. Up level XRS adds double wishbone rear suspension, rear spoiler and upgraded interior fabric.
Another distinction among the trim levels is the available engines. Historically, Toyota four-cylinder engines have been reliable, durable and long lasting. Matrix carries on this tradition. For the last two model years, power came from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine generating 126 horsepower. Two new engines bow in the 2009 model year. A modified 1.8-liter four-cylinder returns in 2009 in the Standard trim level producing 132 horsepower with dual variable valve timing. Available in S and XRS trims is a more potent 16-valve, double overhead cam 2.4-liter four cylinder producing 158 horsepower. This is the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder available in the mid-size Camry sedan. Both engines use regular 87-octatane fuel in the 13.2-gallon tank.
For a mix of dependability and fuel economy, it's hard to beat the 1.8-liter engine found in front-wheel-drive Standard editions. With five-speed manual transmission, estimates fall 27 mpg city and 35 highway with either transmission. The larger 2.4-liter engine produces 22 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg highway with five-speed manual transmission. The five-speed automatic actually increases fuel economy one mile per gallon on the highway.
Corolla built a strong reputation on decent fuel economy, and Matrix follows that same formula. Smaller, less expensive, four-cylinder models like the Matrix and Corolla are important because both introduce younger buyers to the Toyota brand. Toyota does everything in its power to keep these folks in the family fold.
Matrix is a sporty car that looks good, not a sports car. It's an entry-level vehicle that's versatile and dependable. It's not the least-expensive four-cylinder crossover available, but if past history is any indication, reliability is not an issue. Toyota assembles Matrix in Ontario, Canada. |