just seen some of the ads but none on the road.

i went to the website toyotamatrix.ca (Canadian site) and it looks pretty cool, but i was just wondering if anyone has test-driven one or owns one.

I liked the body style enough to wait since Last June to see what it would be.
I was betting that it would be similar to the Japanese Toyota Blade. I am not disappointed.

The car sits higher than I would like. However, my comparison would be a BMW 328i wagon.
A little tall and proud in my opinion, but so much more affordable.
I liked the fact that the window furthest back was eliminated. It greatly improved the "sport"
line of the car. But upon actually seeing the car, that window is still there. It was shrunk to
this little unusable slit to make the rear window look like a wrap around. A nice gesture to
the exterior, but utterly useless as a window.

The standard version seems to be the same options as older versions of the Matrix.
The S version, the old XR, is quite a bit of an upgrade. The first noticable difference is
that the 1.8 liter engine is no longer available. So much for gas mileage. But the new 2.4l
cruises easy at 2500 rpm, and has a lot of power in reserve. Pulling out to pass in 5th gear
is not a problem. Acceleration is quick and crisp. The S will have you at or over the speed
limit in an instant. All that power makes first gear seem a little low, but shifting through the
manual five speed keeps the horses under the hood well tamed. I have to wonder why the
sixth gear was not brought back for the XRS. I certainly feel like it would be nice to have one
more gear.

One of the other things I noted about the '09 versions especially the S, was that everthing that was
optional before, is now standard. Across the board, all the safety features Side Airbags and ABS are
already in the car. Rear Disc brakes are also standard to the S version. Dealers also seem to be
ordering the cars with the 17" wheels. It may be tough to find an S version with steel wheels.

This sort of leads me to a rant. What exactly are you paying for?
Almost every dealership is going to have an S version to sell you. However take moment to keep
one thought in mind. They are loading it with options. Wheels, CD Changer, All Weather, Cruise
control, maybe the Moon Roof, and the "preferred package"(floor Matts-bumper proctector). This
typically pushes the base price of the S version well above $20,666.
Why is $20,660 a critical dollar Value???

If you are set to buy an S version of the car, Be aware that the XRS version base price is $20,660.
For that base price you get the Cruise control, 18" wheels, several cosmetic options, spoiler leather
steering wheel, and sport seats. But you also get the VSC and the Independant rear
suspension. If you are going to pay more than $20k for an S version why not buy the XRS, and
grab that VSC option and the Independant rear suspension. Then add your moon roof, All weather
package and preferred package... about $2084 dollars... Are we not back at $22,744?
And the VSC, plus other S options come standard. Something to consider....

If your insurance, or your driving record doesn't allow you to "afford" driving the XRS, then
The S is a good option. That 2.4 liter engine in the S has not been noted by those that may be
concerned, so if you are ready to buy there may be an advantage to buying early.


So after that rant, what did I pay for my S version? I can't tell you, I think it would disturb too
many other dealers. I will say, that my price did not warrant having to by the XRS and the higher
insurance rates. My thanks to Gresham Toyota of Oregon, and Dan Remick and Jose.
I will enjoy the moon roof, 17" wheels/tires the 6CD changer and the "preferred Package.

I do feel like the shifts are short, but I have never had an engine bigger than 1.6L before.
This 2.4L is zipping through the power band faster than I imagine it should..
And I find that the car is at or above the speed limit before I know it.

It is smooth on the highway, and the cruise control is a nice new feature for me. I have used
cruise control in other peoples car, and the accelerations seemed jumpy. This is smooth.
I drove my old car to the buyer, and it was noisey, but familiar. When I cornered the
shifts were right on, and the power was where I needed it. Gonna miss that ol' car.
I am still getting used to the S. Also still breaking in the engine. It is only finishing it's second
tank of gas, and it is just up to 500 miles. I haven't really started driving it yet.
And after delivering my old car, I feel like I haven't driven this Matrix at all!

It is my opinion that Toyota went after the Mazda 3, and the Suburu Impreza/wrx with this new
model of the Matrix. This is why they upgraded to the 2.4L engine, added the AWD options, and
brought back the XRS. AND, why the XRS is truely an upgrade over the standard and S versions than
in previous years. I am very much enjoying this S version Matrix. But how can one not enjoy
switching from a twenty year old car to a new car. And I have not yet begun to "drive" this car.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I just bought a 09 Matrix XRS a couple of days ago and I would say that it is a little on the heavy side but the 2.4 L camry engine gives it a little life, there is a little understeer when cornering. The XRS model is louder and more sensitive on the road because of the 18' alloy wheels but if you get the S model which has the 17' you should be fine. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)