I am also looking for a roof rack for my 2010 Matrix for my 17 foot kayak. Is there much difference between the 2009 and 2010 Matrix? Could it be possible that the Thule racks for 2009 fit the 2010??
If your looking to haul anything go with aftermarket. I tried to use bike carriers from Yakima and the carriers were to long and would hit the hatch when the hatch was opened. The rack as state sits to far back and really the only use is for something you can't fit in the car and just needs to be tied to the top.
__________________ 2009 MGM
Matrix XRS 2009 MGM
Corolla S
I have an 09 matrix AWD with the sport rack. I use the yakima racks attached on the top of the car and in the center position. Its okay if you want to use the factory roof racks, but your choices of using the aftermarket accessories is limited because most accessories are longer and you may hit the accessories causing damage to your back hatch door when you open it. You have to mount it backwards and it looks kind of dumb and awkward that you put your skies, bikes and roof cargo containers backwards.
I spoken to a thule/yakima dealer (Racks for Cars) n Edmonton, AB. They do not like the 09+ Vibes/Matrix because they position the racks to the back end of car not centered on the roof. I had to remove the factory bars of my car and put on my yakima racks on the center of the vehicle. The racks came off my 97 Chevy cavalier (affordable piece of crap). The bars are shorter than the one that yakima prescribed for the matrix/vibe and managed to get away with that length, but I have to get new clips for the matrix to get it mounted and a new longer fairing.
All you need to remove the factory racks is an allen wrench (to remove the bars), a flat head screwdriver (to pop 4 covers hiding the bolts) and a socket wrench (can't recall on the size, you have to figure that one out) I didn't take off the big plastic mount that holds the bars in place because I don't have time going to the dealer to get new plastic covers and I left it in place (see picture). The reason that I chose the yakima, because it has a better fit and yakima got their stuff first out when the 09 was introduced in 08.
Those who are using your factory racks, you are going to have to go to the dealer and get charged an arm and a leg, and the possibility that it may not fit right. The factory accessories are made by sport rack (owned by Thule).
See gallery: matrix with aftermarket rack
Last edited by Cmonster0001; 07-14-2009 at 09:18 PM.
Reason: picture not right
Thank you for this added info. I debated about getting the factory rack but opted for the Yakima one. The Land Shark set didn't work-- the bots were touching my roof at the back. So for now, I have my hand made kayak cradle.
we have an 09 matrix and installed a factory rack, use it for canoes. it will hold only one boat so i'm looking into yakima now, or looking for options which will attach to factory cross bars. (if you know of any let me know).
i didn't consider the one boat limitation at first but it became obvious on the first shuttle with 2 solo boats/2 passengers: you need 2 vehicles which can each carry all the humans and boats. as you know, canoes are usually topped with gunnels down so you need a really wide rack to get two up there.
the matrix is a great canoeing vehicle because it seats four, gets great fuel mileage, and can handle a fair amount of gear. with a wider rack (or attachments to the factory rack) it will be perfect.
-elliott
I have a 2009 Vibe and am looking for a thule roof rack... First Thule has not made a FIT kit compatable with my car....
BTW - im only interested in putting 2 bikes on the roof... (Too much weight???)
So I figure ok, I'll get the factory roof bars that run along the plastic strips on the roof that have the pull out slots
that expose the roof bolts.... I'll buy the factory roof bars and mount the thule roof rack on that...
I called the dealership and the parts guy said that the factory roof BARS would NOT work with the sun roof...
Is that true...
will I be able to mount a roof rack, even though I have a sun roof
If you are planning to take off the factory roof rack of your matrix, be prepared to find that underneath the plastic holders. There are no roof mold trim underneath it when you remove it. I found out that the clips that come on the standard through xrs (no roof rack option) would cost you more than an arm and a leg.
Molding for roof 2 strips - cost: over $200 per strip.
Clips to over the holes from the roof rack: 70/clip (better to go to a gm dealership for 17/clip)
All are in Canadian prices through a Toyota dealership - WHAT A RIP OFF!!!!
For the roof molding - better go aftermarket and the ones that I am getting, matches the car better than the standard roof molding.
Last edited by Cmonster0001; 08-18-2009 at 10:37 PM.
we have an 09 matrix and installed a factory rack, use it for canoes. it will hold only one boat so i'm looking into yakima now, or looking for options which will attach to factory cross bars. (if you know of any let me know).
i didn't consider the one boat limitation at first but it became obvious on the first shuttle with 2 solo boats/2 passengers: you need 2 vehicles which can each carry all the humans and boats. as you know, canoes are usually topped with gunnels down so you need a really wide rack to get two up there.
the matrix is a great canoeing vehicle because it seats four, gets great fuel mileage, and can handle a fair amount of gear. with a wider rack (or attachments to the factory rack) it will be perfect.
-elliott
So Thule finally came out with a fit kit (No. 2202) for my 2010 Matrix.
I went with that and the standard 400XT Aero foot pack and square bars. It was super noisy on the road so I went back and got the 44" Thule fairing which did the trick. No noise at all.
Since I was already on a shopping spree I picked up the Canoe Carrier which is a nice kit. The straps and brackets look like they can be used for securing a lot more than just a canoe.
One tip - The canoe brackets will fit on the front crossbar with the fairing on, but just barely.
Also - The Thule rack sits a lot further forward than the factory rack. The crossbars are about 27" apart and the rear one sits mid-way above the rear passenger window. Will post a picture.
Last edited by 182846; 10-10-2009 at 08:22 AM.
Reason: Adding info
So Thule finally came out with a fit kit (No. 2202) for my 2010 Matrix.
I went with that and the standard 400XT Aero foot pack and square bars. It was super noisy on the road so I went back and got the 44" Thule fairing which did the trick. No noise at all.
Since I was already on a shopping spree I picked up the Canoe Carrier which is a nice kit. The straps and brackets look like they can be used for securing a lot more than just a canoe.
One tip - The canoe brackets will fit on the front crossbar with the fairing on, but just barely.
Also - The Thule rack sits a lot further forward than the factory rack. The crossbars are about 27" apart and the rear one sits mid-way above the rear passenger window. Will post a picture.
sweet. yes please post a picture.
__________________
2009 Matrix S - Classic Silver Metallic
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Roof Rack: Factory or Aftermarket?
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