Do you like the new redesign Toyota Matrix?

It's been a while since I last post at this Toyota Forum.

Anyway, I just saw the new redesign Toyota Matrix and I am very disappointed in the new redesign Toyota Matrix. It doesn't even look like a sporty wagon anymore. Now it just look like a 4 door hatchback. There's no "Wow!" in it.

Now there's a big blind spot on the back side and the side windows now end up just being a strip of window. It's barely noticeable.

I am just wondering if I am the only person who thinks this so I am doing a poll on it. What do you think of the new redesign Toyota Matrix?

i havent gone to check one out yet, but they do look screwy. i think toyota is borrowing from different cars to piece together this new design. i have heard from others, and agree with it, that this car looks similar to the mazda 3.

i also dont like that they brought back the XRS, but the only thing that sets it apart is the suspension really. you can get the new trix S with the same motor and tranny. you can get the trix S AWD that has almost all the same suspension as the XRS, just that it only comes with the 4 speed auto, and the AWD version doesnt have a strut bar.

i like it but i dont like it. they way toyota designed the front end it looks like a prius too me, i do however love the new corolla, rides really nice altho performance wise, it seems like my matrix has more pick-up then the new xrs which i test drove

i was at the dealership today for an oil change and had the chance to check out the new matrix.

allI can say is ITS UGLY!.. cabin space is smaller, no third window and the hatch opening is smaller. The hatch storage even has a gutter which make it difficult to slide in/out a baggage.

I guess people voted no.1 only bec of the new looks... new to the eyes,, but design itself I like the first gen matrix...

The new Matrix is amazing. I checked out the XR - has everything that you need in a vehicle! Too bad there wasn't more choices in interior...

I love the new Matrix. I ordered a Sundance Metallic XR with the sport package last week. It should be here on the 28th.

I was looking for something with a hatchback and found the Yaris a little too small. When I saw the Matrix I put down the deposit and now I have to be patience and wait.

Dave

I liked the new design. I've been driving a nautica blue XR sports package for over a week now and nothing to complain, coming from a '01 Rolla sport.

I think its ok for me...not as agressive looking as the 03' model considering the body kit is way better looking......but either than that its Toyota can't go wrong with Toyota

okayish no that unique like the 1st gen( which i like better) ,
which one is bigger in size?

I was VERY dissapointed seeing the '09 matrix it in person. It looked way too tall, and a bit awkward and styling doesn't flow.
However, I was driving by a GM dealer and decided to see the new vibe. I saw a GT, dark grey, and it looked HAWT!

I was VERY dissapointed seeing the '09 matrix it in person. It looked way too tall, and a bit awkward and styling doesn't flow.
However, I was driving by a GM dealer and decided to see the new vibe. I saw a GT, dark grey, and it looked HAWT!

is the new vibe have the same engine or it is totally diff chassis than a trix ???? with the GT and the base model...:confused::confused: i heard it is totally different...

I think the new external syling is alright. But, yes it the back end is very Mazda 3ish. The new engine choices are nice.

However, I really dislike that the new model doesn't get better gas mileage than the old. This was really an area I was hoping for improvement in. I know this was one of the major selling points of the 1st gen for many buyers. Also, when I sat in it at the local auto show the dash board was very high and IMO impared vision a bit. Although, I will admit I'm not a tall guy.

Interesting Daox. My wife said the same thing - wonder if this is something one would get used to? Hummm...need to take one out for a spin sometime to check that out.

If you like Toyota quality & reliability but the Matrix is not exactly what you had in mind, perhaps one of the following models may interest you.

Toyota Japan: 2008 Wagons:

Avensis Wagon (http://www.batfa.com/new_car_toyota_avensis_wagon.htm)
Corolla Fielder (http://www.batfa.com/new_car_toyota_corolla_fielder.htm) (click on "back view"), see also: http://toyota.jp/corollafielder/index.html
Wish (http://www.batfa.com/new_car_toyota_wish.htm), see also: http://toyota.jp/wish/index.htmlIf one of these models interests you, contact Toyota. Perhaps if they receive sufficient consumer demand they'll consider offering one of these current wagons to the US market.

Toyota Customer Experience Center (http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/ask_intercept.php):

E-mail (http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/ask_intercept.php)
800-331-4331 M - F, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PT, Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PT

i do like the new look of the matrix but for those who buy them for more room in the rear.. well they kinda took some of it away to make it look better

What's not to like with the new design.

Improve security, more power and standard equipment and finally a 5 speed transmission with the 2.4 engine.

I test drove one on Saturday (I was actually looking at the Rav 4) and now i"m sold on the Matrix. Did I mentione all of these improvement for a price reduction of 2,000 over last year model. I'm still not happy woth the price difference that we have to pay in Canada with the US but at least it is going in the right direction.

Reg

i did not like the new matrix,, its looks "big head no butt". looks awkward :thumbdown

It has defined itself as a stationwagon and not a CUV. A 2.4 liter engine...yahh right... just in time for the gasoline hike.. not to mention insurance.

I hope toyota wont stay with this design for too long. ..

echo7 was right,, the cargo area is sunk and therefore you need to lift the cargo to take it out..

Daox was right too,, the rear looks mazdaish.. only that toyota did a wrinkled copy.

It's alright, from the back I like it a lot. But the front has yet to grow on me, and the removal of the rear side windows makes it look terrible IMO. 2003 Matrix FTW!

I was a bit skeptical about the color (sundance metallic) and the contours of the rear looking side on. But it's really grown on me both the color and shape. Visibility is a bit bad because the dash and the angle and size of the windshield pillars really blocks off some of your peripheral vision. But looking over your shoulder to the rear visibility is actually ok.

I curretly have less than 20 miles on the odometer so these are early days yet. I'm sure the 09 and future generation Matrix will just keep getting better :thumbup:

exterior = Nothing WOW, the older matrix looks better
Interior = not much significant change.
accesories = yes big difference, with the MP3 player, suspension etc. etc.

worth the upgrade = NO.. IMO the older trix will maintain its value bec the new egg is not as attractive.

Yes, I like the new design of the 09 Matrix.The front end looks very sleek and reminds me of the lines of a drag racing type of 'funny car' if you're familiar with those, except of course the Matrix sits higher.Overall I like the look quite a bit. It looks more aggresive, a little meaner and sportier than the old style model.I'm glad they put the 2.4L motor in it. I haven't driven, so no expert there, but I can say, I do not really like small motors (sub 2 liters) that must be revved a lot to develop power. I like more low end torque / displacement for keeping the revs lower on the freeway. Also, if you've got 4 adults packed in, that 2.4L should help greatly.I can live with 23 or 24 mpg combined on the Matrix since I ride a motorcycle (which gets from 36 to 44 mpg, and can do 150 mph any day of the week (had to throw that in)).

I test drove the camry 2.4 mt and the 1.8 mt in my matrix - yes the 2.4 definately has more low end torque but didn't really impress me. For me the matrix was instantly more fun to drive and still able to haul ass, so far only had two grown adults in it, me and the salesman but it is fine, generally seem to ge changing gears around 4k rpms

Yeah I like the new design of the Matrix. It has a nice smooth look to the front with a Toyota emblem on the hood (haven't seen that design in a while) and sharp shoulders. The rear looks typical Toyota (i.e. safe) in design so nothing ground breaking there. The interior is very familiar which is good for current owners. The instrument panel is ok. I think they've changed it for the sake of change.


The rear quarter window was removed because apparently some people thought the Matrix was a wagon not a hatchback hence Toyota's design direction. The tiny window is ok but just enough to let you know whether something's there or not. It still has a big blind spot. The cargo area rubber strips are a good addition.

The seating is a bit tight but the natural seating position (the way your legs just fall to the floor) make it very comfortable and in the rear, you can slip your feet under the front seats for extra room. Quite neat packaging.

The dashboard is a bit high for me (and I'm a tall person). Also the shifter falls perfectly in hand when I rest my elbow on the centre console box lid (slash front armrest).

weird for toyota to do.....heavier, bigger engine, worse mileage, smaller interior

i dont like the new matrix on paper....i havent driven one yet, but im in no great rush to do so

2zz xrs >>> 2az xrs

What the hell is that tiny little Jail cell window in the back? Did the designer not talk to the engineer at all? And I looked up and down the car, the rear torsion beam suspension in particular is almost identical to the first generation, not that it's bad, but the new Yaris platform has much better design and looked sturdy.

The shape is fine, but everything disappoints, might as well get a used Gen 1

the designer had too much sa-ke on the day they designed the 09 matrix,

the designer had too much sa-ke on the day they designed the 09 matrix,

lol yeah and when they puked is where they got the sundance metallic color from! lol....:lol: jk

i just saw the new matrix on the road today and i have mixed feelings about it =/ i've seen it on pictures and it looks ok in some angles. but seems like it's missind sideskirts? i don't know but the front looks too racy or extreme sort of...doesn't look as classy as the corolla. maybe that's what toyota was aiming for but it i think the previous ones looked better. the proportion looks off or something especially on the quarter views lol

weird for toyota to do.....heavier, bigger engine, worse mileage, smaller interior

i dont like the new matrix on paper....i havent driven one yet, but im in no great rush to do so

2zz xrs >>> 2az xrs

yea the new rolla and matrix with the 2az motor should not be badged with the XRS . 2az should just be an option on the S or stand on S and the 1.8 motor on the non S
toyota should really come out with a better motor with 6 speed for the XRS but than again.. i think toyota is out of the game as for as high performance sports cars (even the tC got the 2az motor making the XRS less XRS)

I was a lucky duck to rent a 2009 Matrix XRS , 5 spd automatic for 3 days at $35/day. I just returned the car today after putting 300 miles on it (was spankin new with 450 on the ODO).

First off, gas mileage is very good for the performance. Measured carefully, I got -
250 mi / 8.7 gal = 28.75 mpg combined everything from bad traffic, twisties, freeway
47.6 mi / 1.551 gal = 30.7 mpg (1/3 city, 2/3 highway)

I like the motor and 5 speed automatic - you step on the gas at highway speeds, it downshifts pronto, then shoots ahead nicely. Very nice. It climbs steep hills nicely too.

I like the way the XRS corners, holds its composure well and doesn't sway a lot. You feel the road contours more though, especially at low speeds over bumps.

The things I don't like are -

Road noise is sometimes a little pronounced - tire shop explained the low profile tires and sport tuned susp. increase road noise a bit. The noise is not horrible though.

with noise in mind, the stock audio system was just ok, nothing more. No bass presence, and clarity at higher volume not great. Par for the course with a non-amp'd system

I'm almost 6ft 3in and I would not get the sunroof at all. I have enough headroom in drivers seat because it tilts, but fr. passenger seat remains flat. if I sit there, no headroom for tall person.

Trouble is, I'd like to get it with the JBL audio system, but they package the JBL and sunroof together.

when the time comes, I'd bet they will not build a JBL unit without sunroof, but don't know at this point.

The seat fabric was decent. The seat comfort is fairly good, but it's definitely not a serious touring car with luxurious seats.

My niece did not like the high door sills as they reduce outside visibility.

The legspace between the passenger front seat and rear seat is kinda limited - the glovebox is large.

I checked out the Rav4, even test drove one a couple weeks ago, but on the Rav4 ....
I really do not like the swing out door at all. When in garage after shopping on a rainy night, I don't know where I'd swing that door to. It's a knockout factor and pretty much through considering Rav4. Shame cause other than that it's perfect.

All that said, this 09 Matrix is at the very top of my list.

I'm almost 6ft 3in and I would not get the sunroof at all. I have enough headroom in drivers seat because it tilts, but fr. passenger seat remains flat. if I sit there, no headroom for tall person.


nice review.. why not have the sunroof? does it give you less head room with it?

Yes the sunroof does result in less headroom.

Jeff

To add to your comment on gas mileage, for the rental. My 08' scion xb with 5 speed manual has never got a single tank under 30 mpg, we average around 32, highest being 39 (going 60mph for hours) In case anyone wonders, those are real calculations, not what the on-board computer says. The Matrix is lighter and more aerodynamic, the 2.4 should get great fuel economy.

I was a lucky duck to rent a 2009 Matrix XRS , 5 spd automatic for 3 days at $35/day. I just returned the car today after putting 300 miles on it (was spankin new with 450 on the ODO).

First off, gas mileage is very good for the performance. Measured carefully, I got -
250 mi / 8.7 gal = 28.75 mpg combined everything from bad traffic, twisties, freeway
47.6 mi / 1.551 gal = 30.7 mpg (1/3 city, 2/3 highway)

I like the motor and 5 speed automatic - you step on the gas at highway speeds, it downshifts pronto, then shoots ahead nicely. Very nice. It climbs steep hills nicely too.

I like the way the XRS corners, holds its composure well and doesn't sway a lot. You feel the road contours more though, especially at low speeds over bumps.

The things I don't like are -

Road noise is sometimes a little pronounced - tire shop explained the low profile tires and sport tuned susp. increase road noise a bit. The noise is not horrible though.

with noise in mind, the stock audio system was just ok, nothing more. No bass presence, and clarity at higher volume not great. Par for the course with a non-amp'd system

I'm almost 6ft 3in and I would not get the sunroof at all. I have enough headroom in drivers seat because it tilts, but fr. passenger seat remains flat. if I sit there, no headroom for tall person.

Trouble is, I'd like to get it with the JBL audio system, but they package the JBL and sunroof together.

when the time comes, I'd bet they will not build a JBL unit without sunroof, but don't know at this point.

The seat fabric was decent. The seat comfort is fairly good, but it's definitely not a serious touring car with luxurious seats.

My niece did not like the high door sills as they reduce outside visibility.

The legspace between the passenger front seat and rear seat is kinda limited - the glovebox is large.

I checked out the Rav4, even test drove one a couple weeks ago, but on the Rav4 ....
I really do not like the swing out door at all. When in garage after shopping on a rainy night, I don't know where I'd swing that door to. It's a knockout factor and pretty much through considering Rav4. Shame cause other than that it's perfect.

All that said, this 09 Matrix is at the very top of my list.


the corolla has the acoustic laminated windshield and more sound proofing than the matrix i think...that's what makes the corolla so friggin quiet lol

but it i think the previous ones looked better.



I agree, the previous ones are respectable looking..:thumbup:

i just bought the new '09 Matrix S the other week. and im pretty happy with it. so far i dont see much that you can do to it, but i do have to give the bennifit of the doubt that it IS a brand new car...
im not sure of any of the mods you can put forth to it. i know im putting 19"s and the hella horn kit on it.
but for a first car and new car to a young driver, its the best thing i could find for my $$$ range.

I saw an 09 Matrix for the first time.. 2 days ago. I have to say, I really like it! It looks a bit smaller than the MK1 Matrix but I LOVE the body lines on the new style :)

I think this new Matrix looks 100x better then the old one.

The new one looks nice.

The old one looks like a piece of turd that was molded by an ape in a zoo.

a friend of mine who one owns the new matrix are complaining about the visibility of the over hood. He thought he can get over it as the time goes but its been months and hes still uncomfortable.

The older matrix still looks good 200x. The new design looks bull head flat ass.

if it looked more like the first Matrix, I might be driving one. But again, the MPG isn't all that great with the 2AZ.

I absolutely LOVE the body lines of the new Matrix. The old one looks like...well...a slightly sport compact wagon. The new one looks like something entirely different. Not sure I am sold on it though for other reasons (would like the smaller motor for mpg, but larger heavier body seems to warrant the 2.4).

i love it! i just bought an 09 S model. used to want to buy an older model till i went to the dealership lookin to check out an 08 and they only had 09s on the lot. once i saw it in person i instantly fell in love. only thing is its low hp. when my friends talk about racing their cars they remind me about my 158 hp. lol. my matrix is definitely the slowest car out of all of our cars.

It's ok looking. I call it the "Intergalactic Snail"

I got the XR because of it's utility, size, and it's an all around decent car.....it's a Corolla with a hatch

It's ok looking. I call it the "Intergalactic Snail"

I got the XR because of it's utility, size, and it's an all around decent car.....it's a Corolla with a hatch

the hatch part is smaller than the older matrix but since it is small it does make it looks sportier

I previously owned a 2003 Matrix XR-4WD and just traded it in for a 2009 Matrix XR-AWD with the Sport Package and 2.4l engine. There are some significant differences between the two. However, I do like the new styling, especially with the Sport Package. It is fun to drive and I really like the improved tranction control system, enhanced security system, the immobilizer which is approved by MPI here in Winnipeg. I like the 4 wheel disc brake, my 2003 had front disc and rear drums, not my choice. I also like the sunroof although I haven't had to use it yet since it's bloody cold out here. I also like the 6 speaker sound system with the 6 CD player - very nice sound and depth. I had the Toyota car starter system installed when I ordered my 2009 and it's great - has a very nice long-distance range. Overall I would give the 2009 a 9.5 out of 10 for improvement and comfort, gas mileage, and enjoyment. I got mine in a Black Sand Pearl. I did keep my aftermarket chrome 18" wheels with low profile run flats. I haven't tried them on the 2009 but I'm hoping that they fit without any woes. If they don't I'll be trying to sell them. Loving it.:thankyou:

tuf toy

I previously owned a 2003 Matrix XR-4WD and just traded it in for a 2009 Matrix XR-AWD with the Sport Package and 2.4l engine. There are some significant differences between the two. However, I do like the new styling, especially with the Sport Package. It is fun to drive and I really like the improved tranction control system, enhanced security system, the immobilizer which is approved by MPI here in Winnipeg. I like the 4 wheel disc brake, my 2003 had front disc and rear drums, not my choice. I also like the sunroof although I haven't had to use it yet since it's bloody cold out here. I also like the 6 speaker sound system with the 6 CD player - very nice sound and depth. I had the Toyota car starter system installed when I ordered my 2009 and it's great - has a very nice long-distance range. Overall I would give the 2009 a 9.5 out of 10 for improvement and comfort, gas mileage, and enjoyment. I got mine in a Black Sand Pearl. I did keep my aftermarket chrome 18" wheels with low profile run flats. I haven't tried them on the 2009 but I'm hoping that they fit without any woes. If they don't I'll be trying to sell them. Loving it.:thankyou:

tuf toy

From what I understand your aftermarket rims for your 1st gen would only fit the 09 Matrix 1.8 because the 2.4's have a bigger bolt pattern.

That's awful to find out that the bolt pattern is bigger on the 2.4 L compared to the 1.8 L. Looks like I'm going to have to sell them. i'll be posting some pictures soon.

tuf toy.:thumbsdow