When the time came to write up my week-long test drive of the 2009 Toyota Matrix, I realized that I'd said just about everything I had to say in my review of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. Under the skin, the two cars are pretty much alike -- same platform, same engines, same interior layouts. So are you just as well off buying a Matrix as you would be buying a Vibe? Umm... no. Check out my quick test drive of the 2009 Toyota Matrix to find out why.
Let's say you were shopping for a 5-door mini-wagon -- would you buy the Toyota Matrix, the Pontiac Vibe, or something else? Click the "comments" link below and tell us what you'd buy and why. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Toyota
I’m sure I’d buy something else. I’m not a fan of Toyota, in spite of the can-do-no-wrong status bestowed upon them by the Automotive press. I’m also not a huge fan of Pontiac’s exquisite styling (barf!!). Neither am I a particular fan of hatchbacks.
I’m much more prone to buying an actual Station Wagon (yes, there are still such things) like the Volvo or VW models out there. They are much more useful have a lot more practical space. The severely tapered back rooflines of most of todays hatchbacks limit cargo space too much. There isn’t as much space behind the back seat of these cars as there is in a real wagon, or most sedans. The only time it becomes really usable is if you drop the back seat down.
Not saying that there isn’t a market for these cars, but I’m not in it.
I actually own a Toyota Matrix, well it’s my wifes really, and I have to admit that I am glad it’s hers and not mine.
She absolutely loves her 06 Matrix, swears by it even. We are both fans of hatchbacks/wagons and their versatility and this is what drew us to it on the lot. That and Toyota’s legendary dependability. We have over 60K on the odometer and not a single mechanical problem (except the CD player goes wonky a lot, weird..) The overall fit and finish on the car is great, it get excellent gas mileage (35mpg or better on trips), and like I said before SHE loves it.
My issue with the car is this, and it is annoying as all hell…I can’t find a comfortable driving position in the thing to save my life. At 5′10″ I would not consider myself extremely tall, but the same drivers seat that my wife loves so much is torture on me. Don’t get me wrong, the seat goes back plenty far enough to accommodate my height, but good luck reaching the steering wheel unless you stick your arms bolt straight in front of you and keep them there the whole time you are driving. And by the way, I am no lay back in the seat and try to look “cool” type of driver either. The ergonomics were apparently laid out for shorter people…or apes maybe.
Other than it’s atrocious drivers seat, the car is laid out nicely, but I would not buy one for myself. The addition of a telescopic steering wheel might remedy the problem, but I would have to test it out before getting too excited. Otherwise, good product.
-Shaun
B.T.W. – the factory stereo unit is horrible.
I think that if I was looking at buying a mini-wagon, I’d likely end my shopping in the “Zoom Zoom” store with a Mazda 3 hatchback.
Shaun, good news — the new Matrix (and Vibe) does indeed have a telescoping steering column.
Of course, if your wife is itching for a new car and you don’t want to spend the money, then I guess that isn’t such good news.
– Aaron
Well I like the Toyota styling better than the Pontiac. To be honest I think my taste and Aaron’s are about 180degs apart. I think all the current GM cars except the HHR are dog ugly.
As to which 5 door? I bought a Mazda 3 last year. It is a really good car and a lot of fun to drive. I just wish they offered the 2.0L in the hatchback. The 2.3 has way more power than I need and I would like the extra millage these days. Now if I could have talked my wife in the Mazdaspeed 3:)
I own a Toyota but honestly can’t say that I’ve ever thought it was beautiful. In fact there are few Toyota/Lexus models that I like from an exterior styling standpoint. They’re fine vehicles in every other respect, though. The Matrix is more of the same. To my eye the styling is too bland, too unbalanced, too…odd,I guess. The Pontiac version addresses some of the oddness and has a more comprehensive features list for the money; so if the choice was between the Vibe or the Matrix, I would choose the Vibe notwithstanding it’s higher depreciation. Iwatcdr, I think what you are saying is music in Toyota’s ears. I do like many new GM models especially the Malibu and CTS-V. But ya know, like they say, Viva la difference! (or something like that
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I drove the Matrix in 2006 … It was rather slow and the style boring after I looked at it a few times. Finally purchased a Mazda 3 Sport GT. with the 2.3 engine. An Awesome car in every respect !!!!
I also prefer the Matrix styling over the Vibe. The Vibe seems to scream “small-wagon” however the Matrix seems to more cleverly disguise itself as a “race-inspired hatchback”.
Too much $$$ for too little car,even if it says Toyota…at least for me!