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Is 2009 Matrix A Home Run or a Strike Out?

Agent009 submitted on 12/13/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:26:32 AM

25 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: | SOURCE: wardsauto.com

When the first-generation Toyota Matrix launched in 2002, it was a fresh-faced, utilitarian, reasonably priced small car with four doors and an upright stance, timed nicely to coincide with the
arrival of slightly larger cross/utility vehicles.

The business case for the Matrix – derived from Toyota Motor Corp.’s high-volume Corolla platform
– was clear at a time when Americans shopping for small cars had limited options.

The second-generation Matrix arrives with completely different dynamics at play.



 



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Is 2009 Matrix A Home Run or a Strike Out?

About the Author

Agent009

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."

— Agent009 (View Profile)


User Comments

EL34

Faux boy racer.

A strikeout I'm sorry to say :(

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 11:40:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

pacotacolol

this matrix does no trix for me

— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 4:22:08 PM | | Votes: -2   

EL34

When I saw this car I thought of you driving it.

Perfect car for a dentist.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 1:02:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

EL34

Sorry, I drive a 1973 Ford Maverick with Aston Martin badges ;)

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 7:57:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

carguy68

strike three your out!

— carguy68 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 12:12:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

IVANURI97

Almost looks too much like a Scion product. Don't like the D pillar at all, I like the look of the Vibe better.

I call this a dud.

— IVANURI97 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 12:16:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Shredmo

I concur. Personally, I don't think it is terrible, but it is not great. If given the choice, I'd take the xB over this in a heart beat. It took this car to make that thing look appealing.

— Shredmo (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 12:44:13 PM | | Votes: -1   

theoptimisticpessimist

Neither, its vanilla.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 12:32:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

kart1

I was going to say something similar, I mean there are things between strike out and home run. The Matrix = Single?

— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 1:34:29 PM | | Votes: 1   

Agent009

I'll give you a single base for that.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 1:49:59 PM | | Votes: -1   

DaHarder

The (lack of) styling is truly tragic.

It's about as appealing to look at as a bread box with wheels.

The old one was no beauty, but at least it had some semblance of 'flare' when properly 'kitted'... This one has none.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 2:18:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

answer

It is merely OK. It should do well enough finding people to buy it, but I would be surprised to see another generation Matrix follow this one.

There are simply better competitors out there.

Plus, the Scion division makes this boring by comparison.

Maybe it's time for the Matrix to follow the route of the Echo.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 3:27:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

DaHarder

I was asking the same question since it appears to have completely different proportions than the (much better drawn) 2008/9 Pontiac Vibe.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 5:58:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

XYZZ


i believe the vibe does continue to be a rebadge of the matrix.

check the engine specs.

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2007 5:34:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

S4cabriofoxone

It's bland. Too Scion-esque, and yet too predictable. When did Toyota's mojo disappear?

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 5:40:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

DaHarder

When the names Celica and Supra ceased to appear on their vehicles...

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 5:56:13 PM | | Votes: 2   

EL34

S4, it started with the new LS460/600 :(

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 7:59:17 PM | | Votes: -1   

olscuul

hopefully it is not a matrix 3, because that wasn't too good.

— olscuul (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2007 9:47:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

atomicbri

Strikeout! It is bland and boring even when compared to the new Vibe. Toyota should have brought us the Auris instead, at least it has an interesting interior....
http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/generic_editorial.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1302529191.1197642783@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddmkjdefffcfngcfkmdfkidffk.0&navRoot=toyota_1024_root&portal=null&nodiv=TRUE&edname=AU1_gal&catname=%2ftoyota_1024_root%2fmain_nav%2fpageTopNav%2fZone+Auris&menuid=88804&zone=Zone+Auris&skin=-1undefined&id=AU1_gal

— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2007 9:35:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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