2009 Toyota Matrix Review

The standard Matrix ($16,190) uses a 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual gearbox and comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, AM/FM/CD stereo compatible with MP3/WMA files, input jack and XM satellite radio, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Optitron (electroluminescent) gauges with tachometer, power mirrors, intermittent wipers, engine immobilizer, and cargo cover. A five-speed manual gearbox comes standard, a four-speed automatic transmission is available as a separate model ($17,000). Options include alloy wheels, six-speaker radio upgrade, power locks/windows, keyless entry, cruise control, moonroof, lighter, an all-weather package (heated mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, rear-seat heat ducts), electronic stability control.

Matrix S ($18,260) comes with the 2.4-liter engine and five-speed gearbox. Standard features include the six-speaker radio, power windows/locks, keyless entry and intermittent rear wiper plus a 115-volt AC outlet and larger rear brakes. Options include a JBL sound system or navigation with real-time traffic (you can't have both), moonroof, rear spoiler, cruise control, electrochromic interior mirror w/compass, lighter, 17-inch alloy wheels, the all-weather package, electronic stability control and a five-speed automatic ($19,450).

Matrix S AWD ($20,400) uses the 2.4-liter engine, a four-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; it also includes a fully independent rear suspension, larger rear brakes, and the all-weather package. Options on the all-wheel drive are similar to S, excepting the all-weather and five-speed automatic.

Matrix XRS ($20,660) comes with the 2.4-liter and five-speed manual, plus seat fabric upgrade, 215/45R18 tires on alloy wheels, front strut brace, electronic stability/traction control, three-spoke leather steering wheel, rear spoiler, fog lamps, and the independent rear suspension and big rear brakes. XRS options are limited to the JBL sound system or navigation, moonroof, cruise control, lighter, all-weather, and five-speed automatic transmission ($21,850).

Safety features that come on all models include front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist, tire pressure monitors, and daytime running lights. Electronic stability control is standard on XRS and optional on others.