2009 Matrix What do you think

[Go Flames Go]

Hi,

I am thinking about buying my wife a 2009 Matrix XRS, seem to be good deals on them right now and she really likes the extra power from the upgraded engine. I don’t really know to much about them though. Are there any real issues to watch out for, any on going problems? What do you like/dislike about the car? I did a search and did find too much, hopefully someone with real world experience can shed a little light.

Thanks.

[cheapskate]

Cant say as I have driven too many of them but I do build them. A lot of the bugs with the old model were addressed by design and taken care of. Rattles and squeaks from the plastic seat backs, warm air entering the passenger compartment from the engine bay etc. This car got a very good review for initial customer satisfaction.If you dont want to spend a lot of cash you can still get the 2.4 engine without having to pay for the DWB (double wishbone) suspension. It also comes with the beam type suspension. I build them but not sure what the trim level is called for that combo but something you may want to look at. Good luck.

[matrix77]

I think it's a nice little car. I bought a 2003 Matrix XR for my wife to take the kids to school... now I'm driving it to work. I wished I should have get the XRS instead.

I get spoiled with the 2007 Tundra 5.7L... so everytime I drive the Matrix... I don't feel any power and I can feel the engine noise, the road noise.... etc. Hopefully they fixed those in later year.

If you don't really need power... I think it's a nice little car to drive.

[PotbellyJoe]

I have a 2009 Vibe GT which is essentially the same thing. Had to replace my wife's 02 Vue after a pick-up lost its trailer and totaled it for us. We bought the Vibe because of a GM family plan (She worked at a Toyota dealer at the time and thought the Matrix had what she needed)

Everytime I drive it, I like it more. It's not super quick, but it's peppy. Gets decent MPG (I have seen up to 32 for a tank on a trip to MI from NJ)

We got the 5-speed, small cars just shouldn't be automatics.

And the independent suspension does make a difference on the road.

The Vibe also comes with XM, VSC and Trac standard. So as a Hockey fan that drives in snow and ice, that was a deal maker.

I just wanted something safe and reliable for my wife and 18 month old. It's been great for us, 16k miles in from last August.

[TheFreeman2005]

I've got the Corolla XRS, so I would figure they're about the same thing. The 2.4 with the 5 speed has some good zip for being a little car. Mine has gone 23,000 strong and I beat on it pretty good. Handles good, rides pretty decent for a little sport. So far no squeaks or rattles. I see about 28 to 30 mpg depending on how I'm driving it. And with the XRS you get the JBL audio upgrade and it is great. Wonderful sound from a stock system.