Is 2009 Matrix A Home Run or a Strike Out?

Is 2009 Matrix A Home Run or a Strike Out?
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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EL34EL34 - 12/13/2007 11:40:04 AM
+2 Boost
Faux boy racer.

A strikeout I'm sorry to say :(


pacotacololpacotacolol - 12/13/2007 4:22:08 PM
-2 Boost
this matrix does no trix for me


EL34EL34 - 12/13/2007 1:02:59 PM
-3 Boost
When I saw this car I thought of you driving it.

Perfect car for a dentist.


EL34EL34 - 12/13/2007 7:57:37 PM
0 Boost
Sorry, I drive a 1973 Ford Maverick with Aston Martin badges ;)


carguy68carguy68 - 12/13/2007 12:12:25 PM
+4 Boost
strike three your out!


IVANURI97IVANURI97 - 12/13/2007 12:16:21 PM
+3 Boost
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.


ShredmoShredmo - 12/13/2007 12:44:13 PM
-1 Boost
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.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 12/13/2007 12:32:20 PM
+2 Boost
Neither, its vanilla.


kart1kart1 - 12/13/2007 1:34:29 PM
+1 Boost
I was going to say something similar, I mean there are things between strike out and home run. The Matrix = Single?


Agent009Agent009 - 12/13/2007 1:49:59 PM
-1 Boost
I'll give you a single base for that.


DaHarderDaHarder - 12/13/2007 2:18:36 PM
+1 Boost
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.


answeranswer - 12/13/2007 3:27:45 PM
+1 Boost
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.


DaHarderDaHarder - 12/13/2007 5:58:49 PM
0 Boost
I was asking the same question since it appears to have completely different proportions than the (much better drawn) 2008/9 Pontiac Vibe.


XYZZXYZZ - 12/14/2007 5:34:19 AM
+1 Boost

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

check the engine specs.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/13/2007 5:40:58 PM
0 Boost
It's bland. Too Scion-esque, and yet too predictable. When did Toyota's mojo disappear?


DaHarderDaHarder - 12/13/2007 5:56:13 PM
+2 Boost
When the names Celica and Supra ceased to appear on their vehicles...


EL34EL34 - 12/13/2007 7:59:17 PM
-1 Boost
S4, it started with the new LS460/600 :(


olscuulolscuul - 12/13/2007 9:47:34 PM
0 Boost
hopefully it is not a matrix 3, because that wasn't too good.


atomicbriatomicbri - 12/14/2007 9:35:45 AM
0 Boost
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....
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