A few of our staff members aren’t too smitten with the styling of the new Toyota Matrix, but once we all got time behind the wheel, it didn’t matter. We agree that this car has plenty of power and passengers praised the Matrix’s comfortable interior, as well.

Click through the jump to read our full impressions and click the images below to open a gallery.

Nate Luzod
Art Director

I’m not big on the styling of the Matrix, inside or out, but God can it move. I found myself going way too fast on the way in this morning, barely noticing my speed since handling was consistently solid.

Laura K. Cowan
Chief Copy Editor

The Matrix XRS had way more power than I was expecting, almost too much for the little car to handle. I really love small cars like this that can move, as they’re good both on the highway and for zipping around town. Our tester came with some nice amenities such as the power moonroof, which really tied the package together well. Toyota knows how to get the most out of mid-level interior materials and some good design. Looking at the specs I’m surprised at both the relatively low horsepower and high weight here: the Matrix is a lot more fun than this spec sheet would suggest.

Kimberly A. Ewing
Business/Fleet Manager

I drove our Editor Emeritus, David E. Davis, Jr., and his wife to the airport on a beautiful Saturday morning. Mr. Davis drove there as he wanted to experience the Matrix. He couldn’t say enough positive things about the vehicle. Mrs. Davis was in the back seat letting us know about all of the room, how comfortable it was, and the cool cup holder that popped out of the center console mounted on the floor. When I got behind the wheel for my drive back, I was surprised at how fast the Matrix was. I had to set the cruise in order to maintain legal speeds. The Matrix XRS is a great driver, with plenty of user-friendly options. At $24,560 this vehicle is a great package and an even better buy.

Steven J. Ewing
Production Assistant

I’ve always liked the Matrix, though I’m still warming up to the styling of this 2009 model. All of my praise would match what my fellow staff members have already said, though I must point out that this car would definitely be better suited with a proper manual transmission. Yes, a do-it-yourself shifter is available, I just wish our test car had been equipped with it.

2009 TOYOTA MATRIX XRS

Engine: Inline-4, 2.4 liters, 16v
Output: 158 hp/162 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Weight: 3220 lb
Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 21/29 mpg

Base price: $21,850

In-dash 6-CD package: $1010
All-weather guard package: $150
Power moonroof: $890

Destination: $660
Price as tested: $24,560