[Grolar]

Funny how many Mudders have a Matrix too. Bought mine (XR 2 WD) new in '05 and it's been a great car (at least for my 2 mi commute). A real fuel sipper on hwys and fwys, too. LA-Phoenix on one tank isn't unthinkable. I was tempted to go for some European steel but the Volvo V50's trunk (it's a wagon!) is 1/3 smaller and most other compacts have less legroom in the rear. My only complaint is the vulnerability of door panels in parking lots (no shielding whatsoever). I don't know how the '09 performs but the 2.4 liter might be a bit overkill.