The “XRS” model is designed to be more ’sporty’, including a front strut-tower brace, as well as standard stability control, and 18 inch rubber.

“Not even as much fun to drive as the Corolla XRS,” wrote one critic. “And that’s saying something.”

2009 Toyota Matrix

The 2009 Toyota Matrix has a starting MSRP of $16,290, but it won’t take long to go past that amount. A fully appointed XRS can quickly cost $24,000, so it really comes down to the options you pick.

Critics content that the 2009 Matrix is nothing new and nothing that unforgettable. One reviewer said: “It looks like everything we’ve seen before. It seems like Toyota didn’t try all that hard.”

Motor Trends was bored by this vehicle

Motor Trend said on the plus side, the Toyota Matrix has “a well-sorted navigation system and generally agreeable interior appointments.” However, the bad included, “mushy handling, subpar refinement, and too-familiar cabin.”

The main criticism is that the 2009 Toyota Matrix is a boring offering. And not only that, it’s a bit more expensive that comparable cars. In an auto market like this, boring doesn’t stand a chance to sell.

Nissan responded to Inside Line’s request for comment saying the midyear price adjustment for the 2009 GT-R is “due in large part to increased raw materials costs. Since pricing on GT-R was announced approximately a year ago, the cost of raw materials has increased exponentially, negatively impacting the cost to manufacture the car.”

Equipped with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, the GT-R is rated at 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.

If you want the performance of the 2009 Nissan GT-R, prepare to pay for it.