ProtegeMaster

Well, just got back from my first real roadtrip with my '01 ES. I say "real" in the sense that I traveled really twisty, narrow, country roads. Up to now all of my roadtrips have been pretty much all freeway driving.

First off, let it be known that I don't condone wreckless driving! Don't push it too much and make sure you're around to get out on the road again! You also don't want to take anyone else out!

Anyway, after making this trip I have to comment on the superb handling of the ES-- I couldn't hit the road until after work at 5pm the day I left, and given that the trip takes 8 hours I was in the "windiest" area by around midnight, so traffic was pretty much non-exsistent. As anticipated, I found that the steering of the ES was weighted just right, with excellent feedback from the road. And the cornering? Oh man, thus far the only car I've ever driven that's better is a Porsche Boxter S-- In my opinion the Protege handles on par with cars costing thousands more (and of makes people think are "cooler" than Mazda, like Audi, VW, Mercedes, etc.). I was taking posted 35mph turns at 60 and still not skidding/tire squealing-- I tell you, our cars handle with tenacious grip-- The road was dry, and the stock Dunlops held very well. It was an awesome trip, and, humbly, my car is just stock! Based on that, ****, seems to me you guys with mods must kick some serious *** in handling. I say more power to 'ya in that regard. Shhweet!

Woo hoo!

130hp

hey, sounded like lots of fun! yep our handling is on par with much more expensive cars.

zoom zoom

Tornado

I agree! Just showed my Celica driving friend just how well. Don't know if he got a great look from behind though

kc5zom

Sounds a lot like what I did last weekend. Left on Wednesday at 5 and drove about 9 hours. Had a blast. Didn't see a single state trooper. The roads between Waco and Eastland Texas are awesome fun if there is room to let your speed get up.

zeriak

My buddy says that my car handles way better than his stock '95 Civic, and my other friend who has a Camaro gave me props on a downhill curve. He said he'd never be able to take that curve that fast in his Camaro, but that he'd beat me in a straightaway. I'll take his word on that one

hihoslva

Hehe - no "wreckless" driving? Does this mean we ALL have to WRECK our cars?

Just playing man - I don't make a habit out of pointing out people's grammatical errors, but this one just struck me so funny.

BTW - it's "reckless" not, "wreckless" - that's why it was so funny to me.

ProtegeMaster

Doh, you’re totally right! That was merely a fast typing, lack of thinking problem on my part-- In most instances I’m rather thorough in manners of spelling and grammar. How embarrassing… Sorry, folks!