| Robbio |
Mar 8, 2002 05:53 PM |
Why the Matrix should bite me:
I drove the long awaited Toyota Matrix. It was fun, but definitely less than what I expected, absolutely. First off, I drove the slower one. And BOY was it slow. My current car is a 1991 Mercury Tracer with just over 200K miles on it. I'll swear that I can pull more torque with that thing than the 2002 Matrix off the dealer lot. They say with the AWD, that the viscous clutch system robs another 5bhp off even Those stinky numbers. My car kinda sucks by now, but I couldn't see wanting to get into paying for a new car that didn't have any more balls than what I drive for no cost at all. From what I can tell you about the handling - I was really disappointed. It felt more like a Rav4 than a Celica; more Rav4 than a Corolla. Higher and Higher it felt I was sitting. The seat didn't let me get comfy - I am 6'3" and LOVE the feel of the Mazda PR5 (can't squeeze into an MP5). The Matrix had me all the way back to accommodate my legs, then I had to pitch all the way forward just to reach the steering wheel without locking my elbows. All that AND my knees were bumped by the console/dash and door! What I can say about the handling ain't much. I think though, they didn't "prep" it, by letting the extra air out of the tires and such. It felt so heavy on the road, like you had to dig in to turn the steering wheel. When I drove the PR5, I felt locked into the road, like I had all the handling anyone could ask for. I prefer that car with a 5spd (tried them both) and found you really had zip when you could manually change gears. The looks of the PR5 are miles beyond better than the Matrix, and if you don't believe me, just see one of those goof boxes without the groundFX, with only dopey wheel covers. I would take a plain Protege any day! It follows the philosophy that if you start with a lot you'll get a lot when you make mods. Underneath all the plastic armor, the Matrix is just an ugly Corolla sufferring from severe retardation.
-Rob
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