April 29, 2002I might just be in loveThis was a really fun weekend, but since it's late (as usual), I'm going to tell you about the highight of my weekend. My good buddy Mike Sos is currently in the market for a new car. He's been doing lots of research and thinks he wants a wagon-style car to replace his VW New Beetle. He invited me to test drive some cars with him Saturday and I gladly accepted.
So, I have to say that I was really impressed with the Matrix and I only wish I wasn't so into my truck. If I could only convince Olivia to trade her car for it, though.. hehe Posted by Jeff at April 29, 2002 01:08 AMComments
Hey, I thought the the XRS Matrix had the Celica GTS in it? So wouldn't it be the same in terms of power or were you comparing it to the Celica GT? And I don't get it, I thought Sos was Beetle fanatic. Oh well, can't go wrong with Toyotas. :) hehe.. was the Matrix all chromed out yo? Posted by: Paul at April 29, 2002 08:49 AMThe Matrix XRS has the 2ZZ-FE (180hp), the same engine found in the Celica GT-S. The other Matrices have the 1ZZ-FE (130hp-140hp depending on the application), the same engine found in Corollas (all Matrices are built from the Corolla platform), Celica GTs, and the MR2 Spyder. The Matrix is pretty quick for something w/really tall gearing and large wheels (17"s that don't help the problem). Also, I knew the Nav system was DVD-ROM based but was unaware if you could watch DVDs on on it (I would say double check that). You should check out the Matrix the Sport Compact Car built/tuned, it's very very nice. However, the WRX is a much better bang for the buck. Posted by: Glenn at April 29, 2002 10:15 PMYea, I am a beetle fanatic. It is going to hurt giving up Christine. I love hanging out with my friends and taking trips, 2 things that I plan to do a bunch of in the next 5 years. I also a bit of a nomad and am unable to live in one place longer than 12 months. It sucks when you can't take stuff with you because your car is too damn small. It makes sense to get something bigger while I have the money to put a down payment on something bigger. The Matrix and the WRX are both fun fast station wagons, so it will still be a fun day to day driver while providing me with some utility. I am still a little scared of letting go of my VeeDubb. She has been a great car. I just can't decide between the WRX and the XRS. They both have plus and minus. Have any pearls of wisdom, I would appreciate the help. Posted by: Mike at April 30, 2002 07:53 PMThe matrix is about $10000 less than the wrx (probably about $5000 less with options). Sure it has less power but it's an awesome car...go with the matrix Posted by: Jack at June 8, 2003 06:54 PMPost a comment
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First stop: McGeorge Toyota. We looked around the lot and quickly found the Matrix models they had. For those of you not familiar with the Matrix, it's Toyota's new sport compact/sport utility car. I think it's part of a new generation of cars known as Crossover Utility Vehicles. If you want more details about it, there's an article over on 
Next stop: The Subaru dealership. We first test drove a WRX wagon. Folks, this is a 2.0L Turbocharged engine. But HOLY CRAP. This thing puts out 227 hp and we felt every bit of it. I really wasn't prepared for the power that this car had. Mike took off from a couple stoplights near the beginning of our test drive and I had some serious trouble keeping my head OFF of the headrest. It definitely had more power than the Matrix, but the Matrix had a cool factor (with its DVD and navigation system) that the Sabaru couldn't touch. We got back to the dealership and Mike wanted to drive an Outback wagon. It didn't have nearly the horsepower that either of two previous cars had, but it was nice and roomy. And, it had dual sunroofs. Very cool.
