Wayne:
Inexpensive cars can be enjoyable. I always found my VW Golfs to be FUN
to pedal around. Not particularly quick, perhaps, but with good road
manners, a sophisticated suspension, and (surpisingly) reliable. We got
the Matrix because my wife absolutely wanted one. My choice was, and
remains, the new Rabbit. Same price exactly as Matrix, but definitely a
driver's car (even if the NA engine isn't too inspiring). As reliable as
a Toyota, probably not, but my first Golf did over 400 000Km on the same
engine, clutch and tranny (gas, not diesel); the second had approx 180
000km. In all that mileage, I was only left at the side of the road
once, and that because I was ignoring a warning light.
Martin
-----Original Message-----
From: olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Wayne Culberson
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 4:05 PM
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [OM] Re: Broken DSLR - worth repairing?
>
> The Matrix is, in a word, unpleasant to drive - a case where a great
> concept is spoiled by execution. It has: terrible gear change, poorly
> designed clutch pedal, weird front suspension geometry/steering, a
> gutless, rough engine (neither bottom end torque nor top end), and a
> stiff suspension that does a better job of transmitting bumps etc than
> damping them. On the other hand, its interior space is quite
> functional and the brakes are good. All in all, it is a car built by
> committee and in no way a driver's car. Big mistake to get it, and
> can't wait to get rid of it (without losing too much $$)
>
> End of rant!
>
> Martin
I have the Vibe, the Pontiac branded Matrix. Mine is automatic, so I
can't comment about the gear shift. The engine is gutless, but then if
I'm not mistaken it is the same 1.8 litre engine as in the Corolla, so
one wouldn't expect too much in performance. It does give me about 37 to
38 mpg (Imp.
gal), even in winter driving. I tried mine just a few days ago. The back
seat is not very comfy, or at least that is what my daughter says. I
wouldn't know, as I'm never back there and don't plan to be until I'm
too feeble to drive myself, which may not be too far away. Everything
works well, but then it has only 39,000 kms on it. Most any car now
works well when basically new. As far as being fun to drive, well, it is
basic transportation. I'd still sooner drive my old Chevy Tracker most
places.
Wayne
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