new Matrix

I have the most underpowered model, the XR 4WD with obligatory automatic transmission. I just did a trip from Chicago to Tahoe and back. The car was always capable of exceeding the speed limit and I passed a number of cars on

2 lane roads. Mountain driving requires the correct gear selection for the situation for smooth operation and to keep from overheating the brakes. Don't get me wrong. It is a dog but it also gets over 30mpg on the highway which can't be beat for a 4/AWD car. My previous car was a Paseo so I wasn't accustomed to power anyway. My mind misses its manual transmission but my knee doesn't.

Pat

Underpowered is relative. It depends on your local roads and what kind of car you're used to driving.

Are your major highways two or more lanes in each direction? Then no problem, it will cruise at 90+mph all day if you like.

Are your major highways 65mph one lane in each direction roads at 7000' with short passing zones and you're used to driving a turbocharged sports car? You might have a problem once in a while. Accelerating from 55 to 80 to pass someone at high elevation in an economy car will probably take longer than you want. You'll need to modify your driving so that you drop back beind the car(s) you want to pass and run up to passing speed before pulling out in the other lane.

It's a LOT uglier...

Well I visited a Pontiac dealer, no employee program or rebates on the 06 Vibes, he gave me a price on the basic Vibe with the power package and the all weather package with the automatic trans at $18,400 plus tax & tags. I mentioned the Matrix was well over $1000 cheaper, he did not make one attempt to match or beat the price, So I hopped on my bike and left. so as of now 2006 models in the Matrix and the Vibe here in NE PA the Matrix edges the Vibe out by approx $1300.00

Thanks Chet

They are not race cars. I have the '05 base model with 5 speed manual. At 65 mph 5th gear is a dog, good for crusing and economy, but passing is iffy. Drop it down to 4th or 3rd and it moves ! You do get a power hit with AC. I'm not done "breaking it in" yet, so don't ask me about mileage.

I found the Vibe a better deal, the sticker price may be higher, but it comes with more stuff standard, and the packages made it a no brainer. I got the employee price, $2500 off sticker, a $1,000 rebate, and a $1,000 "conquest" rebate because I owned a non-GM car (a Tercel).

John