Models and Options
Haven’t
bought one yet? Here are some opinions
to consider.
The
drivetrain is your biggest choice.
You can choose the AWD version if all-weather traction is your thing,
but be warned that this is one of the few cars that allows you to see exactly
what you are trading off for that additional traction. The same car without AWD will accelerate
better, get better fuel mileage (base engine), hold more fuel, and offer more
options. AWD is available with
automatic only.
The
base engine with front drive is likely the popular choice, with either 5-speed
or automatic. Either transmission is
pretty good from what little driving I did.
You won’t be surprised, one way or the other.
The
high-output engine, paired with a 6-speed manual, was my choice. This engine has marginally more power
through most of the RPM range, but in the 6000-to-8000 RPM end it really moves. If you’re not a race driver, you probably
won’t rev up there very often. So why
sentence yourself to a decade of premium gas (91 octane recommended) for that
bit of power? Somewhat to my surprise,
I have to answer the transmission is the main reason. This transmission would do a trucker proud, with 6 speeds forward
and a reverse that goes “beep beep beep”.
I’m not a trucker, but I really like being able to select exactly the
right gear for the specific speed limit.
And with closely-spaced ratios, you can downshift for power without
feeling like you are tearing the guts out of the engine. Drop one gear for steep climbs, two for
passing. This car loves to climb, even
at high altitude. The beeping reverse
isn’t popular with everyone, but without it first gear and reverse are easily
confused.
Another
option is to buy the base engine and add a supercharger. This isn’t as far out as it sounds – Pontiac
sells a supercharger and will install it for you (base 2WD only). The result will be power similar to the
high-output engine, at more reasonable RPMs.
Plan on premium gas, but young drivers might save on insurance since the
Vehicle Identification Number shows a base engine.
The
Matrix was available with automatic and the high-output engine, if there is
someone who thinks that combination makes sense. [That combination went away – apparently it was indeed a bad
match.]
Matrix or Vibe is the
other big choice. The styling makes the
decision for some, but dealer location and reputation may also be
important. According to Consumer
Reports, the California-built Vibe tends to be a little more reliable than the
Ontario-built Matrix. I went with Vibe
for the styling, but Toyota would be the choice for dealer knowledge. Option packages vary, but there are few
significant functional differences. One
difference is the standard roof rack on the Vibe – I’ve carried two paragliders
on mine and even managed a short trip with a hang glider. The rack is not removable (crossbar removal
requires disassembly) and probably costs you a bit of highway gas mileage. [Newer models have removed content,
including the crossbars, now optional.
Also gone is the center console “fat lid” storage space, no big loss
since it was too tall for most drivers.]
The
Power Package is a no-brainer.
Unless you are pinching pennies, cruise and central locking are a
must. But Moonroof? How tall are you? It steals some headroom, creates some sharp corners to hit your
head on, and there are cheaper ways to get a premium sound system. I opted for performance tires on 17-inch
wheels, partly for the handling, partly for more ground clearance – I drive
on some really awful dirt roads. You
can put 60-aspect tires on the 16-inch wheels to get the same ground clearance
(7 inches no load), or go with smaller wheels/tires if cruising low is more to
your taste. Big tires lengthen your
gear ratios a bit (less power and faster in a given gear). You may want a second set of wheels for snow
since performance tires fare poorly on snow and large tires won’t fit tire
chains.
Other
choices, for example monotone vs. gray trim, are a matter of personal taste, so
have at it…