I am now the owner of a 2004 Toyota Matrix.
The engine has a burning smell I'm told is a new car smell. I hope it goes away soon, because on the whole, I'm pretty happy with this thing. :)
It's a 4-speed automatic, with overdrive. It has air conditioning, CD, keyless entry, panic button alarm system, a gorgeous light-up dashboard display, and a soft, roomy, jet black interior with a touch of grey accessorising (did I spell that right? Ah well...). The CD/Stereo comes with an equalizer function -- an interesting device, and another button to play with. In my LeBaron, I was happy if the music managed to pump out of all the speakers consistently.
The body is red (Radiant Red is the official colour name). Not just any red, but a deep, vibrant crimson that would suit a high-speed bullit train, or a sleek Airbus A320. The kind of red that deserves to leave a warp-speed after-image streak behind it as it drives down the highway.
I'm still getting to know it. The seating is much higher than an average car, the drive is smoother than anything my tired, battered old LeBaron could muster, and the sightlines are vastly different to what I'm used to. This is certainly going to take some adjustment...but I look forward to the challenge. :)
