OWNERS SAY...(owners discuss their cars)

I saw a print ad for the Matrix one day, bought one the next. It's one solid, sweet-handling car. I'm in love with how it drives, plus I can load it with bikes, dogs, camping gear and as much other stuff as I used to cram into my Volvo wagons. Yet the Matrix is more comfortable, has more power and gets better mileage. I've had to reeducate myself on the tight, six-speed gearbox: no more sloppy shifting allowed, and it's easy to either over-rev the engine or stall it out when starting from a dead stop on hills.

JEANNE GOSTNELL, Williams, Ore.

The Matrix is versatile, comfortable and practical. Performance is very good, but build quality is questionable. The car has a lot of rattles and vibrations when revved high, which is what you have to do to access the power. It needs more low-end torque. A continuously lit ABS light is the only mechanical problem I've had. After three dealer visits, they finally replaced the computer module that controls the light. The lie-flat rear seats and front-passenger seat are great, as are the rear-seat space and ...