Get the GT with stick. The VVTi-L motor is great with the 6-speed. You gotta wind it up to the 8200 redline to get the power out of it. 180hp when the motor hits lift.
The whole car except for the interior is designed by Toyota. The Dash is GM and is the only bad thing about the car. Lots of squeaks and the Delco stereo sucks ass.
I own a Toyota Matrix XRS and I love it. Only problem has been a few sqeaks. I don't pretend it's going to beat a some V8 Mustang, but its quick enough for a 4 cylinder station wagon.
There is also lots of stuff coming out if your into modifing your car. TRD sells CAI's, exhausts, springs, sway-bars, quickshifter, coilovers, ect. Lot's of spring companies lower the car from 1.5" to 3.0"
In six months or so there will be a supercharger out from GM and Toyota. It's for the base engine. It should bump horsepower to 175 and torque 170.
There's also a new sports package coming out, but I don't like the wing.
