[beatr911]

Yeah manufacturers have really numbed down vehicles. I guess alot of people like it because they percieve it as more "refined". I too like steering so good you can feel the texture of the road and feel the tires grip change BEFORE they begin to slide. And a slight growl to the engine that transmits engine load and speed to the driver without looking at gauges. I also want a Lotus Exige, but that's out of the budget.

There are alternatives to the ricer fart cans. Check the Matrix forums for opinions of those that have changed to a performance muffler. If you can attend an autocross in your area, there is where you'll find enthusiasts dinkin' with cars and you may find a modded matrix or corrola or celica or somesuch with a sound you like. I like the walker dynomax with the flow directors, a little more noise and much better flow than stock, and it looks almost stock.