I'll start this by saying that I am not an automotive journalist, but only an average guy with an enthusiasm for vehicles in general. Earlier this afternoon, I went to the very first of sixteen Scion FIRST DRIVE events (held in Charlotte). I'll go over my first impressions, comparisons to other vehicles I've owned, and happy answer any questions I can.
Part I:the FIRST DRIVE event
The event is essentially a basic information session followed by two laps on a tight ~30 second autocross course. You'll have the chance to ask any questions you want, really pour over the car with your hands and camera, and then drive the cars.
The downside is that all of the cars were automatics, with the traction control buttons blocked off so that you were only in standard mode. The upside is that the cars were wearing Enkei wheels with 225/45-17 Yokohama S-Drive tires, TRD exhaust system and TRD springs/shocks.
The autocross course is a tight course with smaller than regulation gates, but it is very well marked. I've autocrossed numerous cars and even a truck before, and this course was straight forward, but you'd have a heck of a time trying to fit a Mustang through it due to the narrowness.
