My son and I are both fans of Mattel Hot Wheels, although I miss the metallic ones from the 1970's and 80's. Just like so many products, "they just don't build them, like the used to." For Christmas he received a nine car gift set, and these have been used a lot, over the months since then. He has a couple of sets that work with these, and also likes to roll them across wood floors, or "role play" with them. I think these are good for that with regards to development, and when his fellow three year old visited the other day, he actually shared. Wow, what a concept!

With this set, he got the nine cars, with are 1:64 scale. These included notables such as a stock car, a ZZ Top looking pick up truck, and other cars that are decent, but not exciting. The best two are those, and the stock car, even has the outer screen. That alone makes it more realistic, and I like the ZZ Top styled truck, from what appears to be the 1950's era. Its bright yellow, and has the engine sticking out of its hood. One day when I take him to a classic car show, my boy will probably point this out, as he likes to play with that one a lot.

Most of the cars are fairly good looking, although there are some boring sedans. Two of them are in this category, with one drab green one, and a brown one that looks like an old Chevy Caprice. That's not very exciting. I usually end up with these, as my son always grabs the best ones, and I can't blame him. As for the speed of these, just a gentle push will make them fly across the floor, of our playroom upstairs. He and I both have had these moving quite fast, and to their credit, their "alignment" is above average. They don't veer in one direction, like the old ones are known for. 

As for durability, they are good enough. They aren't built with Tank Like Materials obviously, but of lighter plastics and metals that keep costs down. The cost of these products aren't high, so that is good for families on a budget. I do think they've kept the wheels, with the same materials. These can take a beating, and as for cleaning, its a simple process. A little bit of soap, and water can take sand and other items that seem to end up in and on the cars. They seem to hold up quite well, and unlike real cars, there are no insurance premiums to contend with.

I think this set was a nice gift, and it was kind of the family down the street, to give these to my boy. He enjoys them, and has spent quite a lot of time with these. I've had fun with them also, because having not grown up, I still can get down on the floor with these small cars. Do I wish there were more sports cars? Yes. Also, do I wish they were built like the "proverbial brick houses", that they were known for? Of course, but for what they cost, I have to say that they are a good toy. Their price and number of styles is great, even though this set does put in some ones, that are of questionable character compared to some of the sportier models. 

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): gift
Type of Toy: Car, Truck or Raceway
Age Range of Child: Whole Family