-> Hi everyone, today I will be discussing regarding on a hobby that is a money saver. Although it eats up most of my time (besides work and school), in the long run it is quite educational (in a way).
-> This is what I call Wish Listing. On the forum called GTPlanet.net, I Started participating on the thread called Car Wishlist Version 3.0 back in 2005. Most of the time I contributed the most cars that I want to be on the popular driving simulator Gran Turismo 5. By then, over time; I decided to take over the wish list after with many glitches in Car Wishlist Version 4.0, and renaming it to Car Wish List Ver. 4.5.
-> The V4.5 became controversial on the internet world! And it was the day that I was offline the whole day! On July 31, 2007, a site named Gran Turismo Center spilled the beans naming the wish list as the 'official car list for GT5'. Then the whole world was baffled with the news. At the end, GTC apologized that this was really a wish list.
-> As time goes on, I noticed many errors on the carry-over Wishlists on the past that was carried over at V4.5 since the Wishlists started. So I try to revise it on the next version called, GT5 Vehicle Wish List Version 5.0, this was focused on deleting many falacies and duplicates on any cars. But there was another growing problem arises, Race Cars.
-> My lack of knowledge regarding on Race Cars and its Liveries definitely took me a beating on V5.0. And therefore, I made a crucial desision of splitting the Wish List in two. Thus, creating the Vehicle Wish List V.5.5; I assigned the Race Car Wish List to someone else who specializes that field lifting much of the burden off.
-> And on top of that, the V5.5 is completely revamped. All the cars have been cleared off except its parent companies. So its more like a 'back to zero' approach, the wish list right now os a lot more consistent, in order, and backed with facts (by clicking on the link of that link). Up until now the new wish list is growing in a slow but steady state. And hopefully it will be as successful as before.
-> Here is the link: GT5 Vehicle Wish List Version 5.5
-> When you see a car that looks promising at a local autoshow joint, you'd be curious enough to check that certain vehicle beyond the autoshow floor. That was the way I used to feel when the Pontiac Vibe GT or Toyota Matrix XRS twins at the L.A. Autoshow few years back (both of these cars are built at the GM-Toyota NUMMI Plant in California). Just because look at these features: Plastic-coated cargo floorplan; two-tier rear hatch openings; 120V Socket; an AWD option; and most of all, an available 1.8L 2ZZ-GE VVTi engine on which was based on the last generation Toyota Celica GT-S and the current Lotus' dynamic duo, the Elise and Exige (you may include the 2-Eleven track car).
-> The car was based on one of many Toyota Corolla family of platforms and this particular Pontiac is being marketed in Japan as the Toyota Voltz (which this car was featured in Gran Turismo 4 driving simulation game on Playstation 2). The interior was roomy overall. Although, as I sat on the driver seat, I noticed the awkward driving position with my knees folded and my arm extended to uncomfortable levels. And the seats lacked support as I adjusted my seating position with disappointing results. As I engage the car, the clutch is tricky to use, and it takes some getting used to. The long but precise throw of its shifter neglects its sporty nature of this wagon. As I engage the Vibe GT; the engine is on a dead spot until it reaches around 6 grand or more rpms. The engine responds well for a Toyota, but it gets buzzy at limit. As handling goes, I've never seen a car plow into into the world of understeer like that! In fact the 2000-05 Hyundai Accent GS has better roll stability despite it was equipped with skinny tires. Moderate understeer was in effect. There was evidence of the kill-joy traction control ruins spirited driving, you may have the option of switching it off.
-> Hauling stuff from point A to point B needs a routine procedure to follow. Mainly tying your precious cargo down, because cargo bay is prone to sliding stuff all over the place (see above), so it needs to be secured before leaving. Since the plastic surfaced cargo area is neat for medium duty cargo (better than carpet). And its front passenger seat fold forward for longer cargo or a portable table for your laptop along with that convenient socket, a very handy feature.
-> As what Toyota fans here in the US claims that this is the Corolla wagon, since the real Corolla wagon was being marketed in Euro-land. Despite with its demerits, this Pontiac is the most reliable GM vehicle in the whole corporate fleet (Suby-based Saab 9-2X comes a close second). That is not a bad claim.
Highs
- Great feature-per-dollar ratio
- Cool 120V socket on the dashboard
- Toyota's history on reliability
Lows
- Awkward driving position
- Roly-poly Handling
- Cargo area is an ice rink
Verdict
- This is the result when Toyota and GM builds its cars together for US consumption.
