Poll: What is the antithesis of the VX?

[Heraclid]

I don't think I disagree with any of what you said. But here's what I said:

Picking a good antithesis for the VX is very subjective. Do you pick something as totally different from a VX in as many ways as possible? Or something similar (or masquerading as similar) that is 180 degrees opposite in philosophy and just aimed in another direction entirely?

This gets to what I was trying to say about how subjective this is. The first set of criteria would lead to something that in almost every imaginable way is opposite a VX, and you could end up with a Geo Metro or whatever. I consider the Rendezvous to fit the second set of criteria, where you have something roughly the same (it's supposedly a SUV), but the ideas and goals behind it are totally counter to everything the VX represents. I don't think anyone would peg a Buick to be a serious off-road vehicle. But I still think it is a classic case of something trying to have a little bit of appeal to a lot of people rather than settling on one thing and doing it well (a lot of appeal to fewer people). So it ends up being very average.

The Rendezvous is not a true four-wheel drive, but it is available in all-wheel drive. Buick's own website touts the Rendezvous's "On-Demand All-Wheel Drive" system, which sounds suspiciously like our own Torque-On-Demand setup, but in reality is a bit different. The VX system is full-time, distributes power to the wheels that need it, and has selectable high or low range gearing. The Rendezvous system is full-time, distributes power to the wheels that need it, and is without a low range gearing option.

I didn't used to know what the difference was between AWD and 4WD. I suspect that some people may actually get a Rendezvous and believe it is the equivalent of 4WD and think they can go wherever with it. Yes, it would take totally overlooking the minimal ground clearance and other signs that it isn't meant to do it, but I think we all know there are some people clueless enough.

AWD systems are lighter, but they lack the low range gearing of 4WD. AWD is full-time. 4WD may or may not be. Many regular SUV's and pickups still have selectable part-time 4WD, although many newer 4WD's are full-time. AWD is good for snow and dirt roads. But if it has big rocks, deep sand, or steep inclines, you still need 4WD.

[Raque Thomas]

Heraclid - I think we agree on this - that vehicle is one that trys to appeal to a broad range of people without doing anything particularly well. I personally like being different, and the VX suits my personal style well. As far as what I think the true opposite of the VX is, I guess it would have to be something like the Chevrolet Lumina - nondescript, MASSproduced, and very generic. These 3 terms could not be applied to the VX;which is very descript, VERY limited production, and very unique.

[TEN36VX]

Not to revive an old thread, but I just had to cast my vote...

Scion xB
Drivetype: Front Wheel Drive
Engine: DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder
Suspension: Front: Independent strut with stabilizer bar
Rear: Torsion beam with stabilizer bar
Ground Clearance: 6.1"
Tires: 185/60 R15


I just hate even looking at those things!

[transio]

I would say the Cadillac Escalade ESV. It's a humongous truck with tremendous offroad capability, but tamed for road use and decked out with every luxury you could imagine inside. It's also the antithesis of the VX in terms of looks, with a very angular appearance and hulking mass, while the VX is svelte by comparison.

[transio]

Scion xB... I just hate even looking at those things!

The sport version is supposed to have really good handling for a FF.

[mdwyer]

VERY limited production, and very unique.

Yeah, the rarity of these vehicles didn't really occur to me until I saw an article about the De Lorean DMC-12 -- otherwise known as "That car from Back to the Future".

According to Wikipedia: "About nine thousand DMC-12s were made before production stopped in late 1982."

Wikipedia also says that there are only 4,153 Vehicrosses.

I just think, "I drive a car that's more rare than a De Lorean. Wow. How cool is that?!"

Of course, on the other side of the coin, I've only seen one De Lorean in my lifetime -- and that at a car show -- but I've seen at least four VX in my lifetime. I imagine it has something to do with the fact that we actually get to take our "rare cars" out on the road!

[ZEUS]

Easy, Lance Armstrong's bicycle.

[Chopper]

Naaah, how'bout a two-cycle Tuk-Tuk... maybe we can evolve to breathe blue air. Asia, is adapting, as we speak.