For the tap shift topic, I'd say one instance where it could save some fuel is when wanting to accelerate but not wanting to downshift. Otherwise, it is there to provide better control (holding a gear, engine braking), while you will run the risk of achieving worse fuel economy. You'll probably never match the efficiency of the manual because of the torque converter (the part that makes an auto trans "slushy") Even with being able to control the shifts, this tap shift thing is nothing like the real thing. Give me that 3rd pedal any day of the week. To have that better connection with the vehicle makes driving a much more enjoyable experience. We got this Vibe for my 16yo little sister and one of the stipulations was that its going to be a manual. She's only had it 2 days and she's out driving. (Proud big brother ) Sorry, but I had to comment:Quote, originally posted by maniac4gm3 »This is in response to your photo. The G8 and Torrent were the only two vehicles Pontiac had that doesn't have a Toyota counterpart. As far as I am concerned, the Vibe began Pontiac's downfall in 2002. But, they all have a Chevrolet counterpart. The list goes as follows. G3 = Aveo = YarisG5 = Cobalt = CorollaG6 = Malibu = CamryG8 = Impala and somewhat resembles the AvalonTorrent = EquinoxSolstice = MR2 (The Camaro competed with those two.)Vibe = Matrix (somewhat similar to Equinox)While looking at Nissan, honda, and toyota, I noticed that they seem to look the same to me. It is kind of strange how if you look hard enough, you will notice that GM has had ties with these brands at some point in time. I know for sure that I will never buy a new car again, until some company can prove to me that are American. GM was very American until 2002. That was when they started making connections with Toyota and Honda. Do your research and you will notice how similar the body lines and powertrains are on some of these cars. I think they are all egg shaped with bug eyed headlights. A car must be more than 80% American for me to buy it. I guess We will all see what is left of those cars after GM finishes the bankruptcy procedure. Read your original door sticker to see where your car qualifies. I doubt it is more than 50% American.I assume your list was to point out to the OP vehicles available from Chevy. Ok....GM has had ties with foreign competitors for decades. As mentioned with Isuzu and the Luv. There was also a a tie with Toyota and the Cavalier. Several vehicles with Suzuki. Many partnerships with powertrain development (most recently with hybrid technology). etcQuote, originally posted by maniac4gm3 »So the 1.6L, 1.8L, and 1.9L engines were made in this country? I know about the imported cars with domestic badges. That was Chrysler that mostly did that. Ford followed later on. You are right, I do not like the Vibe. I used to be a porter and I didn't like how the rear window leaked on the ones with the rear window that opened. I don't like the way they look either. Especially the ones with the flat gray plastic cladding. It's really bad when that stuff scuffs. Also removing tar and bugs is no fun either. I think the Vibe started the downfall. What I think finished them off was killing the Grand Am and Grand Prix. They were both hot sellers. The owners of those cars loved them. Another thing was taking a car from Australia that was meant to be a V6 sedan and turning into a V8 Coupe. Then naming that car a GTO without doing any suspension mods or putting good tires on it, and trying to sell it for $32,000. I think all of the traditional Pontiac enthusiasts left after that one. I just don't like the way GM treated Pontiac from 2003 on. Their cars when from being sleek looking to Japanese looking. The Tapshift is just a gimmick. The computer can override anything that you do. Now my 1989 Chevy K1500 doesn't have Tapshift, but you can select what gear you want it to drive with. I love automatics with manual valve bodies. What you said about the global economy, I think that will never change. I hope I am wrong, but it seems like everyone is out sourcing with no turn around in sight. I guess we will all see what GM does in the next month or so.The GTO was a purpose made coupe built in Australia and known as the Holden Commodore. It sold in predicted numbers in the US and was therefore a success. Pontiac lost its direction from the 80/90s when all they had was boring FWD sedans like the Grand AM/Prix with shoddy quality. You may call the direction of styling Japanese looking, but that's what people want. Crash safety and aerodynamic requirements also force many vehicles to have similar looks. Look at the Volt, Prius, and Insight for example. Luckily with shedding these extra brands, GM can now focus their resources to build better cars with higher quality and more style. Cars like the Camaro, Malibu, Equinox, LaCrosse, CTS, SRX, etc show that GM still has what it takes. Things should really be looking up for them.You're right - it is a global economy. If you want to survive in the industry you have to realize this and take full advantage.BTW, if you want the most American car, buy a Camry.
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