Vanderhall Laguna - Fast Blast Review - Everyday Driver

The Vanderhall Laguna is Utah designed and built. So when the company called to see if we wanted to be one of the first to drive one, we didn't have to go far. It's not a car. It's not a motorcycle. And it's not cheap. But sometimes we're just curious and we hope you are as well.
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[@bman3041]

I drove the Venice is Greensboro, NC and it was so fun to drive. I've always been a motorcycle man and said i would would never buy a 3 wheeler, but the test ride changed my mind. During the drive i got more head turning looks then anything that i have driven.

[@michaeldmckenzie]

However, the Venice model at 29, 950 is a lot closer in price to a Slingshot and personally, I like the Vanderhalls looks better.

[@TrailRecon]

It's an interesting little car, but that price point seems really high. Appreciate that honest review guys!

[@damiens1998]

Good job on this show, really good writing, cinematics, and overall production quality. Looking forward to future releases!

[@michaeldmckenzie]

Also, the Venice can be had with a slap stick sort of shifter for the slushbox.

[@oprikawize]

I really wanted to like it, but front wheel drive under steering automatic is a hard sell. I'm glad someone is making crazy things out there though

[@ChoPi-Eww]

This vehicle is unique and completely different. For someone who already has a stable full of sports cars, this might be interesting.

[@eduardomaldonado1647]

That car looks like it will be a beast on the corners. There cornering on it is awesome. The only problem is price is too damn high.

[@EverydayDriver]

We found the cornering on this early car to be quite average. They may have improved since we drove this one, but as mentioned here it wasn’t a standout in handling. Thanks for watching.

[@ThePandaBeat]

I'm glad that this exists and that someone will like it and buy it. But that's not gonna be me.

[@WolfsburgWarehouse]

With AWS, three wheedled vehicles can "track" to gain stability (without leaning) if "The Line" is corrected by a few degrees at the rear wheel. Pull in that tail, you'll get more synergy coming out of the curves.

[@mojostevo]

Curious for more info, I contacted Vanderhall and Daniel Boyer stated that there is now a 6 speed manual transmission version available and the Laguna starts at 49K and tops out at 77K. Matt, you should see if they can loan you a manual production car when you have time.

[@jasonpwright]

I'd actually like to see you guys review the Slingshot sometime. As a weekend toy, would a slingshot be a better canyon carver than a modded Miata? Could the Slinghot be used for a weekend road trip like the FRS, or would it be miserable on the highway?

[@Nighthawk-lr9km]

depends on if it rains

[@jeanboy9108]

depends...what miata?😉

[@kevman949]

77 grand and you get the gauges from the Sonic?

[@cesarorozco2462]

Rediculos

[@MT-vi6vb]

Paul, I have never seen your work before, but 6:56 is badass! Why not post more of your sketches on the website? Reminds me of something from Akira, my favorite movie ;)

[@mygetrichslowplan]

Ouch, I really wanted to like this thing. So few vehicle manufacturers are really stretching the limits of vehicle design these days, making me long for years past where safety regulations were few and far between, and designers were given blank checks to create the next sexy sports car. I feel like today, you get two groups of people making cars. Big companies that invest millions/billions into R&D and have to produce something that's a "safe bet" and small companies like this that have the drive and will to "out there" but are hamstringed by the costs and time investments in getting a car approved for the road. The only car released in recent history (to my knowledge) that actually pushes the boundaries of what a road car can be, is the BAC Mono, and that's a big part of the reason that driving (or if I'm lucky, owning) one is near the top of my bucket list. The issue is that I want something sportier than the Laguna. I want something I'll take to a track day and not feel like I'm getting outperformed by everybody else on the track. If I want sporty+FWD, I'll look into a Fiesta or a Golf GTI. Both of those are waaay cheaper than the Laguna, offer much more functionality (like two rows of seating and a proper trunk) while still being sporty enough to take to the track. The Laguna is so unique that I want to love it, but I just can't. If ever given the opportunity I'd certainly take one for a spin, but I doubt I'll ever own one.

[@TheGavio93]

Nicely put

[@gphilipc2031]

Option a 6 speed manual transmission and some throaty but muffled exhaust. A weekend rental availability in scenic drive tourist areas would be cool.

[@jameshay7247]

An automatic will sell far better. Almost all new cars have automatics- including sports cars.

[@jp2440]

So it's a chevy sonic in carbon fiber body

[@tu6198]

we own a 2015 slingshot ls, very disappointed with the vehicle. I saw the Vanderhall in Springville UT what a good looning car/bike.

[@dacna01]

Vanderhall, Ever consider a vehicle based around the current WRX' drivetrain? All three wheels powered!

[@mattshort5885]

I wish they had used that front end styling but ripped off Caterham for the rear end.

[@ericlakota6512]

Would love to trade my bike in on one wish they hade a dealer around hear

[@mooosestang]

I like that cockpit way better than the newer one in the venice. None of the 2018 models even have doors do they? How did they go from $50k base in 2016 to just $29,995 in 2019?

[@bottomlayer]

No mention of the Reliant Robin? :)

[@Michael-ct4ul]

Can't you left foot break to help cornering?

[@howardmckenna]

Compared to it's contemporaries it's bang on the money. A competent rounded package that doesn't require you to suffer for your thrills like many in this category of vehicle.

[@romanr4409]

very cool thing, cool review.

[@freezor80]

It looks like a cross between a Prowler, Caterham 7, Mini Cooper Roadster hardtop and the front 2/3rds of a BMW 3 series.

[@Shane-Singleton]

This vehicle is proof that you can be obsessive about building tolerances, fit and finish, etc. and still produce something that virtually nobody is going to buy. At least in my opinion the market for this car is going to be split, and split very unevenly, in favor of the Morgan and the Polaris. And the split is by and large due to price. The slingshot, at its price point, is fairly unchallenged in terms of market competition. It's in the range that it's attainable by almost anybody. Hell even I could afford one. So somebody looking for an interesting alternative to their daily driver would be well suited there. They're mass produced but that gives the benefit of affordability, aftermarket and dealer support, etc. If you have a few more dollars to spend you can step up to the Morgan. Where you're trading the practicality of the Polaris for true hand built craftsmanship and a glorious pedigree for the additional cost. It's not anywhere near as practical but you'll have a very unique piece that will be respected and loved at all the gatherings you'll inevitably go to in it. Then enter the Vanderhall. Built with mostly factory GM off the shelf components in a fancy chassis and carbon fiber shell. So basically you're buying about $8000 worth of basic car parts (which to their credit should be easily sourcable if you need repairs) You're basically paying somebody $65,000+ to put generic, low rent, GM parts into their tiny chassis. And I get that there is a lot of craftsmanship involved but people with that much money to spend are either going to, as was mentioned at the beginning of the video, spend it on a Porsche, or any number of excellent cars in that price range, from the well crafted and refined Porsche, Corvette Z06, etc. To even more angry options like the Shelby Mustangs, Z28 Camaros, SRT Hellcats, etc. In my eyes you're basically paying over $70,000 for a very fancy Elio.

[@thebassplaya34]

People buy the Smart car, which doesn't make sense, either.

[@Shane-Singleton]

The Smart car makes sense if all you care about is fuel economy using traditional gasoline without any "hybrid" or alternative fuels. For that it's the best option we have here in the States. If I were in the UK then there are a TON of high efficiency diesel options. But sadly none of those can be had here due probably to emissions controls.

[@thebassplaya34]

If i recall correctly there are a few car sold in America that get better gas mileage than a "Smart."

[@Shane-Singleton]

kurt gotti There probably are but the Smart is a straight gas car and not a hybrid. Although it would be worth mentioning to look into the new Ford Fiesta.

[@VJDM]

so for 77k, you get a hacked up spark missing a wheel. did i miss anything?

[@GSXR1300X]

that about sums up that POS

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

It'd be cool if like the Elise, they put a high revving Toyota or even Honda vtec engine in this. Id rather have that than a tuned up turbocharged 1.4 chevy sonic motor. Makes same power but at what cost...

[@WarzechaSoftWorks]

Interesting and strange "car" at the same time. A suggestion for future reviews: How about a '88 Pontiac Fiero GT with MT (proudly owned one for 12 years) and BMW Z1 (wanted one but out of budget) review. Both cars where similar in their construction and ahead at their times.

[@mattclose1439]

Any one know if those headlights are an off the shelf part? They are sweet looking!

[@regsparkes6507]

So,...a GM Chevy Sonic with one less wheel no muffler and some in the region of $77,000.00,...really ? By the way guys, you've never heard of a Can Am Spyder?

[@dbjunk]

I'm sure its fun and there is a market for it, but this thing's biggest problem is the price. 77k will get you countless other top notch performance vehicles.

[@Puffalupagus360]

The smoking tire's review seemed more honest about the power train not being cooperative and not being very fast

[@mdcohen]

They gave you the 0-60 time in the video. That's as objective as it gets. I don't see any dishonesty. I think Matt expected it to be faster for $60k.

[@Puffalupagus360]

no I'm talking about when it wouldn't downshift or go over 3k going uphill

[@mdcohen]

gotcha. Maybe the ED guys didn't say all the same things, but my overall impression was about the same from both reviews.

[@EverydayDriver]

Matt's car apparently had some sort of ECU problem in the middle of his review, causing it to run less than intended. The example we had ran as intended. It was quick, and we didn't have the issues Matt did - but we had other problems, as discussed in this piece.

[@CyberAnvil]

of all the 3 wheelers, this is the only front wheel drive. interesting!

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Awesome video, disappointing car. 'Nuff said.

[@jameshay7247]

The target market for this vehicle ride Harleys, not sportbikes. They do not want a T-Rex, they do not want a Slingshot. Period. They might want a Morgan... or something like this.

[@TheWildernessEnthusiast]

I totally disagree, this is a cool and different vehicle, ESPECIALLY the “Venice” version with the wooden steering wheel. Love this thing!

[@somedude3639]

super lame. could make one for a couple grand

[@richardb.jesser3715]

Total missed opportunity an automatic fwd car that's made for cruising but has an obnoxious straight pipe exhaust that sounds poor at best. At least stick an amazing motorcycle engine in it

[@jameshay7247]

They will probably add a muffler.

[@HammerRocks]

For the money of this Laguna, I'd rather buy the Polaris Slingshot and a Mazda MX-5 if I needed doors and A/C, and pocket the rest for a great road trip.

[@sockmonkey6666]

The loudness and fancy little details like the shifters making promises of sports car/bike performance that it couldn't deliver made it impossible to enjoy it for what it was. The other major mistake was mixing in higher-end more costly components with lesser ones which wound up inflating the cost without making it better. What would have been the practical and cost-effective solution would be to take a 1970s VW rabbit, chop it in half, add the single rear wheel, and stick a cool shell on it. Still not a sports car, but losing all that weight would give it some zip, and there are tons of aftermarket upgrades available.

[@TJ347]

$77k? Easy pass. And I've been looking at Vanderhall because I like the look and the availability of a top in the event of rain. Maybe another model than the Laguna then.

[@zedwpd]

this is old and was his first model same motor in the newer venice is $29k brand new.

[@EvahSlickMedia]

Nice look

[@senyo02]

Why did nobody mention the T-Rex from Canada?

[@GSXR1300X]

or the Tanom: www.tanommotors.com/tc-3-coupe/

[@somedude3639]

trying to make one lean. there might be hope for them yet

[@MrSlowestD16]

Think I'd rather just buy a sling shot for 1/2 to 1/3 the price. While sure, the slingshot feels much more plasticky than this, I like the aggressive look more and also it comes with a proper gearbox which is much appreciated for blasting around the canyons. This is more of a bar hopper / beach car, IMO.

[@DazeDream]

That's not how this works... That's not how any of this works.

[@gregst4009]

Nice but needs a little bit more on the design aspects. It seems to me that they were heading in the hot rod direction which was cool than went left at the end of the build.

[@solera2008]

At $77K, I don't think they are after the Harley audience. I would buy a Can-Am Spider at $25K instead. BTW, it would be fun if you did a review of the Elio 3 wheel car.

[@CGPacifica]

I think it costs about twice what I would expect and even at that price it'd still be very niche. Unique tho for sure.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

I saw this thing on smoking tire and you could tell Matt hated this thing. At half the price they wouldn't sell any

[@jameshay7247]

The Smoking Tire review was a hatchet job.

[@RaceProtocol]

Jay Leno might buy one... for his museum...

[@dumyjobby]

i would take the morgan anyday ever this

[@jameshay7247]

I like both. 200 hp beats 85, though. The Morgan is pretty, but slow.

[@mfmf100]

cool in isolation, but absurd at nearly 80k even well built. interesting you can get 200hp out of that gm 1.4 though.

[@manbearpigonabike]

There is also the Elio, which costs less than $7,000 and it's lighter.

[@cplpetergriffin1583]

But its soooooo fucking ugly

[@robm425]

I would take a Morgan 3-wheeler by a mile over this. At 2:52 you see the door doesn't line up properly yeah that is some serious build quality... Damn for 77k I expect more.

[@andrewangileri6509]

+everydaydriver hey guys i love your channel, and i was wondering if you guys could get your hand on a gto from 04-06 to review? I have been looking into one of these, and i would love to hear what you guys think.

[@bigstaryu]

I want the vanderhall Carmel and the Laguna 😊

[@kanob6440]

Looks dangerous. I like it

[@jeffreysegal2065]

I just adore it, mostly. I'm just thinking wistfully of how nice it would be with 4 wheels, a Prowler-style bustle back, a trunk, and roll-up windows. Hell, even side curtains. Making it 3 wheeled strictly for compliance is its downfall.

[@zedwpd]

then it wouldnt be a motorcycle and require a lot more weight for safety standards of a car, ie, muffler, windshield wipers, etc, etc.

[@EastSideePatty]

good fair review

[@BurnDuration]

Front wheel drive? Auto? Really...:-/ Understeer is no fun.

[@jameshay7247]

Front wheel drive doesn't work! That's why... most cars are front wheel drive?

[@otongfaozu9783]

How much, vanderhall ?

[@togzinnhla6747]

bring it to South Africa it's a beautiful and there is a big market for it

[@usagentcyclone]

the gear knob looks really close to the seats

[@RussellRobinson77]

What a bizarre car. Is it basically a sonic RS but with a bespoke body and only one rear wheel?

[@victorflorest]

Nice

[@FreeTalentWorldwide]

It’d be awesome tho if it was 3 wheel drive but most of the power is to the rear

[@news2383]

The starting one is 25k not sure how they added 50k to the top tear.

[@EverydayDriver]

At the time we shot this, there was a very limited model lineup and the prices have only been reduced since.

[@T0PzKiNG]

it needs a better front design

[@adilsonlegalyt9647]

you guys and the ones commenting dont get the point of this thing, its nor for guys with limited amount of money that can have one toy. its for those who already have a performance car, and or bike and just want something else. Front end could be better resolved a bit but i get it and loved, hope they sell well

[@justdrive7317]

Ouch!$ I'm thinking a Cayman or Boxster! Polaris is doing ok because their price point is closer to correct. Unfortunately, I think this thing is destined to fail. Interesting review though.

[@Dolby109]

On the face this seems pretty cool, but then you get down to the details, FWD, automatic, $49-77k, too loud for most people, and it doesn't make the right sound to warrant being loud (hello GT350R, or Z06).

[@apharmds]

I don't think it looks good, kind of like you couldn't afford to add a fourth wheel... Quality seems decent, but doesn't looks cool or inspiring. Sounds great though! Thanks for the video guys!

[@siamiam]

it looks like a elio motors hot rod only $60k more 3 times the power and actually in production

[@ftffighter]

I have taken the time to dig through ALL of these comments and I did not find ONE person that would buy this thingamajig. The negatives outweigh the positives on this car in EVERY SINGLE WAY! I didn't even think that was possible till I saw the reviews on this thing. Want a cruiser? Too Loud. Want a stable high speed machine? Has 3 wheels and is geared to go 125mph(I am guessing since an auto Sonic turbo goes 125mph). Want a fun light to light go-getter? Crappy automatic and is front-wheel drive. Want a track toy? Again, crappy automatic and horrid traction control. Want something good looking? Looks like a surfboard on wheels and uses CHEAP GM sourced interior parts. Want to drift something unique? Traction control won't let ya and is front-wheel drive. Want something to take the family in? No room or storage. Want something you can drive without worrying about road conditions? Not all-wheel drive, uses summer rubber and weighs next to nothing. Want to be that guy who doesn't care what he buys but buys it because he has money? Then the Vanderhall Laguna IS FOR YOU!

[@leobuckey]

I'm sorry, no car with a 4 cylinder should have 8 exhaust pipes.

[@kennedymuitherero3762]

Maybe it's just for aesthetics

[@SofaKingTouge]

I see alot of polaris slingshots in my area. Ugly as hell. But I think we have a new winner. If I want a 3 wheel car I'd get a morgan.

[@davescheer5038]

How come Elio can build one for $7000, and they want $ 70,000 WTF

[@mooosestang]

Elio can't and won't.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

I predict that these won't be made in a few more years. It's just silly to pay that much money when you can get so much more for around that same price. But if you have money to burn, then why not? Personally, I would get a Mustang GT convertible. Then take the money I saved and get really hot sport bike.

[@Frostytravels]

to answer a question of what else is out there? For that price a Corvette C 7 convertible. I have a Harley and a Vette and alternate driving each....the convertible is open air...not like a bike...but still very enjoyable.....and sorry to say the price is better on the Corvette. I mean 77k? hmmmmm

[@bosse641]

Morgan 3 Wheeler for me.

[@chrishill2798]

Dude, where's the rest of my car?

[@arc323is]

ughh ... thanks for the objective review, now I know it's a 77k POS.

[@GSXR1300X]

concur. there are other options for that price and you get a way better vehicle. Tanom Invader for example.. built with a Hayabusa engine, less expensive, and looks way better. $55k to $72K: www.tanommotors.com/tc-3-coupe/

[@cplpetergriffin1583]

GSXR1300X+ That thing does not look better....

[@arkansaswookie]

No love for the Campagna T-Rex ?

[@brianboni4876]

Why does it sound like a tractor?

[@englishlanguage8453]

Just dont flip it,notice on all videos drivers head is way above the roll bar:>(

[@yellofury]

77 grand..................................77 grand.......................................77 freaking grand. Theres a sucker born every minute

[@rentatrip1videos]

Howard you manage to get your hair at 3 different lengths ?

I'm guessing it'd be way more interesting with AWD.

[@muzikunit7148]

$77.000 are you serious I can buy three phalaris slingshots for that and so have change for upgrades no wonder I never seen none of these on the road they're not selling

[@payasofeo69]

How can you even mention the Morgan, (Pretty sure not sold in the U.S.), and not mention the T -Rex? T-Rex are a blast! 160 hp motorcycle engine, rear wheel driven, 3.8 sec 0-60 and 1.3g of grip.

[@SkylineFTW97]

The Morgan is sold here.

[@payasofeo69]

+SkylineFTW97 by here you mean U.S.? Cool didn't know that. Still, T-Rex as been around a while and would be worth comparing it too.

[@SkylineFTW97]

+payasofeo69 Yeah.

[@sp0228]

I agree 100% that the T-rex is woefully underrated...That car rocks!! BTW, not sure where you live, but this is the closest dealer to me that sells the Morgan 3 wheeler. I recommend checking them out in person if there is a dealer near you... very impressive! brightonmotorsports.com/wordpress/

[@GSXR1300X]

also check out Tanom motors: www.tanommotors.com/tc-3-coupe/

[@tompraisan]

Electric?

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

Lo único que no me gusta es que tiene fwd, aunque tiene buena potencia. Por lo demás es un bonito auto, interesante diseño, fuera de lo común

[@Kylo_Ren_2033]

A Slingshot with AC? Sounds good except price.

[@Ara198826]

77 k ?? I think I would get a Shelby GT350 and a 4runner

[@karolisn.9475]

well watching this video, keep in mind that this thing is more expencive than a alfa romeo 4c.

[@FreeTalentWorldwide]

The vanderhall is beautiful but the lagunas’ roof is alittle too long for its body. The Venice looks better which is great because it’s cheaper

[@knutemotorsport]

Is this a joke? Ignoring the fact that it looks like someone chopped off the back half of a car and propped it up with a training wheel, you're paying $77K for FWD and an automatic gearbox. I honestly don't know how they could make it any less appealing (maybe a CVT?!?).

[@propertiesbyreginaldsmith]

I am torn between the very two different models and that's a good problem for your customer base to have. Ok, I have no seen either in person but based on all of the videos that I've viewed I would rather go with the Venice. The reason? I am not a GM fan at all of their interior styling and at $77,000.00 I want true upscale parts. I don't want to be at a stop light and have a guy driving his Sonic and look over and say that we have the same gauges. The Smoking Tire review was terrible. I can't believe that he has any followers. If the Slingshot and Polaris are both selling then there is a market for this. If I'm buying the Laguna at $77,000.00 it's because I already have a Porsche or some other top elite vehicle and a Vanderhall would be a weekend driver to my weekend drive car. Lastly, fix the throttle noise, somehow move the engine back for a closer 50/50 distribution and give some cargo room for the Venice.

[@MICHGO1]

EXTENDING THE BODY OVER THE REAL WHEEL WOULD HELP PROPORTIONS A LOT.

[@Samfamson]

Talk about being too kind on the car(bike... Whatever it is) if it was made by another unknown foreign company they would've destroyed it in this review. They know it's rubbish but they are too kind tell it like it is, so they keep complementing the only 1 good thing they can say, the build quality*10