Engine and platform are same as Corolla's. Tires are wider than the ones used on Corollas. Corolla has been one of the best selling cars in America. It is a small city commuter. It is not built with paper to be a toy.
Generally speaking, Japanese cars are not as strong as American cars in collision. In a highway collision, however, no car shall garantee the safety of the passengers in the car.
"us cars good'. Need to be more specific. Pontiac Vibe is same as Toyota Matrix, only with a different name plate.