Pontiac Vibe

“We've been having persistent problems with our 2001 Toyota Corolla. Pretty disappointing too, I love Toyotas. One of the problems is that it's burning oil. Our mechanic thinks the person that bought it new (we bought it used w/ 30k miles) didn't break it in properly.

We've been really considering the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix. Virtually the same car. Made in the same factory, same engine, same trany, same chassis etc. The Vibe comes with more standard options and has a lower base so I think we'll go with it.

Does anyone have one, know someone who does, or have any information what so ever about it?”

“I was looking at these two cars and was more interested in the Vibe also for the lower price and the fact it has a rack. I ended up getting the PT Cruiser for the added room and more level roofline. I'm now looking at the Chevy HHR that has a 174 bhp 4 banger that gets 400-450 miles to a 16 gallon tank and starts at about $16,000. Then again I like the looks of the Mazda 3 too. Then again I'd like a hybrid car too. Awe hell, what do I know?”

““I was looking at these two cars and was more interested in the Vibe also for the lower price and the fact it has a rack....
Nigal
3:44:38 PM

Why is it always about Boobs with Nigal? ;-)”

“It'd be a lot easier on you if this was Soviet Russia and all you could get was a used Lada.”

“

In Soviet Russia, we don't have cars.”

“I saw a story on the news bit where Russian polititians were issued two Ladas when they take office. One to drive while the other one's being worked on. It's true!”

“WOW, nigal...i'd never heard of the HHR...looks pretty sharp...i'd be a little iffy though about buying a car the first year it's on the market...good luck with your pt, they're basically a neon which doesn't have the best rep but if you've got a newer one maybe you'll be ok...i still have a fondness for the imports”

“The Pt is built on a Neon frame and it may have the same engine. I had a Neon for years and loved it. I’d buy another one if they got better mileage. I’m not too worried about buying a car the first eyar out as they all have a warranty that will cover them for the life of the lease/loan.

I didn’t know those Vibes got 36 MPG! I’d have to take the 5 MPG hit and get the AWD version. I had looked at the Subarus for the AWD but for a four banger they get #&%!$ty mileage. I can squeez about 26 MPG out of the PT but they weigh a LOT.”

“i'd love to go with the subaru as well but it's a bit more pricy”

“Friends of ours have the Vibe and love it. They bought it new right when Pontiac camoe out with them a few years ago. I know of no troubles they have had with it.”

“I've the 2003 Matrix base model.it runs very well, quiet and drinks very little gas. I find it's abit underpowered though. The top level...XRS...have more power.

My brother was going to buy the 2005 Vibe GT this fall...but he cancelled those plans. Will probably get the mid-level 2006 Matrix XR next year.”

“yeah, i'm eyeing the vibe GT, it has 60(i think) more horse power...but for the money i think i'll stick with the vibe, i mean after all they are the exact same car and the vibe's cheaper...the vibe comes with a roof rack standard and the matrix doesn't even have it as an option unless you get an after market one”

“Hey Thriftyhiker, DO NOT forget to look into the Chevy Aveo! I have one and its a great car. Hatch or sedan available. #2+ Per gal. fully loaded around 10K$ Fits four six footers comfortably. (You have to sit in one to believe it.)”

“i have been eyeing that one as well jack but i think my wife (it's for her) is wanting to step up in size(the car not me lol)...the hatch isn't bad but the vibe/matrix has more cargo room...the aveo is made by the now defunct daewoo which i had one before and had no trouble but have heard bad things”

“Yo thrifty.....I own a Vibe....I love it dude....never thought i'd ever buy a Pontiac and the only reason I nabbed one was because of the Toyota relationship....

I even sleep in mind....it's like really cool...catch some zzzz's and then grab my board, run like hell over the dunes, down the beach, and dive straight into the mother lode of all waves....can ya dig brother....”

“Strange you should ask. We have one of our service vehicles out of commission and I put the specialist in my company car.

Then I rented a vehicle and viola, the put me in a Vibe.

The only negative thing I can say about it is that the drivers seat just won't adjust to a comfortable position. I have tried everything, but it still seems to be at an awkward angle (bottom of seat seems to be angled back to much even at best setting) resulting in an uncomfortable position.

Leaning the seat back or forward doesn't help.

Kicker sound system though.”

“As a kayaker, I scrutinize every rack design I see. I don't know why Pontiac would put the radio antenna between the roof racks on the Vibe. Bad for haulin' boats.”

“I drove some Vibes tonight, both stick and automatic. Was kinda disapointed in the ride. It was more like a truck. We also drove a Chevy tracker that we liked. It was actually smother than the Vibe.

Anybody have or know someone with a Tracker?”

“Yes its a Daewoo. GM now owns them and it has been totally redone. I like the 1.6 OHC EVO moter that makes 105HP in a 2600 lb car. I'ts Zippy. The only thing I've heard is the Manual shift has alot of play and long throws.... HELLO its a $10k car not a Porche!! : )”

“jack, it's wierd that you're on here again...i was just researching the aveo...didn't get a chance to drive one tonight but i think i'm gonna try tomorrow...it's looking pretty good to me...i can get a new one with all the options and still be under my limit...what size tires do you have on yours?”

“Thriftyhiker, the hard ride of the Vibe/Matrix is true. When I first got my car, the suspension felt like a sportscar's suspension. After a week of driving it around....the ride was alot softer.

In response to chili36's car seat problem....I have none. I drove long distances...over 6 hrs and short distances...less than 5 minutes....and the seat have never gave me any problems.”

““As a kayaker, I scrutinize every rack design I see. I don't know why Pontiac would put the radio antenna between the roof racks on the Vibe. Bad for haulin' boats.”

I couldn't help but notice how much lower the back of the roof is compared to the front and with the rack not going clear to the front it looks like you'd have your yak nose sticking way up and catching lots of nice wind. The boat haulin's what I look at first too.

Thrifty, I think Phil nd his wife have had a Tracker for years now.”

“If you're getting the AWD model, keep in mind it's a crappy part-time AWD system - it's FWD until wheel slippage is detected. Also, it's pretty sluggish.”

“I could never see Chili having car seat troubles. Doesn't help when you're like 7 1/2' tall does it? LOL!”

“boat haulin'? what you mean? c'mon now dudes...if ya wanna haul boats get yerself a F150 decked out with a trailer...then ya can haul all the boats ya want....and ya might even have enough room left to toss in a rubber ducky....sheesh...

chili's seat problem...well...like everything else in this world...all stuff is made to accomodate 5'8" & 150lb humans and if ya go over like most every other American...then ya are in for some trouble...my seat is fine even after 47k of farts...

antenna issue...solved!...get XM and toss the stick in with the rest of your rubbage...

I'll tell ya what though.....the best thing about my Vibe....now listen closely dudes....the chicks at the beach really dig it....i've caught many a bikini with the dang thing....it works mighty fine!”

“oh please”

“Rules of Being Man #27389472:

“Any women who falls for a station wagon should be released back into the wild without being touched.””

“My son has been considering getting a Vibe. I'll inquire with my old GM friends for their suggestions.”

“I got this from my friend who works for GM. He is, of course, biased toward GM products.
-------------------------------------------

Hi Phil:

The Vibe is an EXCELLENT choice with amazing interior cube for hauling stuff. All Vibe's are built in Fremont, California, as in support your local merchant. I leased a Vibe for Debby last year and she really enjoyed it. Debby's was a front drive only and she had no problem getting around through a Michigan Winter, which should be a good sample size of slipp'n and slide'n.

I would recommend: Base Vibe with front wheel drive only.
Side Air Bags - This is a MUST have - and be sure to tell your insurance company.
Moon and Tune Package - special low pricing package of sunroof and high
powered Monsoon 7-speaker stereo.

If budget will allow consider:
"Preferred Package" - with keyless entry / power windows / locks / cruise.
"Security Package" - with anti-lock brakes / tire pressure monitor / OnStar - be sure to tell your insurance company because the OnStar will lower theft coverage expense.

Also inquire about the "GM Recent College Graduate Rebate Program" to see if that program would apply for an additional discount. Tell all your students about this also.

If the Pontiac Dealer of your choice does not happen to have a new Vibe in his stock that matches your requirements / budget, have them do a Dealer Search.

Ask the Dealer to show you all the GM Accessories for the Vibe. If you choose an accessory, it can be included right on the purchase / lease, instead of coming up with a lump sum after the vehicle purchase.

Another thought: Also inquire about "GM Certified Used Vehicles". We choose the best traded-ins or vehicles off lease, give them a 100+ point inspection, make any necessary repairs and re-warranty them. If the Pontiac Dealer of your choice does not happen to have a GM Certified Vibe on his lot, have them do a Dealer Search. This could be a way to really help the budget.

Another thought: Take a look at the new 2006 Chevrolet HHR. Picture a 5/8 scale 1949 Suburban!! HHR stands for "Heritage High Roof". The HHR will be close in budget range and provide lots of interior cube.

Another thought: Take a look at the 4-cylinder Saturn VUE. The VUE will have lots of cube, good mileage and be close in budget range with the 4-cylinder.
last edited: 9/30/05 4:16:04 PM”

“I may be spoiled. Last tow company cars were a Taurus and now a Camry.

Find the seat comfortable.

Today, it dawned on me the "uncomfortable" part may come from a lack of lumbar support.

I agree with the antennae problem. I was looking at it today and said "WTF did they put it there for".

Also, I filled the tank and it was like 10 gallons.

Hell, the Camrey holds 16.”

“My sister has a Tracker (something like a 2000 or 2001) and I've driven it a lot over the years.

The biggest problem is the engine. Hers is underpowered. If you want to blow someone away while passing or accelerating on the freeway, you can't do it - at least in that model year Tracker.

The gear shift mechanism is slightly balky. It doesn't handle particularly well in high winds or quick turning situations, but that is probably true of most SUVs.

She has really liked the thing. It has 4WD, wasn't too expensive, can support an active lifestyle and haul a little bit.”

“Well after all this talk about the Vibe/Matrix we didn't even get one. We went with a 05 Suzuki Ferenza station wagon.

After driving several Vibes/Matrix we just didn't like the way they drove and felt. Plus with the Suzuki we were able to get a brand new vehicle w/ a more powerful engine, and a 7 year 100k mile warrantee for less than a used vibe or matrix. It has just as much(if not more) cargo room as the vibe.

We also drove a PT Cruiser, which I fell in love with!!(thanks nigal) But it's not for me and my wife didn't like it. Definitely the smoothest ride of everything we drove. Hopefully if they?re still making them when it?s my turn I might give them another look. We also checked out the Chevy Aveo. Just too small. Has enough interior room just not much cargo room.

Thanks for everyone's help.”

“I have the 14" with factory aluminum rims. Guess what? the stlyed rims from the Cobalt have the same offset and bolt pattern in 15 and 16 inch rims. I plan to buy a used set and replace the tires with lower profile ones. Aveo- factory 16 inch rims Woohoo!”

“Try to make sure the overall size of the tire-wheel combination, is the same as the 16 inch Aveo size.

I've heard that if the difference is too great...it will mess up some computer parts...the ones that control transmission and fuel injection etc. Don't know if this is true though.”

“it will also cause your spedometer/odometer to read inaccurate”

“I agree the O.D. Does matter. The kool thing is they have the same offset.”

“You can get your speedometer, etc, adjusted for larger tires.”

“I’m surprised ya liked the PT Thrifty. It’s an old folk’s car for sure but I still love it. It’s got a ton of room in there. I pulled the back seat completely out in about 1 minute and had a 11’ kayak INSIDE it. OK, there was a foot or so sticking out and I had the hatch bungied down. On my last trip I got about 26.5 MPG which ain’t great but it’s better than the Jeep.


I hope the Suzuki works out for ya. The biggest thing for me any more is mileage and warranty. I'm not afraid to buy a car with 100,000 or ten year warranty on it.”

“yeah, the pt had tons of passenger room but the suzuki had more cargo room and the warrantee was a big thing for us too after our toyota had so many problems...i loved the pt but it was for my wife and she didn't like it :( ...have you ever had to have any work done to yours nigal?...the only think that worried me was how shoved in there the engine was, i was just wondering if you have work done to it they'd probably have to tear everything apart to get to stuff”

“I understand your wife's not wanting one. People either like them a lot or they hate them.

The only work I’ve had to have done is body work. My wife’s been bad luck. We bought a sweet black one and had it for two weeks and she got creamed at an intersection and the PT was totaled. Got a nice silver one and had it a month before some bonehead hit it at Walmart. Which brings me to one good point about Pts. They are heavy and safe. They can take a fricking hit!

I don’t think the engine work would be much worse than any other car. I know my Jeep engine is crammed in nearly as tight.”

“Here she is:



what a beauty, and suzuki had the balls to call it a wagon and not hide behind some name like vibe or matrix or a number like ford and chevy are doing
last edited: 10/03/05 10:54:18 AM”

“The wagon LIVES!!! LOL!

The more I look for a fuel efficiant car the more I like the Toyota Corrola. The damn thing starts out at about $12,000 and gets 40 MPG highway which is only about 10 less than a hybrid that costs twice as much.”

“we loved our corrola it got us about 38...i would definitely recommend one even with the problems we had with ours...and it was a stick, which i loved!!!...i think the problems we had were either caused by the person that bought it new or our bone head mechanic...i'd like a hybrid too, i drive 90 miles a day but the prices are gonna have to come way down first”

“Also i want to say this was our very first "brand new car" (though we did buy one once w/ 1000 miles on it)...it felt so good to buy a car that was actually inside the dealers show room when we bought it!!!!

now it has to sit in the driveway :( until i get around to cleaning out the garage
last edited: 10/03/05 11:02:31 AM”

“Hey Thriftyhiker, is the Suzuki's trunk bigger than the Vibe/Matrix's? I looks longer.....I always wished my Matrix had an extra 8" longer trunk. The Corolla which is the sister of the Matrix have a longer trunk.

Don't know why all the sedans have longer trunks than their conterparts....ie. Ford Focus vs FX5, Toyota Corolla vs Matrix, Honda Civic vs their hatchback version.

Must be to save weight.”

“yes, the suzuki forenza has more cargo area than the matrix/vibe...the only difference is the back seats in the suzuki do not fold all the way flat like they do in the matrix/vibe”

“I just got this additional message from my friend at GM about the Saturn Hybrid coming out next year:
-----------------------------------

Phil:

This may be a stretch in time for your Son to wait, but the new Saturn VUE
Hybrid SUV will be out in mid 2006 as a 2007 model. An important issue
with this vehicle is the lower price of the hybrid drivetrain. The lower
price will allow the consumer to actually reap a savings over the life of
the vehicle.

The 2006 Pontiac Vibe will get about 34 mpg highway with 54.1 cubic feet of
interior volume with the rear seats down. Pricing starts at $16,990.

The new 2006 Chevy HHR will get about 30 mpg highway with 63.1 cubic feet
of interior volume with the rear seats down. Pricing starts at $15,990.

The 2006 Saturn VUE has 99.8 cubic feet of interior volume with the rear
seats down. A 4-cylinder VUE automatic will get about 27 mpg highway.
Pricing starts at $17,990. The VUE Hybrid should be in the range of 30-32
mpg plus adding about $1500. for the hybrid. The advantage of a VUE over a
Vibe is the increased interior volume for "stuff".

He also included this article:

GM's View of its VUE : More Bang for the Hybrid Buck
Automotive News

By Jason Stein
Oct. 3, 2005

DETROIT – General Motors is confident that its Saturn VUE Green Line will
save fuel -- at a price that makes it easier for buyers to swallow the
extra cost of a hybrid.

Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president of vehicle sales, service and
marketing, says a premium of $1,000 to $1,500 is "in the neighborhood" of
what GM will charge for the gasoline-electric hybrid scheduled to arrive
next summer.

Other automakers, such as Ford, Honda and Toyota, charge a premium of
$3,000 to $5,000 for their hybrids.

A front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder version of the 2006 Saturn VUE has a
sticker price of $17,990, including shipping.

When it comes to fuel economy, LaNeve says, the VUE Green Line will be a
reasonably priced hybrid alternative.

"Because of the price point we will charge for it, the Vue will pay for
itself over a three-year period on fuel economy," LaNeve says. "You'll save
about a tank a month."

The 2007 model will be GM's first high-volume gasoline-electric hybrid.
Another Saturn hybrid also is expected, but GM hasn't disclosed which
nameplate it will use.

Steve Tarnowsky, assistant chief engineer for the Saturn VUE hybrid, says
the vehicle's electric motor will be used for starting and stopping and for
a boost on acceleration. The VUE’s electric motor won't propel the vehicle
by itself at low speeds, which will help reduce engineering costs.

Tarnowsky promises the VUE will represent "the best value" on the market.
"There will be very good payback," he said. He would not disclose volume
estimates for the VUE Green Line.”

“Wow! Check this out! The 2006 Saturn Sky! Sweet!

”

“thanks for the info phil...i love to see those hybrid prices fall...i hope they'll fall enough by the time i will be buying a new car”

“our financing was finalized last night...we got a great 2.9% and we don't exactly have the best credit, not horrible but not great either...we added $400 for gap insurance(learned that one the hard way) and $700 to extend the bumper to bumper warrantee to 7 years 100k miles...those two things should make this a pretty no risk investment until we get it paid off...also picked up a book of all the accessories they have...they have some pretty cool roof rack accessories and a mat to protect the cargo area that i'll probably get

we also discovered a feature i'd never seen before...the front passenger seat senses when there is an adult in the seat and turns the air bag on...if it's a child or no one's there it shuts it off, i love technology!!
last edited: 10/04/05 10:47:31 AM”