Pontiac Vibe

Tup

Parking brake. I must say that the parking brake, even when not engaged can look engaged when looking at it. The way the handle scurves up instead of being horizontally flat make it always look on to me. A few times I've looked at it and disengaged it only to find it's not engaged. Another thing to get used to I guess.

clyde2000

My local dealer (I'm in Hamilton, ON) said they expected Vibes in mid-March, no earlier than that. And when they did arrive, there would be a good supply (ie. they wouldn't just get one for the showroom). Are others in Ontario hearing the same thing?

nymeria

jimxo - Personally, I wouldn't mind if Vibe sales near me are a little slow at first. It would make it easier to acquire one sooner at a decent price. It would be weird if Vibe sales are dead, though. The Matrix seems to be selling fast. Is it possible that people don't realize they're twins?

leafguy2727

Hey Tup,

For me I find that the e-brake stick is not very big and noticable so I'm too mezmorized by the dash to think about it .........LOL, that and I'm driving an automatic.

n8magic.........on the smell.....hell yeah you are right, what a nasty stench!!!, it's like burnt hair, that is the only thing I can think of to describe the smell.

dindak

Yup, $2K exactly. Not sure if the equipment is comparable but if you decide on a Vibe I would offer $2K under list however, it's also not clear from the press release if the Vibe prices include freight or not.

scott31

I priced out my Matrix XRS and a Vibe GT. The best price I was able to get on the Matrix (thru a buying service) was $20,659.00 (before tax and tags).

The best price I was able to get for the Vibe GT (with same options) was $22513.30. (thru same buying service).

Without the buying service, Pontiac dealers around here aren't willing to move off of sticker. So, I'll say again, I'm not paying $2k for a luggage rack. The Pontiac dealer tried to convince me that there are differences between the Vibe and the Matrix. I showed them that their own website says that there aren't (except for the aformentioned luggage rack).

philraso

I like both cars but must have a cassette player. I travel a lot and need to listen to certain audio tapes. My Toyota salesman said neither car comes with a cassette. But, I saw a cassette as an option in the Matrix brochure and web site, but not for the VIBE. Anyone know what the truth is?

dindak

Don't blame you. I'm only quoting Canadian pricing and my experiences. I don't really know what the situation is in the U.S., but if there is a U$2K difference for no significant reason and you like the Matrix, go for it!

zircon2

Come out with a product, price it thru the roof, then discount like hell to sell them later on. They are absolutely NUTS if they think they will seell these things @2K over Toyo. What rubbish.

dindak

I've said it before, GM pricing policy of inflating MSRP and then discounting is silly. Unfortunately for them, with the Matrix / Vibe it's very transparent. I wish GM and all car makers would just go the Saturn route of one price so you just know rather than guess what you can get it for.

If the Vibe doesn't sell well initially because of the much higher MSRP, it may be good for us later if they start slapping incentives on the thing.

johnclineii

Remember, too, that in the US the Toyota has a longer powertrain warranty than GM--(5/60 vs. 3/36 on the GM). On the other hand, the GM comes with road service. You pays your money and....

zircon2

The ones on the Olympic commercia look really cool. Interesting ads - they are short and leave you wishing they showed more. I think they are all monotone.

I don't think Ontario will get the vehicle for at least 1 month.

clyde2000

I visited the Toronto auto show today and I must say I really liked what I saw in the Vibe. They had two in the Pontiac area (one GT, one base), and I finally got to sit in a Vibe. The interior really looks sharp. There was more cargo room than I thought there would be... more than I will ever need. The storage compartments are nice too, I thought the sunglasses storage area was a nice touch.

I think I know where the CDN price came from... at the show they were advertising the Vibe as starting at $19,995 including freight.

dindak

On the press release the starting price was listed at C$19150. Add freight and it's about $19,995. I saw that sign also. I was hoping on more details about the option pricing but I guess it wasn't to be. I suspect Canada won't see these cars until the beginning of March.

golfboy

Wow that was a big display at GM! I was really impressed with the way it looked insode and out. I agree with people who say it's a better looking car than the Matrix (although I'm not sure it's worth 2K more...)

I even liked the cladding. I was expecting the same cheapo stuff they used to use on the old Chrysler minivans but it looks and feels pretty good. Gives the vehicle a nice rugged appearance.

I wasn't so impressed with the interior materials, especially in the doors. The dash was quite striking and felt good too, but move to the doors and you're greeted with the awful hard plastic inserts you would expect to see in a base Cavalier! I couldn't believe it. The shifter felt kinda weird too. It didn't feel linear going from first to second...sort of had to arc it towards you. Strange.

The guy at the show said that Ontario dealers are guaranteed 10 Vibes initially by March so look for them soon!

rbb2

I test drove the base model yesterday. It drives nice and the fit and finish was nice. Looked real good in black.

My only issues were:
1. Engine lacks much power. I feel more confident passing with my 6 year old Cav Z24 in both city and highway driving.

2. Steering wheel seemed too close to the dash. With the seat back where I like it I had to reach forward to get to the steering wheel. It was uncomfortable. I'm 6' tall so it should accomodate me. My wife is 5'7" and she noticed the same thing when she was driving it. If you can somehow pull the steering wheel forward I couldn't figure out how. Because of this we will pass on the Vibe.

dindak

This is exactly what I thought when I tested the Matrix. The steering is a little too close to the dash for anyone who is some what taller. I have not tested a Vibe yet but I assume it may be the same. It's may be an issue with us also, though we are only 5' 10 and 5' 8.

clyde2000

Was the Vibe you tested a manual or automatic? I was wondering about the engine power of the base Vibe... and also the placement of the steering wheel.

subzero206

do the vibe/matrix share the same stereo? how is the sound quality? watts? is the "premium" upgrade worth it? i want a stock look because ive had aftermarket decks stolen before or should i just use the money for aftermarket instead.

rbb2

The Vibe I drove was the base model with an automatic. The steering wheel was simply too close to the dash and I had to lean forward to reach it. Not a good driving position and the only way to remedy it was to move the seat forward and that meant my legs weren't comfortable. For taller drivers I don't see how they will be comfortable unless the steering wheel has a telescope option.

golfboy

Yes all components are shared, including the stereo. The stereo is actually a Delco (used exclusively in GM vehicles). The premium system similar to the Monsoon stereo in the Sunfire GT (200W). Sound quality is subjective, but IMO it's pretty good. The bass in my base Grand Am GT stereo is glass shaking!

dindak

So the stereo in the Matrix is Delco also? They look the same, but they didn't look like Delco stereos to me.

hpulley4

Not to sound condescending but did you try tilting the steering wheel? Usually if you tilt it down it also moves away from the dash. I haven't sat in a Vibe or Matrix yet so maybe I don't have a clue what I'm talking about in this case but it's worth a shot.

cb70

you to watch DVD's on it?

rbb2

I tilted it up and down. It tilts the same as the Saturns do. You pull a lever and it goes up and down but doesn't pull out. At least I couldn't get it to pull out.

golfboy

Yes it's Delco. GM uses a similar unit in its other vehicles (Buick Rendezvous for example).

hpulley4

Funny, the tilt wheel in my Saturn LW200 doesn't actually telescope the steering wheel but it does move the top of the wheel in and out by a large distance. When tilted all the way up I can't reach the wheel comfortably with my seat in position but when at the middle to back positions it is perfectly reachable and usable.

Guess you might want to look at the Focus ZX5 as it has a telescoping wheel.

zircon2

Is this system a Delco brand or is it a separate company supplied to Pontiac? Delco basically makes junk. I thought they changed their stripe, but learned on the weekend from my 2 brothers (2001 Saturn Coupe, '99 Pont Grand Prix) that both of their stereos are pooched.

zircon2

The GM web site pricing is vague, but the posed prices do not include freight. So, the prices seem even higher than previously thought.

jas28

Monsoon is a premium audio system made by Delco - part of what makes Monsoon sound so good is the system is "tuned" for each car to optimal acoustics. For example, Delco engineers will work with the car maker to locate the speakers for the "perfect" sound.

dindak

I think Delco stereos are pretty good over all. They aren't the best but for OEM they are excellent. The one in our Intrigue is much better than I hoped and I didn't even upgrade it.

The stereo in the Vibe and Matrix had no names on it that I saw.

Tup

I know there is a Monsoon company that makes flat computer speakers.

Check out:

http://www.monsoonspeakers.com/

They list automotive systems inc pontiac and VW.

meaford

Anyone know what financing will be on the Vibe in Canada? I was shocked when my dealer told me it was 6.9% for the Toyota Matrix!!!

hpulley4

...including financing. 6.9% is an invitation to get a loan from your own bank (and shop around to other banks) or buy something less popular for a good rate. Wait a few months or longer if you can, and things will probably be more sane.

dindak

The VUE at the car show (also just came out) had 5.9% for up to 60 months.

Vibe will likely be the same.

subzero206

VW's also have the Monsoon stereo upgrade and most of the critics seem to like it. but has anyone tested it out yet in the Vibe? and does the Monsoon also come in the Matrix? because i dont notice anywhere saying that it will be an option for the Matrix, only the Vibe. unless they just dont feel like using the Monsoon name?

dindak

Saw a Vibe on the QEW here in west Toronto yesterday. Did not have a dealer sticker on it, but it had normal Ontario plates on it. Anyone know if they are available here now?

I will try and drive by the dealer at lunch and check it out.

clyde2000

The "build your own" feature of GM Canada's web site now has prices and options updated for the Vibe. Some of the options prices seem a little high, especially the power package. Room to bargain I guess...

johnclineii

USA TODAY had the SAME criticism:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/columns/healey.htm

mcgreger

I drove a Vibe the other day, base model, auto; thought the handling was great(some hilly, twisting back roads), and the acceleration was better with the O/D off. Nice package altogether-now here's my questions: there was no MSRP sticker on the car(kind of strange), so I don't know what the retail price was. The salesman showed me the invoice(supposedly) and it had a price on it of $19k. Options were power package, radio w/cassette and CD, security system, and alloy wheels. Any idea what the retail on this vehicle is? Is $19k then, a good price or not? And speaking of vehicles, what is the Vibe classified as, primarily from the standpoint of insurance? Is it a car, a hatchback, a station wagon, a micro SUV(or CUV according to Toyota), or something to be named later? Any help will be gratefully appreciated.

zircon2

Man, with prep, roof and tunes, you're looking at 28.5K Canadian for the GT. TOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much.

Looks like I better get an oil change for the Honda - GM will make no conversion here. what dorks.

dindak

A base with 4-spd auto and power package is $21580 + dest. and air tax = C$22525. I would try for about $20500. Not bad, if I can get a price around there.

Power package isn't that expensive. I've seen power packages on other cars for $1500-1700.

dindak

At the Toronto Auto Show I filled out an application for GMAC credit approval. I just got a letter in the mail approving me for $40K (ya right) and a 1% discount on a finance or lease rate.I believe it's an Auto Show only promo. It includes 2003 models so that will be about a $500 discount off a VIBE over 3-4 years. Certainly helps.

zircon2

A auto in the 130Hp must go like a snail. If I were going to do that engine, I would mate it with the manual. We had an auto CR-V (2000) with 140 HP and auto - grgeat vehicle but a total snail when I booted it to avoid an accident in Florida with air on and 4 people plus luggage in it. I will stick to the sticks - with any engine.

Can anyone tell me why more people don't go with a stick in North America? In Europe, autos are very rare. Here, the companies like to tell us that there is no demand for a stick, ,but if one is not offered, how can they tell?

logic1

I have always had a manual but see no reason to criticise those who do not. NA market prefers manuals for the same reason they are becoming ever more popular in Europe and in developed Asia. In NA people use cars as their only form of daily transportation (in Europe almost 85% of the people use mass transit as at least part of their commuter), the roads here are more crowded, and stop and go conditions more likely. As more commuting and driving habits in Europe become more like they are in NA, Europeans are developing a fondness for automatice in increasing numbers.

Tup

Driving buy the Pontiac dealer we spotted a Vibe. It was a grey base with Auto, power package, alloy wheels and with dest. and frt it came to a little over $23,000. I must say the roof rack was a cute little thing. Interior is the exact same as the Matrix XR only lacking the leather steering. I really didn't like the alloy wheels though...not as nice as the Matrix alloys. I also noticed that the Vibe came on Continental tires vs the Matrix having Goodyear Eagle RSA's.

I'm glad we went when there were no sales people around....parking our Matrix next the the Vibe might have gotten some attention.

As for pricing, the Vehicle they had was pretty much the same as the Matrix XR in terms of options and was only a couple of hundred more than than an automatic Matrix XR. Good I guess for going back and forth between dealers. I wonder if most GM buyers would accept that high a price though since GM vehicles are usually priced lower for that size with a 4 cyl engine. Will sales people call it a toyota?

It will be interresting to see which one sells more.

hudrahead

Saw a bunch of Vibes getting unloaded this morning @ local Pontiac asylum (oops I mean dealership)and IMHO the dark gray cladding on the base cars really looks el-cheepo to the max. Clashes with all paint colors except black & dark blue, really crappy looking (read Aztek). On top of that the GM wizards want $500 bux for body color upgrade. Considering the low power offered and the sky-high price for a loaded GT I think my dollar would go to Mazda for a proto5 ! Son has one & I'm very impressed with overall high quality, fit, finish, value for dollars spent and it just plain looks better.

Maby one day GM will get it right the first time around. This IS NOT one of those times. Shot themselves in the foot AGAIN. At least they are consistent LOL !!

hud

rickpct

you hit the nail on the head...lower body cladding is classic pontiac tacky look...give me a break with this crap...I also heard that the matrix is cheaper than the vibe for comparatively equipped car...why buy the pontiac??

clyde2000

logic1: The reason most people in North America don't have manual transmissions is that they're lazy.

Just kidding... it comes down fuel economy and price. You can save $1080 by getting the base Vibe w/o auto, but most people won't do that. They need the auto so that they can use their cell phone, drink coffee, etc. One of the other differences is that many in NA have trucks and minivans, vehicles that almost exclusively have automatic transmissions.

hudrahead: Do you object to the cladding or the colour of it?

After pricing out the Vibe with options, I have to admit that I'm having second thoughts too.

cayennered1

The funny thing is that GM has put out a lot of press saying Pontiac was getting away from the gaudy, tacky cladded look.

So what does there signature vehicle for the next generation come out with? Ugly gray cladding, of course. I have been very borderline on this vehicle for a number of reasons (low HP, monochrome adding $500 to the price which is utterly ridiculous and higher price than Matrix which is same vehicle) and even though think the basic style is attractive it seems that the P5 is a much better deal (around 18-19K loaded).

I'm not in the market until the end of the year so I'll just keep my options open. Maybe by then a huge rebate on the Vibe might make it more appealing.