clyde2000 :The local dealer has about 20 Vibes in stock of all descriptions and you can even take one HOME for the weekend (gonna do that next week)They have NOT sold any yet and have none on special order for anyone (sell what ya got sez sale mgr.)"we don't want any Aztek type overstock this time around" LOL !!
Vibe production thru 2/18/02: 4,200. Pontiac dealers in US: 2,800; Pontiac dealers in Canada: ?. Google search finds Jim Causley Pontiac in Michigan was #1 dealer in 2000. GM Buypower search shows they have 7 Vibes. The #1 Pontiac dealer in New England, Masse in Rhode Island, has 1 in stock.
clyde :: I will be leasing so as long as the payments are ok. I don't have any financing information yet and can't even test one as there aren't any available yet. Sales lady said they would have a couple this week. I'm not holding my breath.
She gave me a time frame of 6-10 weeks if I order today. Ugg!
In '99 I debated buying the Olds Intrigue over a Honda Accord. The price was very similar. I bought the Accord because I was unsure of GM's new 3.5L engine. Dindak can comment on the vehicle's quality as he has one. I am satisfied with my car. However, if you look at the value of those 2 cars right now, the Accord is worth about 5K more. That is a huge difference. If he wants to trade for a Vibe, he will have to pay 5K more than I will. That is when resale values really bite. I also recognize that Toyota has more (!) plastic than Pontiac, and I agree it is realy, really ugly and even worse with the skirts.
20 Vibes on the lot hudrahead? That is a lot of vehicles. I went past a Pontiac dealer last night an they had lots of Asswrecks. Apparently it is still a total dog even though they put some perfume on the pig. I gues there is only some much cosmetic stuff you can do on a vehicle that starts out so intinsicly ugly.
montanafan:As to GM Buypower I've found what they list as dealer stock is very seldom up to date. Case in point : Was searching for a 2002 Sunfire for my niece (why she wants one of those junk piles I'll never know, thinks they are "cute")Was looking for a coupe with the new 2.2OHC engine. After looking at most of the dealers within decent driving distance GMBP did not list any on the ground. Stopped by five dealers last week in Cent. Florida, ALL had some on hand. So the fact that any given dealer does or does not list a accurate inventory does not surprise me. Buypower is a BIG joke anyway, in my experience, as a lot of dealers do not use it as intended but just as a ruse to get you to "come on in & we'll see what we can do"
If you get the GM employee discount, how could they do any better? The GM discount is fixed (no haggling).
As for the price alone, 18 - 21 is quite high for an entry level (small) car. The Corolla can be had for 18k with leather (minus the 180 hp engine, of course) - too bad they don't offer a wagon in NA.
toyotas1: This brings to mind the old saying " everyone to his own taste, as the man kissed the warthog" LOL !! A uglier vehicle has not been produced up till now (except the Aztek)but the Vibe and Matrix are the new champs !!
I want the AWD, but there were none in the area. Also no monotone paint jobs. I'm either going black monotone or silver with the standard cladding (I only like the cladding with the silver). I'm having a tough time between the Vibe and the AWD V6 Vue. I've been driving a Pathfinder for 10 years now. And I've only ever had black cars, so if anyone can give me any reasons why silver is better (resale, durability, etc.), fire away!
The interior is really nice. Feels tight, with good quality. The cupholders are too small. I do feel that the steering wheel is tough to reach absolutely comfortably, as it is way too close tto the dash. That makes the dead pedal too close unless you want to reach for the wheel - I'm 5'9" 155 lbs. pretty average. I'm hoping that it's just because I'm used to my nissan, and I'll get over it.
I folded the rear seats, but I forgot to ask - do both front seats need to be pushed all the way forward to get the flat floor? The salesman sat behind me, so I never got that one all the way down.
Visibility was a little worse than I expected, but not too bad. I was a little nervous backing up and turning at first.
I'm used to using the center console as an arm rest, along with the door. I don't think that would happen in the Vibe.
I don't like sunroofs, but I'd make that sacrifice to get that sweet monsoon amp/speakers, since you can get it separately.
Power was OK, but I didn't get to go on the highway. Engine is really quiet at idle. I rode with the stereo off for most of the drive.
Dealer was wanting MSRP if I were to order. I said I was going to drive the Vue. My local dealer seems to not like that I get all my info from the net - it seems like they want to see how much I REALLY know by acting like the don't know too much. How can they act all dumb about the Toyota being cheaper? I would at least want something off the MSRP.
The Saturn was really nice - the dealership of course is way more friendly and relaxed. The V6 is really quick, but much more noisy. But it's a "nice" noisy. No rear liftglass, which is something I really want if possible. Can an aftermarket place convert it? The seating position is really nice. Interior is good, just not as nice as the Vibe. The Tires/Wheels are way cooler looking. They don't have a true black.
The Vibe is cheaper for me with the GM card. The Saturn is fixed, with no card use available. So both are great, the Saturn is more powerful/roomy, the Vibe is more nimble/hip, and has the liftglass. For the models I'm looking at, the difference would be like $3300 less for the vibe, all thing considered. But the Saturn may have better resale/trade-in if I ever need to get out of it to buy a Chevy Borrego...
So I guess they fought to a draw. Anyone else cross-shopping these?
Every second statement in this review seemed to be a quote from Craig Bierley, Vibe brand manager. I find it interresting they didn't actually do a price comparison between the two...or mention the warranty issue.
****Any model Vibe runs about $1,000 more than a Matrix because it has more standard content--roof rack, power mirrors, CD player (cassette not offered), rear-window wiper, rear-seat air ducts, intermittent wipers and body cladding.****
Of course, whether that cladding is a plus or not is another story. Find it interesting that even Pontiac realises some would pay $500 NOT to get it. Doesn't sound like a plus to me!
Biggest news in the article, to me at least, is that a supercharger is being considered. I also liked the line about a better navigation system coming from the ceiling being used to entertain DOGS!
To Squiredogs, I appear to be like you, crossshopping from a larger SUV to a smaller one. I have owned the Infiniti QX4 for the last five years and it was a pure beast with a kitten of a drive for the first three years. I'm in Upstate NY where it's nothing to get four feet of snow in 24 hours and the QX4 has been a life saver on more than one occasion but I've tired of its sluggishness (the 1997 had the underpowered 165 hp engine in it) around town and the fuel mileage is deplorable. A job change for me necessitates a lot more driving but I still need the reliability of at least AWD if not 4WD. The Vibe impresses me with its array of safety features and flexibility seating. I like the 9" clearance and great MPG. I only wish they had put the supercharged engine in it from the start as they are reportedly considering for this summer. Other than that I think this is a match made in heaven for me and should be a great vehicle to pass down to my 14 year old when she's ready to drive. I, too, am a GM car holder with over $4500 in credits to use up by next February but I'm thinking with the rebates currently available, this is a great time to trade before the QX4 starts eating a bigger maintenance hole in my pocket. Did you look at the Chevy Tracker at all?
Yes, I too have been cross shopping these cars. I can get the Vibe 2wd 130hp for about $1000,00 below invoice or $16,500 (GM employee pricing). I like most everything about the car espically the fuel economy. The VUE I have yet to drive or secure the GM employee price, however for the price range I want to stay in the VUE will need to be a 4 cylinder with fwd similar to the VIBE set up. I like the VUE suv size and height position, but the interior feels very cheap and to much plastic. The VIBE has the Toyota power train which is proven to be reliable. I will drive the VUE and let you all know what happens.
squiredogs : I am cross shopping Vibe and VUE and a few others. It's a tough call as the Vibe will be cheaper, even if I paid list. GM card is good on Saturn here in Canada so that isn't an issue for me. I am still waiting to test a 4 cyl VUE and that is what I would be buying.
zircon : Resale is not an issue for me as I plan on keeping my car for at least 8 years. Also keep in mind you probably paid close to list for your Accord and I was discounted about $3000 off list before incentives. Oldsmobile being discontinued is not helping either. The Intrigue has been a superb car and the 3.5L is a gem. No regrets at all as I almost got a Maxima till I realized it sucked premium gas.
The engine in the Intrigue is exactly what Gm ought to be making available in all their mid-sizers. All the Japanese competition and most of the German competition now offer 4 valves per cylinder and many have variable valve and lift timing. The 3.8 V6 is a great engine in terms of low end grunt and fuel economy, but they cannot tweak it much longer, hence the 3.5L. It costs too much to build so they're dumping this great technology to save a few $ - again very short-sighted. Why would they not have thought of cost BEFORE they developed the engine?
There is a LOT more to the 3.5 story than that. There are issues of repair costs and most particularly emissions that made its future somewhat debatable even if there were no first cost issues. Wait and see what is coming, particularly with Mr. Lutz now there, before you get too upset!
The 3.5L is expensive to make (probably too many parts) and would have been too expensive to upgrade to new 03 emission standards. GM has several DOHC replacements on the way to put in next generation sedans. I suspect next years 04 Grand Prix may be the first recipient of one of these.
3.8L is older technology but you know what, it works really well and if you plan on keeping a car for 8-10 years, you will save lots of money if you need engine repairs as they are much cheaper to repair than the newer engines. I think the 3.8L should continue to be made, but a 3.5L replacement is needed for the GM midsize cars as another option.
Back to the VIBE..
Saw a trailer of them on the QEW last night. Still nothing here, but I understand they will be coming this week. I really want to test one and possibly get an order in if I can get my wife on board.
I call it an armchair review because there is very little, if any info on the driving experience: handling, power, ride, braking, noise, etc etc. Most of the text one could probably get out of GM PR material.
The local dealer called me tonight about two more base Vibes. I want the AWD. Still stewing over the Black monotone or silver/cladded color choice. It would be cool if the cladding was actually body colored and matte finished (like a mini volvo XC). I can't really tell, although one picture of an all black makes it look that way. Will the painted cladding be really glossy, or matte?
The Chicago times article was a little crummy. But then again, it make deciding even tougher, with the mention of superchargers and wheel flares and stuff I might also want...
Yanks, I drove the Tracker before the 155 hp engine. Didn't like it. Really noisy. I would consider a Chevy badged Vue, especially with a separate liftglass and metal panels. But I don't think that's happening anytime soon.
Saw the Subaru Baja in Philly yesterday. Kinda neat, but no GM midgate. Where the heck is my Borrego, so I can stop worrying about the Vibe???
The Borrego is very cool, I hope Chevy makes it. Chevy may get the VUE platform, but it won't look like the VUE.
I'm leaning more and more towards the VIBE and away from the VUE, only because the VIBE will be much less expensive with similar equipment. Still waiting for a test to be more sure though.
I think Chevy is planning on making the Traverse show car as the Tracker replacement. Sources say this will borrow the VUE platform but styling is to closely follow the Traverse. We'll have to wait and see.
I saw a Matrix on the road the other day in Ottawa and it looked pretty cool. It was a Cosmic Blue (apparently a rare colour) XR. Even though it was noticeably taller than my Grand Am, it didn't look as disproportionate as it did at the Auto Show. Still no Vibes on the road where I am.
Yes, Golfboy, you are correct about the switch over to the Vue platform. I read an article about upcoming changes to the Suzuki line, and it was mentioned that the Grand Vitara/Vitara line will be replaced by a Vue platform vehicle. I assume the Tracker would be changed, too. I think it will be in 2004, but don't quote me!
Traverse is a pretty cool crossover. I like the Tracker, but they don't have a 2x4 version so it's off the shopping list. It's also a bit small and the Suzuki X-7 is too pricey for what it is.
Some dealers in Toronto are advertising Vibes, but the local dealer still has none in. Sales Lady said she would call me as soon as they arrive.
I can't believe you have no vibes there. Here on lonely ol PEI I've been driving by the Vibe parked at the dealership for a couple of weeks now.
On another note, have people been following the adventures on www.drivethevibe.com ? Some neat stories....esp the Hotel made of Ice and snow....as if we need that stereotype in Canada!
These 3 teams of AWD vibes are crossing Canada...still lots of snow in places (not here). I did price the vibes they're driving...AWD with Nav and sunroof and alloy wheels. Get this....$31,000 Canadian!!!!!!!! before tax! I was shocked! The Nav alone is over $2000. Price it yourself at www.gmcanada.com
I think for that kind of money I'd wand more than 123HP!
....it's interesting from a "travelogue" point of view, but when are they actually going to tell us what it's like to "drive the vibe".....road, wind and engine noise, acceleration, handling, practicality, fuel economy etc.etc....we want to know!
A local dealer in Waterloo emailed me tonight to say he'd have some soon so I hope to make a test drive appointment in the very near future. I hope they get a base 5-speed in for testing.
I'm even thinking about whether the power package is required, since it will mainly be for my commuting. Power locks and RKE is nice with my wife and son along in our Saturn LW200 but with just me 99% of the time, do I need it? With AC the windows are mainly there for parking garage ticket dispensers. On the other hand, it helps resale... but there's more stuff to break...
What is the nav system anyway? Basically a map display? Is it tied to a GPS receiver or something to give you a "you are here"? For $2160 you can buy yourself a decent handheld unit and a laptop with a DVD or CDROM full of maps that you can also use outside of the car.
BTW, I test-drove the Suzuki Aerio SX the other week and while 141hp/135lb-ft in a 2600lb car feels nice, especially with the 5-speed, the engine is NOISY and vibrations go through the wheel, pedals, etc. and the radio (even the 6-speaker 'upscale' Clarion one) doesn't sound very good, even with the engine off. The boombox in the back seat of my Metro actually sounds better, which is very sad. It is less money than the Vibe but not THAT much less... Overall, it really feels like a slightly bigger, faster Metro/Swift which is what it really is. For first-time new-car buyers like I was when I bought the Metro it will probably be great but I'm hoping the Vibe's engine is much more refined and the stock stereo is decent, or perhaps with the premium speakers and amp. I've been in my friend's somewhat old (96 or 97) Corolla with the 120hp 1.8 and it felt pretty good so I'm hopeful that the newer 1.8 is also good.
I think it's only useful for pictures and ramblings of the Vibe in real-life situations. I'm sure we've all read reviews on Vibe test drives by now -- all we want to do now is test it for ourselves!
I am about ready to get another car and I have been looking at the Vibe, Vue, Matrix, and the PT Cruiser. Right now you can get the Vue sport, a made up package I am sure, with the 2.2 and a stick, moon roof, auto locking doors and windows for $16,999. In California. That is with just FWD. That makes it a bit more cost effective than the others. The PT looks cool and has a pretty good reputation so far but they are still getting more then MSRP in many places. The Matrix list for less than the Vibe for some reason. Now here is the rub. I would like the CVT transmission and AWD. That makes the playing field different. They are still testing the new 2.2 Vue with the CVT and they don't have a date when I can test one yet. If I get the 3.0 and the five speed auto the Vue is more expensive than the Vibe or the Matrix. And of course the PT doesn't come with AWD. I have heard the Vibe is a little underpowered with the AWD and an Auto. I only need AWD about three weeks a year so I might have to compromise but right now it looks like whoever makes me the best deal on my trade might win.
For around the same money as the base vibe with A/C you can get a Base Matrix with the "B" package which includes A/C, power locks, keyless entry, alloy wheels and illuminated entry. Power windows may not get used very much but I find keyless entry to be a great feature. Unless you have GM card points which would even the field.
One thing I don't like about the base Matrix is no ABS avaialablity. This is a negative for me as I think ABS is a must have safety feature. I am surprised that Vibe offers it and Matrix doesn't in this day and age. It should be standard IMO, but that's another story.
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boaz47 : Up here a VUE will run me about C$2-3K more than a similar Vibe. I am leaning Vibe but I still need a good solid test drive and my wife's ok.
...so if I go for one of this set of twins, it'll be the Vibe. Plus, the base Vibe has roof racks, fog lamps, variable intermittent front&rear wipers and power mirrors which the base Matrix plus B package lacks (so they argument about the Matrix being priced much less for the same thing is a bit empty after all). I like racks on a wagon (already have Thule accessories) and power mirrors too, especially for times when your cargo area is full to the ceiling and you need to adjust them to see properly (like last night in my LW200 with an entertainment centre in the back -- nice to have power mirrors, heated too). The power package isn't really much more money so I'd likely get it but with AC, the base Vibe is actually acceptable to me as is (unlike the Matrix).
I still need to test drive a few more 5 doors, though I'm finding the styling of many of them really puts me off. P5, Elantra GT and ZX5 all turn me off in one way or another. I think I'll still test drive the P5 but the looks of the other two are too off-putting to get past in the eye of this beholder.
Hi Folks- You'll now find a direct link to Edmunds' New Vehicle information for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe on the left side of this page.
Btw, does anyone here have a Pontiac Vibe on order? We look forward to seeing your "Reviews and Ratings" in our New Vehicle Guide Consumer Opinions section. Thanks for your participation. ;-)
It is a complete system. You input any address in the 48 states (and some parts of Canada) and it will take you there with turn by turn directions. A Nav system was a must for my next vehicle, hence why I went with the Matrix. (At a $2000 savings over the Vibe)
I could not wait anymore for the Vibe so I went to see a Matrix. I was impressed by the space - storage and back seat - I was expecting a smaller vehicle. They are a lot of little compartments -well thought - Is the Vibe similar in storage?
One thing I do not understand - why is the 60/40 split on the wrong side? I mean, why not have split the seat having the larger section on the left - behind the driver. This way, one could seat 2 pax and carry long loads by folding the front pax seat down. The way it is now, long loads, means only one passenger total as the 60 section needs to come down. I test drove a PT also today, and they made the same error.(65/35) Stange. The PT was a nice vehicle by the way. Nice ride, nice storage in the back, but not great in the front.
The interiors of both vehicles are identical (save for a few cosmetic details) so you should expect to find exactly the same degree of utility in the Vibe as the Matrix.
That's a good question about the split ratio in the seats. My current car has the 40 section on the passenger side, but doesn't have the front seat fold-down feature like the twins. Maybe it was to accomodate long tapered items (like step ladders) or something? For things like skis and snowboards (which the developers may be thinking would be the most popular activity these vehicles would be used for) I think they would fit comfortably on the driver side and this would allow you to carry 3 passengers since the front seat remains upright.
Thought the same thing about the split...would be much more functional to have it the other way. Even if you're carrying a ladder that widens towards the bottom, you could stand it on it's edge instead of laying it flat. For skis, etc., like you say, you're limited to one passenger. Guess they didn't intend it to be a family vehicle.
My Saturn LW200 does it 'properly' like it's SUV cousin, the VUE, with the rear passenger-side seat (35%) coming down, letting two people sit in the back. The VUE's front passenger seat also folds down flat for longer items, though the LW200 wagon is actually longer in the back overall so you don't lose much there by not having the seat down.
Of course, for really long items, there are good reasons why these vehicles have roof racks! A ladder is usually weatherproof so it is a very good candidate for the rack, as are skiis, boards, watercraft, etc. With furniture I prefer to have it inside if possible.
To be honest I don't know if the roof rack is very functional at all on this vehicle. Sure it looks cool, but with that radio antenna on the roof I doubt you would have an easy time fitting a canoe or a a kayak up there without risking damage to the antenna or your cargo. I don't know why they just didn't print the antenna on the rear liftglass.
My LW200 has a flexible whip antenna on the back of the roof and it is not a problem with cargo up there. It bends but doesn't break. Hopefully the one on the Vibe is similarly pliable.
Comments
hud
She gave me a time frame of 6-10 weeks if I order today. Ugg!
20 Vibes on the lot hudrahead? That is a lot of vehicles. I went past a Pontiac dealer last night an they had lots of Asswrecks. Apparently it is still a total dog even though they put some perfume on the pig. I gues there is only some much cosmetic stuff you can do on a vehicle that starts out so intinsicly ugly.
hud
Vibe GT w/ moons and tunes, MSRP @ $21,300
GM Employee discount and $2000 down......
36mo ..... 36,000mi.
The payment would be $260/mo. +tax
Not too bad... but considering the MSRP on the Grand AM GT's is around $22,000 and those go for around $200/mo. I know that Pontiac/GM can do better.
As for the price alone, 18 - 21 is quite high for an entry level (small) car. The Corolla can be had for 18k with leather (minus the 180 hp engine, of course) - too bad they don't offer a wagon in NA.
hud
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/columnists/chi-0203030089mar03.column
I want the AWD, but there were none in the area. Also no monotone paint jobs. I'm either going black monotone or silver with the standard cladding (I only like the cladding with the silver). I'm having a tough time between the Vibe and the AWD V6 Vue. I've been driving a Pathfinder for 10 years now. And I've only ever had black cars, so if anyone can give me any reasons why silver is better (resale, durability, etc.), fire away!
The interior is really nice. Feels tight, with good quality. The cupholders are too small. I do feel that the steering wheel is tough to reach absolutely comfortably, as it is way too close tto the dash. That makes the dead pedal too close unless you want to reach for the wheel - I'm 5'9" 155 lbs. pretty average. I'm hoping that it's just because I'm used to my nissan, and I'll get over it.
I folded the rear seats, but I forgot to ask - do both front seats need to be pushed all the way forward to get the flat floor? The salesman sat behind me, so I never got that one all the way down.
Visibility was a little worse than I expected, but not too bad. I was a little nervous backing up and turning at first.
I'm used to using the center console as an arm rest, along with the door. I don't think that would happen in the Vibe.
I don't like sunroofs, but I'd make that sacrifice to get that sweet monsoon amp/speakers, since you can get it separately.
Power was OK, but I didn't get to go on the highway. Engine is really quiet at idle. I rode with the stereo off for most of the drive.
Dealer was wanting MSRP if I were to order. I said I was going to drive the Vue. My local dealer seems to not like that I get all my info from the net - it seems like they want to see how much I REALLY know by acting like the don't know too much. How can they act all dumb about the Toyota being cheaper? I would at least want something off the MSRP.
The Saturn was really nice - the dealership of course is way more friendly and relaxed. The V6 is really quick, but much more noisy. But it's a "nice" noisy. No rear liftglass, which is something I really want if possible. Can an aftermarket place convert it? The seating position is really nice. Interior is good, just not as nice as the Vibe. The Tires/Wheels are way cooler looking. They don't have a true black.
The Vibe is cheaper for me with the GM card. The Saturn is fixed, with no card use available. So both are great, the Saturn is more powerful/roomy, the Vibe is more nimble/hip, and has the liftglass. For the models I'm looking at, the difference would be like $3300 less for the vibe, all thing considered. But the Saturn may have better resale/trade-in if I ever need to get out of it to buy a Chevy Borrego...
So I guess they fought to a draw. Anyone else cross-shopping these?
****Any model Vibe runs about $1,000 more than a Matrix because it has more standard content--roof rack, power mirrors, CD player (cassette not offered), rear-window wiper, rear-seat air ducts, intermittent wipers and body cladding.****
Of course, whether that cladding is a plus or not is another story. Find it interesting that even Pontiac realises some would pay $500 NOT to get it. Doesn't sound like a plus to me!
Biggest news in the article, to me at least, is that a supercharger is being considered. I also liked the line about a better navigation system coming from the ceiling being used to entertain DOGS!
I have owned the Infiniti QX4 for the last five years and it was a pure beast with a kitten of a drive for the first three years. I'm in Upstate NY where it's nothing to get four feet of snow in 24 hours and the QX4 has been a life saver on more than one occasion but I've tired of its sluggishness (the 1997 had the underpowered 165 hp engine in it) around town and the fuel mileage is deplorable. A job change for me necessitates a lot more driving but I still need the reliability of at least AWD if not 4WD. The Vibe impresses me with its array of safety features and flexibility seating. I like the 9" clearance and great MPG. I only wish they had put the supercharged engine in it from the start as they are reportedly considering for this summer. Other than that I think this is a match made in heaven for me and should be a great vehicle to pass down to my 14 year old when she's ready to drive. I, too, am a GM car holder with over $4500 in credits to use up by next February but I'm thinking with the rebates currently available, this is a great time to trade before the QX4 starts eating a bigger maintenance hole in my pocket. Did you look at the Chevy Tracker at all?
zircon : Resale is not an issue for me as I plan on keeping my car for at least 8 years. Also keep in mind you probably paid close to list for your Accord and I was discounted about $3000 off list before incentives. Oldsmobile being discontinued is not helping either. The Intrigue has been a superb car and the 3.5L is a gem. No regrets at all as I almost got a Maxima till I realized it sucked premium gas.
3.8L is older technology but you know what, it works really well and if you plan on keeping a car for 8-10 years, you will save lots of money if you need engine repairs as they are much cheaper to repair than the newer engines. I think the 3.8L should continue to be made, but a 3.5L replacement is needed for the GM midsize cars as another option.
Back to the VIBE..
Saw a trailer of them on the QEW last night. Still nothing here, but I understand they will be coming this week. I really want to test one and possibly get an order in if I can get my wife on board.
The Chicago times article was a little crummy. But then again, it make deciding even tougher, with the mention of superchargers and wheel flares and stuff I might also want...
Yanks, I drove the Tracker before the 155 hp engine. Didn't like it. Really noisy. I would consider a Chevy badged Vue, especially with a separate liftglass and metal panels. But I don't think that's happening anytime soon.
Saw the Subaru Baja in Philly yesterday. Kinda neat, but no GM midgate. Where the heck is my Borrego, so I can stop worrying about the Vibe???
hud
I'm leaning more and more towards the VIBE and away from the VUE, only because the VIBE will be much less expensive with similar equipment. Still waiting for a test to be more sure though.
I saw a Matrix on the road the other day in Ottawa and it looked pretty cool. It was a Cosmic Blue (apparently a rare colour) XR. Even though it was noticeably taller than my Grand Am, it didn't look as disproportionate as it did at the Auto Show. Still no Vibes on the road where I am.
Some dealers in Toronto are advertising Vibes, but the local dealer still has none in. Sales Lady said she would call me as soon as they arrive.
On another note, have people been following the adventures on www.drivethevibe.com ? Some neat stories....esp the Hotel made of Ice and snow....as if we need that stereotype in Canada!
These 3 teams of AWD vibes are crossing Canada...still lots of snow in places (not here). I did price the vibes they're driving...AWD with Nav and sunroof and alloy wheels. Get this....$31,000 Canadian!!!!!!!! before tax! I was shocked! The Nav alone is over $2000. Price it yourself at www.gmcanada.com
I think for that kind of money I'd wand more than 123HP!
My base system with power pkg and auto comes to about $21500 + freight ect. AWD is too pricey and not needed.
Still nothing today. All I want is a quick test. No dice here in southern Ontario.
I'm even thinking about whether the power package is required, since it will mainly be for my commuting. Power locks and RKE is nice with my wife and son along in our Saturn LW200 but with just me 99% of the time, do I need it? With AC the windows are mainly there for parking garage ticket dispensers. On the other hand, it helps resale... but there's more stuff to break...
What is the nav system anyway? Basically a map display? Is it tied to a GPS receiver or something to give you a "you are here"? For $2160 you can buy yourself a decent handheld unit and a laptop with a DVD or CDROM full of maps that you can also use outside of the car.
BTW, I test-drove the Suzuki Aerio SX the other week and while 141hp/135lb-ft in a 2600lb car feels nice, especially with the 5-speed, the engine is NOISY and vibrations go through the wheel, pedals, etc. and the radio (even the 6-speaker 'upscale' Clarion one) doesn't sound very good, even with the engine off. The boombox in the back seat of my Metro actually sounds better, which is very sad. It is less money than the Vibe but not THAT much less... Overall, it really feels like a slightly bigger, faster Metro/Swift which is what it really is. For first-time new-car buyers like I was when I bought the Metro it will probably be great but I'm hoping the Vibe's engine is much more refined and the stock stereo is decent, or perhaps with the premium speakers and amp. I've been in my friend's somewhat old (96 or 97) Corolla with the 120hp 1.8 and it felt pretty good so I'm hopeful that the newer 1.8 is also good.
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boaz47 : Up here a VUE will run me about C$2-3K more than a similar Vibe. I am leaning Vibe but I still need a good solid test drive and my wife's ok.
I still need to test drive a few more 5 doors, though I'm finding the styling of many of them really puts me off. P5, Elantra GT and ZX5 all turn me off in one way or another. I think I'll still test drive the P5 but the looks of the other two are too off-putting to get past in the eye of this beholder.
Btw, does anyone here have a Pontiac Vibe on order? We look forward to seeing your "Reviews and Ratings" in our New Vehicle Guide Consumer Opinions section. Thanks for your participation. ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
One thing I do not understand - why is the 60/40 split on the wrong side? I mean, why not have split the seat having the larger section on the left - behind the driver. This way, one could seat 2 pax and carry long loads by folding the front pax seat down.
The way it is now, long loads, means only one passenger total as the 60 section needs to come down.
I test drove a PT also today, and they made the same error.(65/35) Stange.
The PT was a nice vehicle by the way. Nice ride, nice storage in the back, but not great in the front.
That's a good question about the split ratio in the seats. My current car has the 40 section on the passenger side, but doesn't have the front seat fold-down feature like the twins. Maybe it was to accomodate long tapered items (like step ladders) or something? For things like skis and snowboards (which the developers may be thinking would be the most popular activity these vehicles would be used for) I think they would fit comfortably on the driver side and this would allow you to carry 3 passengers since the front seat remains upright.
Guess they didn't intend it to be a family vehicle.
My Saturn LW200 does it 'properly' like it's SUV cousin, the VUE, with the rear passenger-side seat (35%) coming down, letting two people sit in the back. The VUE's front passenger seat also folds down flat for longer items, though the LW200 wagon is actually longer in the back overall so you don't lose much there by not having the seat down.
Of course, for really long items, there are good reasons why these vehicles have roof racks! A ladder is usually weatherproof so it is a very good candidate for the rack, as are skiis, boards, watercraft, etc. With furniture I prefer to have it inside if possible.