Pontiac Vibe

johnclineii

Ooops?

How come you are already familiar with the fuse box location? Blown some? Or just curious?

johnclineii whose 2000 Chevy Impala LS has fuses....somewhere, I know not where since I have never had occasion to find out!

turksteritis

I bought my vibe in may & have 18,000 kilo,s. Never been near the fuse box & am getting 40 mpg. canadian per gallon at 70 mpg. & it is rated at 47.

nippononly

that blasted twilight sensor! Someone should be drummed out of a job for that stupid thing - my dealer actually suggested I go out and find a "black plastic cap" to buy to put over the sensor, as if that were a fix. And I guess it never occurred to him to just turn the lights on and leave them on, eh? A much simpler "fix", LOL! This is what I do most of the time, but I imagine it is going to mean a lot more light bulb replacement over the next few years, as much as that is a hassle....

rbarrit

I agree with nippononly. Potential light sensor options may be: 1) place a small led fed with fine wires under the smoked-cap of the sensor to simulate more light. 2) Place a resistor across the terminals to simulate more light. 3) Disconnect the sensor completely and place only a resistor across the terminals.

The sensor comes out quite easily, and has a three wire connection. I have no info as to particulars and was hesitant to "modify" a new car. With proper information, options 2) and 3) are probably the most promising.

We also have a Pontiac van and I'm completely satisfied with its light sensor's operation. With the Vibe's, I'd prefer manual control.

On fuel economy: I have the GT, and get about 41 mpg (imperial) at 90 km/hr, and have gotten up to 46 with a tail wind. Have not a had a long trip at consistently higher speeds yet.

My only complaints with the Vibe are the light sensor and red instrument lighting. Luckly, my under-the-shifter compartment has not fallen out yet.

5679

Forgive my dullness but what the doodad is this light sensor you guys are talking about?
I haven't figured out the point of turning the lights on manually if they come on automatically.
Am I getting warm?

beever1

Since Oct 3/4, the $ has increased by an average of $10 per day...now @ 20 220!!!
If this trend continuesby next year a base vibe will cost $3650 more than today...
someone told me the Pontiac did not increase prices in such a manner - they were mistaken.

rbarrit

The "dodad" with the light sensor is that it turns on the lights much too early most of the time. All this means is that instead of the lights being in "daytime running" mode (probably approximately half voltage) one hour after sunrise or on a cloudy day, they're in full output mode, which means they'll burn out much sooner and use more energy, for no benefit (i.e. its too bright out for them to illuminate the road or to enable other drivers to see you any better).

It is an annoying problem because it does not operate the vehicle lights like I would. I'm the type who purchased the manual transmission because I like to control the car. Thus, because I think it is a very well engineered vehicle, and this is a "problem(?)" that could be fixed easily by Pontiac/Toyota, it bugs me.

nippononly

literally rip mine out of the dash and pull it over into the center - maybe I could tape it down over there or something. The only reason it does not work properly is becuase it is too near the lining of the windshield, and too near the A-pillar.

I am told it cannot be disconnected, because it will disable the lights entirely. Otherwise, I would just snip the wires and be done with it.

5679

Anyone notice that it seems impossible to completely clear the upper part of the front windshield on a cool morning or evening? Blowing cool air quickly clears the lower part, no trouble. But the upper part remains clouded so you feel you have to use your hand or a cloth on it. I've tried both cool and warm air.

nippononly

using warm air.

hpulley4

I find without the AC to dry out the air, turning cars fans on the defogger setting can actually make it worse. You need the AC on lightly and/or the heat turned on full. In my Saturn it turns it on automatically but in my MINI I have to turn it on myself.

nippononly

and the matrix, it also turns on the A/C automatically when the defrost is on.

jasper42

I am 6'4", with a 36" inseam. Would I fit into a vibe? I want an AWD car but the Subaru Outback and Foresters are too tight.

nippononly

I have read reviews by tall people who say they fit comfortably. As for me, I am 5'9", so I cannot tell based on my own experience.

cowbizz

We picked up my new 2003 Lava Red Vibe on October 8th. I am totally thrilled with this car!

I've been driving an Astro for the past 14 years, doing the Mom thing for 4 kids. Only one remains at home and in school, and the '85 Astro was on the verge of needing some major work to make it road worthy for the winter.

I drove 5 different vehicles, the Aztec, Toyota Rav4, Saturn Vue, and as a lark, drove the Vibe. I had driven about 1/2 mile, and told my husband that this was the car for me.

I love it's retro look on the dash and the steering wheel. It's a little high profile, more than a regular car, it's very comfortable for my 5' 3" frame. The way the drivers seat is adjustable in height is great.

This car is very snappy to drive, easy to park, the steering and braking are very responsive. The Moon and Tunes package is very cool as well as is the 200 watt stereo system. There are a bunch of little niceties that make this car well worth the money.

The 0% GMAC financing made this deal very sweet, especially for us. After driving the same car for 14 years, I am loving my Vibe. I highly recommend a test drive for those who like the Vibe's look and features. I can't wait to see what kind of gas milage we get. Ours is an automatic transmission FWD.

rbb2

http://www.auto.com/industry/iwirb12_20021012.htm

dindak

I have heard the Vibe is not selling as well in some parts. I'm sure the 0% financing now available will kick start sales in a big way. Seems to be selling well around here though as the local dealer never has more than 2 on the lot.

nippononly

where I am the Toyota dealer can't keep the Matrix in stock, but the Pontiac dealer RIGHT NEXT DOOR has a half dozen Vibes lined up all around the dealer, kind of like a metal hedge.

Matrix is selling at twice the rate, which I am sure is partly due to the higher price of the Vibe. But 0% should help somewhat.

cowbizz

The Toyota Dealership in our area is horrible. I drove a Rav4 there on a Friday afternoon. I was by myself, without my husband. The Salesman treated me like I was an ignorant woman. As I asked questions, he kept talking about the "pretty" colors the Rav came in, and that 90% of the Ravs they sold were sold to women. He has also called our house twice since then. I've not been here to take the calls, or I would inform him that I didn't ask to be called at home.

Anyway, the Pontiac Salesman was much more polite, very low pressure etc. He didn't insist on going with me when I test drove the Aztec, he handed me the keys and said "have fun". When we went back to drive the Vibe the second time, he told us to get on the expressway, go have a bite to eat somewhere, take it to the mall and see how well it handled in tight spaces, take it home to show the family, he was basically just a nice guy who treated us like adults.

He also gave us a very decent trade-in on a very old Astro Van. Basically we got in trade what the van was worth Retail, $1200. The man at the Toyota place could barely hide his disdain of the Van and mentioned he didn't think they would offer more than $200 for it. I really didn't need him looking down his nose at me in that way...after all, we were looking to spend $20k.

The Pontiac Dealership has been in business in the same location for 65 years, and they have a great reputation in this town. That means alot.

dindak

Half the battle is finding a good dealership. Even the best car can yield a bad experience if the dealer and dealer service are poor.

chevydude2

Just drove a new Vibe GT -- what a great car -- love the power and the 6-speed. Does the GT require premium fuel with the 180 HP engine -- dealer didn't think so??

nippononly

is the quick answer...I think in the celica GT-S (same engine) premium is recommended, but you can run it on regular for reduced performance...either way, if the power is what you like then you are going to have to stick to that premium!

dindak

How could the dealer not know??? Du!

vswlaw

Where did you hear there is 0% financing for Vibes in Cannada, dindak? The dealer I enquired today maintained that Vibes are still selling like hotcakes and no special financing is being offered.

jlaszlo

Selling a Salsa 5 speed Vibe with Moon and Toons, power package, 16 in wheels, cargo box, full front bra, leather and chrome shift knob. Immaculate condition with 5000 miles. Great car but leaving USA for extended period at years end. $15,750. No dealer junk fees or other BS to worry about. Located in Atlanta. Post follow-up message if interested. Thanks

dindak

I was talking about the U.S. I think sales are decent here in the northland. Local dealer never has more than one or two on the lot.

5679

Local dealer has 4! Says they've had their Dec. order cancelled because they have so many.
Now is this a great sales strategy or what?

manticore1

I have had my Vibe GT for a couple of weeks now and the answer is YES for premium fuel. The owners manual states you can use less than premium only in emergencies when it is not readily available.

ajacat

(Apologies for cross posting, if anyone reads the Matrix board)

We're searching for a replacement for our Camry XLEV6--bought used, was fine in NC, on the highway, but strange Portland, OR roads that turn to rocks in the middle of the city (they'll suddenly stop paving for a block or two) necessitate better suspension. Everything's rattling in our poor ol' Camry.

And we want more luggage space.--Considering a Subaru Outback but we really don't like the engine. We're looking into mod. possibilities, though...

How's the suspension on the Vibe? And why did you buy a Vibe vs. a Matrix, if it was anything other than looks or dealership treatment?

thanks for any insights--

nippononly

a response on the Matrix board, but wanted to add: I bought a Matrix over a Vibe for exactly those reasons (looks and dealership treatment) plus the Matrix has a 60K mile powertrain warranty, Vibe has only the 3/36.

johnclineii

Not to mention that in the US the Matrix costs much, much less than the Vibe.

ajacat

for both your replies...I noted the difference in warranties too, which I found very strange, considering the basic similarity of the vehicles...

I'll reply re the suspension on the Matrix board, nippon.

nippononly

sales reasons, Toyota has more of a commitment to assuring their customers that their cars will be reliable in the long term, so they have a longer powertrain warranty, even though the cars are mechanically identical (they have the powertrain of the new Toyota Corolla).

Funny thing is, this is usually because they charge more for their products than GM does for its comparable products, but that is not the way it turned out here...

johnclineii

I think the reason is the Canadian dollar produces most of the Matrix, while the relatively dear US dollar is what produces the Vibe. That and the fact that GM may have built in some wiggle room to allow for incentives (and the use of the GM card "earnings" discounts)...

dindak

Matrix is not much much less when you factor in incentives and added features on the Vibe. 0% financing now available.

archiegates

Am I reading the specs right in that the Vibe GT with its 180hp engine does not offer an automatic transmission, only the 6 speed? If so, I'm really bummed because I live in LA and there's no way in the world I'm going to fight the traffic here with a manual transmission. I know that the Toyota offers an automatic with the 180hp engine, but I like the styling of the Pontiac better.

Can someone help me out here?

bigdaddycoats

The Vibe GT is not offered with an automatic and the Matrix XRS is. Somewhere back in these posts I believe it was explained that getting the auto with the 180hp engine is kind of a waste. Basically because the extra power with the 180hp doesn't kick in until high rpms and the auto will shift before this happens. Best bet is to test drive them and see for yourself if you notice any difference.

archiegates

Hmmm, that's something I never thought about. Does anyone know what the 0-60 times for the Matrix with auto and the 180hp engine are vs the Vibe with the auto and the 130hp engine?

archiegates

Am I reading the specs right in that the Vibe GT with its 180hp engine does not offer an automatic transmission, only the 6 speed? If so, I'm really bummed because I live in LA and there's no way in the world I'm going to fight the traffic here with a manual transmission. I know that the Toyota offers an automatic with the 180hp engine, but I like the styling of the Pontiac better.

Can someone help me out here?

montanafan

bigdaddycoats is right on, I have seen the same posts, and in fact the part that sticks in my mind the most is that the 0-30mph time is better with the base engine then the GT with the Auto according to Pontiac's test. Not sure I have ever seen numbers to back it up but will keep eyes open. In the first quarter of 2003, Pontiac with be offering a supercharger package for installation on the base Vibe to pick up horsepower about 35% (Toyota should have it too). check out press release in the SEMA section of http://media.gm.com for info (SPO or Pontiac link). Cost will probably move a base Vibe above a GT put made be a good alternative.

nippononly

the celica GT-S, which has the exact same engine as the GT, and it is a DOG below 4000 rpm, and the auto sucks all the power out. And at least in the celica, it has an automanual.

I just read that Toyota has discontinued the auto in the XRS, which is the same as the GT, so automatics may be history across the board on the high-power models. OTOH, I just saw an XRS auto in the local dealership...

turksteritis

Mine works great in snow with stock tires(continentals)I also get awesome radio reception with the stock cd unit.Can,t help with the other stuff. I have 23,000k in 3 months & not 1 prob yet!

5679

While in for Vibe servicing last week, I asked my salesman about the 0% financing and he said there is no such thing in Canada yet.

dindak

Car sales are much stronger here so 0% is not widely available here though I have seen it on some vehicles. It seems to be typically for 36 month terms only though.

bigdaddycoats

0.0% for 60 months is gone, rate is now 3.9% for 60 months. The 0% worked well as they sold 6509 Vibes last month.

rngal

I went and test drove a Vibe GT today...HOW AWESOME!!!!! I loved it!!!! The salesman shared w/me that the plant that is making the Vibe is on hold for a couple of months because they are already revamping some things....has anyone heard about this?

johnclineii

How very, very odd. Especially since NONE of the trade press has indicated any such a thing!

The plant was closed briefly due to a parts shortage caused by the dock strike.

Salesmen!

rngal

Thanks John...I did find it very strange that the salesman would say that, cuz in some ways it kinda deterred me away, thinking there were problems with the Vibe. Oh well, I still LOVED the way it drove!

montanafan

Looks like the salesperson wanted you to buy what was in stock, and scare you away from thinking about ordering a car.

cayennered1

With the 0% gone are they still doing the $1500 rebate?

I was going to test a Vibe tomorrow and thought the price would be very desirable with the $1500 rebate factored in. If that's gone it would be much less appealing. Still, I imagine that there has to be some sort of cash incentive still on considering that October car sales were nothing short of awful.

If you know what cash incentive is on for November I'd appreciate knowing.

Thanks