Pontiac Vibe

Luzer

magnetophone - My two cents - Aim to pay $3200 to $3500 off MSRP for Vibe (this includes the $2000 cash back from GM, but not your GM Card)

johnclineii - If a Matrix was list for $19000 and a "same equipped" Vibe was list for $20200 ($1200 more). I would then pay $19500 for the Matrix and $18200 for the Vibe and with the $2000 incentive. So I am thinking I got a similar car for $2000 less, but in reality, got only $800 less. Turn back to Oct, 2002 and the rebate was $1500, not $2000 - making the difference closer to $300. With incentives, yes you would pay less than a Matrix, but saying "FAR less", like the $2000 GM wants you to think is FAR off base. Case in Point - YOU.

and probably not everyone has a GM Card with over $500 credit.

Regards to look - I prefer the Vibes look, but if the Matrix was the same price, I would have gotten that - longer warranty; better book value (insurance-in case); and Toyota exhaust repairs are guaranteed for life of car. I had 4 Mufflers on my 89 Corolla and paid $99 (with ad coupon) once in 1992.(or was it 1993?)

johnnyrf

Just curious how the vibe handles in the snow. Would love the opinion of fwd folks and awd folks!

Luzer

Stock Tire - Goodyear.
FWD

In snow - not good at all.

jmcknight2

- Vibe AWD Stock Continentals removed before winter. Put on Dunlop Wintersport M2 with Borbet 16 x 7.5 alloys. Excellent on snow and ice, ride and handling like stock tires. Heard too many reports about snow problems with all stock Vibe tires.

turksteritis

I replaced my Continentals with 195/65/15 Dunlop Graspics on steel rims. The stock tires were beyond horrible but the Dunlops seem like I now have full time AWD.

nwng

vibe owners: is the center arm rest made of hard or soft plastic?

5679

Yesterday I noticed three small spots of coolant on the driveway where the Vibe had been parked. Should I be concerned?

nippononly

it is coolant, and not just condensation form the A/C, which runs all the time you have the HVAC in defrost mode.

If it IS coolant, yes, you should check it out.

regfootball

anyone know what the price of the supercharger kit is? and how much hp does it produce....thanks.

nippononly

it is going to be 170 hp, or 175. I read about it in passing. If you mean the TRD one, that is. I am not sure about the Pontiac.

TRD usually charges about $3500, which I think is in the ballpark for this one too. What I want to know once it is ready for sale is whether you can install it on a car with an automatic, without modifying the shift pattern of the auto, or putting in a stronger transmission.

bporter1

I asked a local Pontiac dealer about when the supercharger kit would be coming out, and I was told not until 2004. I do not know how accurate that information is. I was mainly hoping to get a price or at least a ballpark figure. Anyway I was told that they did not know. Oh well

bigtreesmallax

Just finished my first day of ownership with a 150 mile day trip! LOVE my Shadow/slate AWD!!! But nothin's ever perfect so here's my list of things to change for version 2: 1) Ditch the red guage and radio display lighting-impossible to see in daylight. 2)A larger steering wheel would allow those of us who like to have the wheel at less than a 45 degree angle to lower it without blocking the guages. 3) One more inch of rearward travel on the drivers seat would be a godsend. 4) Make the 2 storage bins in the rear panels operable with one hand (they have one latch and upper and lower clips, meaning you first have to unlatch, then pry at the clips) and finally, 5) make the gas tank the same capacity as the non-AWD models (at a mere 11 and a half gals I didn't feel like I was in a car getting 31 mpg because I could watch the guage going down!
Has anyone tried to remove the roof rack yet? The wind noise I'm hearing might be eliminated by leaving the side rails and removing the crossrails, only installing them when I need them, but the rail screws are on the underside of the brackets. Has anyone tried this approach?

jmcknight2

- I agree the dash lights are a problem. I'm afraid to let my teenage daughter drive the Vibe because all of a sudden the headlights come on at full intensity and you can't see the gauges. I've set the brightness level to max just in case it happens. Those crazy headlights and dashlights detract a bit from an otherwise nice vehicle. I hope Pontiac comes up with a warranty fix for it.

jake75

The marketing gurus at GM decided to offer some of us GM Card Holders an increase in the GM Card rebate to $2,003. This $2,003 plus the regular $2,000 rebate plus a $1,056 dealer discount got me a MSRP $18,690 Vibe for $13,631. Could not pass up that deal. Vibe is the only GM car I had any interest in, and of course that is because it is not a GM car.

benjr

Jake75

I have been checking the Gm card website regularly for any redemption allowance increase on the 2003 Vibe but I still see $1000 as the max. Did you get a special mailing from GM Card ? Any contact names and numbers that you can post ?

montanafan

jake75's post starts by saying it was a special program open to only some cardholders. Expired 1/31/03.

Luzer

Was that $2003 earned (you spent over $40,000), or was it just given because they liked you?

montanafan

GM Card increase the earnings to total $2,003.

maxx4me

Well, I saw a complaint from someone regarding the AWD Vibe with Continental tires not doing very well in the snow. We have over 12' in DC today, and decided to take a test drive. I flew around just fine, on very poor road conditions. It gets my vote of confidence.

billwfriend

My Dad picked up a base Vibe about 6 months ago and has put on about 5,000 miles but is still only getting 20 MPG city and 22 MPG hwy. He's talked with the dealer and they keep saying the milage will get better and that this is normal for this Toyota engine...but my Step-Mom just picked up a base Corolla last month (same engine) and is already averaging 33 MPG. What gives? Anybody else getting really crappy milage with the Vibe/Matrix? Is something actually wrong with the engine? I feel bad for Dad since he got rid of a GMC Jimmy due to rising fuel costs.

maxx4me

Yes, I have the corolla engine in my Vibe and get only 26 combined highway/city. I was expecting a whole lot more. I hope your posting is correct. I've had my Vibe just over a year, and have even gone to Mobil 1 to see if that helps the mileage.

teenboy13

The gas mileage on your dad's Vibe should raise as the break-in period comes closer to an end. I'm not sure how long the break-in period is though. How many miles does your Step-mom's Corolla have? The mileage should get higher when Spring/Summer comes along. Also, if your step-mother has a longer commute than your father then his car might not be getting a chance to warm up as much as it should be.

revka

Hi billwfriend- For more feedback, you may also want to post (copy/paste) your question in our Vibe and Matrix Maintenance & Repair Concerns discussion. Good luck.

For future reference, you'll find a direct link to this discussion in the Helpful Links on the left side of this page.
 
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

dindak

Keep in mind cold weather mileage (and especially if driving through snow) is always lower than in warmer conditions. Wait until spring before panicking. Also, watch those lead feet if you have one on the right.\

;-)

don102

I would like to add to "bigtreessmallax's" post on things to fix. I live in a part of the country that gets bitter cold at times, and the first time I wanted to start the car and let it warm up for a few minutes I discovered I couldn't lock the doors with the engine running and no one in the car. Out of all of the cars I have owned, this is the first one I have found to be this way. On my other car I can't just push the power lock button and close the door because it will just unlock again, but I can get out of the car and then use the remote to lock the doors, which is fine because I keep my keys and my remote separate anyway. With me this is a security issue because I will not let my car sit and run without being able to lock the doors.

pulgo

It would be a wise move on your part to use an engine block heater. Just use it for a couple of hours (with a timer) every morning.

It is extremely harmful for the engine to be running at low revs, wasting fuel, polluting the environment and with increased wear on engine parts, oil, starter, battery. etc.

If you don't have access to an electricity outlet however your are pretty much stuck.

Consider putting a big (dry) piece of carton between the windshield and the wipers, this should work for a clear windshield.

don102

When it's 20 below zero and I come out of a party that's a block off the interstate I think I would rather take my chances letting the engine run for five or six minutes before I take off rather than getting right on the interstate and run a cold engine 70 miles per hour.

pulgo

I agree in that particular situation. Although someone might argue that the five or six minutes idling are going to be as harmful as driving right onto the interstate.

In Europe people are used to engine heaters (like from Bosch or Webasto) that are installed permanently in the vehicle; they use the same fuel that the vehicle uses and can be remotely activated or started with a timer. They are expensive but considering the price of a new engine they might be a good investment.

5679

I'm surprised at the accumulation of road sand/crud inside, on the rear door sills, after a week or two of winter driving. I've never had a buildup lke this before.

kritta16

hi all. i just purchased/took delivery of my new vibe GT (frosty) last night! i love it except for ONE THING: i have NO CLUE WHOM or WHO Pontiac let make some decisions on what goes into these cars, because i have leather seats with (are you ready for this?) "HOT WHEELS" logo on the front ones...who in Heaven's name figured THIS OUT? i have to wonder. i'm getting seat covers ASAP, but i still LOVE my VIBE. granted, it takes a bit to get re-acquainted with the manual shift, but i can see how versatile this car is going to be. unfortunately i got the car last night (yes, NIGHT) so i couldn't go out driving it all over, which is killing me!! such a fun car to drive! love it, love it, love it. originally i wanted an Aztek but given the history of mechanical problems people have been reporting, and what my payment would have been, i opted for what some call the "lesser vehicle" but i do not agree! i think i got a better deal purchasing the Vibe by far. would highly recommend it to anyone! i have a 4 yr old son and we just love it!

peggy.

kritta16

I forgot to mention, i got the 2K cash back incentive. great deal.

wildcorgis

I didn't know the Vibe had leather seat option? Maybe it was a special order or done by the dealer. My 5 yr old boy would love those seats though;) !!!

Test drove a base Vibe this past weekend. I currently own a SUV that gets 16-18 mpg and gas (premium) in my area is now at 2.22/gal. Very impressed. I think there is no other vehicle in this category that is better. Great blend of looks, reliabilty, mileage, comfort and storage space.

Steve

nippononly

you will double your gas mileage over that SUV.

hurler4

I keep hearing conflicting views on the use of premium gas in the Vibe GT. Is its use required? Can you do damage to the engine if you use regular gas?
Also, is there any difference in acceleration/power in city driving between the two Vibe engines? Can you feel any extra power at low speeds with the GT engine? The base engine feels kind of sluggish off the line, but I haven't tested the GT around town yet.

maxx4me

Oh yeah, there's lots more power out of the Yamaha GT engine. The big question is, do you want to shift 6 times to get up to full highway speed? Living in the city, I sure don't want a manual anymore. Furthermore, I have the AWD, which only loses 1 mph over the base automatic. Yes, the car is slow off the line, but guess what, my AWD Vibe goes 85 MPH on the highway like everyone elses car. I think speed off the line is soooo overrated. For me, it does not take much to modify my driving habits knowing I don't have a rocket engine in front of me. Moreover, modifying my driving habits to fit the slower Corolla engine just might save my life some time.

wildcorgis

I have a Pathfinder that RECOMMENDS premium gas and that's what I usually put in it. The engine compensates (retards timing) if I put regular in and it will lose a little power and decrease my gas mileage so my cost saving on fuel would probably be negated. I think this would hold true for the Vibe engine's. I don't think you would hurt the engine by using regular and I'm sure there are tons of anecdotal testomonies to that fact. Don't know if this would come into play but I read on Click and Clack, cars that REQUIRE premium fuel could have their cat. converter overheat if reg gas is used.

Correct me if I'm wrong. But isn't the torque the same for the base engine and the (Yamaha) GT. So I would think they would launch the same but the GT engine would be more powerful at higher rpm's ( over 6000)

Steve

maxx4me

Yes, you are mainly correct. There is not much difference in the star up power, but with the added weight of the rear differential and center drive torquer thingy, it slows down my Vibe quite a bit.

GT: 180 HP 130 torque

AWD: 123 HP 118 torque

rbarrit

I have the vibe GT. 1, 2, 3 and then 6 will do fine for highway acceleration. In the suburbs, 1, 2 and 5 works great (sometimes 1 and then 5, depending on my mood). Six speeds doesn't mean you have to use them all, all the time.

If one doesn't want to rev the GT, one can save money just getting the regular engine.

Never tried regular fuel, but if you do use it, the knock sensor will probably limit your power. The engine computer will know you're using regular.

revka

And thanks for sharing some of your first impressions. We look forward to hearing more about your Pontiac Vibe experience. Happy motoring!

Revka
Host/Hatchbacks & Wagons

vibe4

Hi. Just bought a new Vibe base model in Salsa! I love the way it looks and performs. I haven't got to drive it much since we've had snow and sleet but I do believe it will have all the power I'll need. I was impressed with the brightness of the headlights, since most of the GM's I've had have had terrible headlights. Leather wasn't an option from the dealer. I would've been interested if it had been (just without the Hotwheels logo!). I think too they've worked some of the bugs out since the rear hatch closed easily and there wasn't the wind noise I've been hearing about. The build quality seems good too. I'll let you know how it goes.

5679

Finally, the "Mighty Mounts" for the Vibe have come (back ordered for two months) in so now I can try my old Yakima ski rack on the Vibe roof rack.
Took my Vibe in yesterday—CD player acting up-ejecting without playing, skipping.
I'd also just discovered a large, mysterious, V-shaped crack in the plastic on the inside of the liftgate. Can't figure out how or where it came from and no one in my household knows either. I suspect/hope it has resulted perhaps from closing it against something during our extreme cold. I hope it will be covered by the warranty.
i also noticed the inner plastic of the front wheel well has loosened from behind the cladding leaving a gap.

kritta16

hi all. well thanks for the congratulations on (what i thought was) my vibe! i still love it...ok here's the story: went last evening to get the temp tag and was INFORMED they had (and i quote here) sold me "the wrong car" and of course i couldn't get a temp tag on "the wrong car" (yes, they couldn't tell me this on the phone when i talked to them earlier, so i drove 30 mins for NOTHING). and i'm immediately thinking "uh oh - here comes the bait and switch/ask for more $$$ for something that was THEIR fault". if you read my post earlier about the moronic logo on the seats and how much i was dissatisfied with that particular item (the logo spoiled the seats, i'm sorry), well i must say that now i am COMPLETELY satisfied because i told them i thought it was moronic and they said, well you got the wrong car anyway and the leather seats are X-$ more. why don't we just find you another one without the seats? i said COOL. that's what i wanted anyway. so turns out the one i am now going to be getting tonight, will have the keyless entry (which i wanted originally, and didn't have), premium sound (ditto), and monotone body (ditto). all for about $2/mo more in payment, but i'd gladly pay that to get what i WANTED than settle for something i wasn't entirely happy with. i still intend to get seat covers however, just because i would rather protect the seats. BUT the dealership did make it right. now we will see if they charge me a "search" charge for doing that.

so new car #2 will be delivered this evening. how cool is that?! i had one heck of a test drive in the other one though, wouldn't you say? lol

Luzer

Hell no.
The leather gotta cost more than the keyless, sound, and monotone.
They should toss in some goodwill and deduct $20/month for your time, trauma (hey, I've grown accustom to the leather, but I can't have it? but I can't pay no more - oh, the pain, the hurt, what will my family think...)

wildcorgis

I bet someone special ordered that car and they goofed and put it on lot and sold it. Does the VIN # on your paperwork match your car VIN #?Did you buy your Vibe sight unseen?

I'm passing no moral or ethical judgement on this but I'm sure there are some who might try to milk this for something. I would do as you and just turn it in and get what I wanted.

Congrats on the (right ) new car!!!

Steve

montanafan

Here is a possible explaination. Since the Vibe had to be set out to have the leather interior installed, it is not on the invoice from Pontiac. Dealer sells the car based on what they have in their book forgeting the leather. Tells owner "wrong car". It actually is "right" car, "wrong" price. Dealer gets lucky in that buyer dosen't what leather. Buyer gets lucky in that they get the car equiped the way they want. Buyer pays same price plus the equipment they want. A case where it appears no one losses.

npgmbr

For two years now I have been wrestling with the idea of getting another car. All along I have wanted an SUV to replace my Convertible Tracker aka Tonka Truck, which was destroyed by a redlight running, expired license carrying, no insurance having [non-permissible content removed].

First I was gonna get an Escape until I heard about the VUE but something about the VUE just didn't suit me but I do like it. Then I heard about the Vibe which I instantly fell in love with and began making plans to buy.

Then late last year I heard about the coming Equinox and saw some pics of it and decided that I absolutely had to wait.

But after waiting almost three years for the right vehicle to come along, I'm getting pretty tired. The Equinox which I think I'll love won't be delivered until this time next year at the earliest.

I'm the kinda guy that likes a vehicle thats unique and because many people in the Washington Metro area prefer to buy the Matrix thinking thats its better than the Vibe; it makes the Vibe that much more attractive to me.

I have 2k saved up right now and will have 4 by June.

So, I'd like to ask you guys and dolls, how you feel about your Vibe as compared to your previous vehicle, especially if that vehicle was an SUV?

5679

New radio/cd installed today under warranty.

V-shaped crack in the inner plastic of liftgate-no warranty replacement. The plastic is in fact very thin with nothing behind it. I'd be curious to know if anyone else has had this happen. I can't imagine how it happened. Something rammed against it pretty hard to cause it to crack like that.

Obvious gap between inner plastic of front wheel wells and cladding—they say they are all like that!

maxx4me

npgmbr: I'd get the AWD vibe. While it won't be a rocket engine car for you, there is no better AWD for the money right now. Suburu will have to modify their commercials. The Vibe is now the least expensive AWD car. I have tried every car that has come out. While there are some excellent ones (Highlander, etc), I don't fit in any of them. I'll assume you don't want a sedan either, but something more functional. After the 12 or so cars I have tried out this past year, I would go out and buy a second Vibe if/when my 626 dies. I think that highly of the Vibe. If there are a few things I would change on the Vibe it would be: add a telescoping stearing wheel, enlarge the back window; put a fold down arm rest for the rear seats with integrated cup holders. This Pontiac wannabee (Toyota Corolla Reality) is just a great economical and functional car. I hope you buy it an enjoy motoring around in it. Good Luck.

kritta16

that's exactly what i thought to begin with also, which was why i was so mad about it. i knew what they were trying to pull. i should tell you, my original intent was to buy an Aztek. HOWEVER, like i said, i have read/heard that 50% of these people who have bought one of these things have had SEVERE mechanical issues. in interest of better/lower payment and more standard options, the Vibe was my next choice. i test drove one a while back and while i liked the Aztek better at that time (in 2002), they have really changed the Aztek and i didn't like it as well in 2003. plus the ensuing rising gas prices had a bearing on my decision. it was a lot of factors and i agonized over it, but i have no doubts now i chose the RIGHT vehicle. by the way, my new VIBE (#2) is SHARP. i HIGHLY recommend the monotone package. it is just the sharpest thing going! this car i got oddly enough, drives better/shifts better than the previous "loaner" and i don't have to push the clutch out the other end of the floor board to start the daggoned thing. the last one, it actually made my knee hurt, i had to push down on the clutch so hard to start it. however, all that to say this: i am so highly enthused and excited about my new Vibe. the other one was good, this one absolutely ROCKS. i am quite pleased.

peggy.

kritta16

my previous mode of transportation was a '97 Dodge Caravan (short edition). now, i am a musician (guitarist) and i do play music occasionally, so i thought i would need the space for my PA and equipment; plus i have a 4 yr old son. so yes, i thought i needed the space. however, what i like to call the "coffeetable principle" soon began to apply, which is, those of you who have a coffeetable in your house/apt know that it gets stuff thrown all over it and soon becomes just a big mess. same principle w/ the minivan. i will admit i'm somewhat of a closet slob of sorts. but i got tired of having a "mommy mobile" and wanted something sportier. i began to feel quite dull in my caravan... lol

i liked my minivan, don't get me wrong, but it's been on vacation at the shop for 3 ailments in the past 2 months. time to step up to a new car? i think so. after all, i have nobody to "rescue" me should my vehicle fail. my father is getting really tired of doing it so i had to take things into my own hands. another reason i chose the VIBE is because i did a "cost to own", which i believe you can find on Edmunds' site. VIBE costs roughly $.42 a mile to own. a five year estimate of cost to own is approx. $31K (including cost of vehicle, insurance, fuel, maintenance). so i'd say that is something else to consider. granted, i didn't go out and drive a whole lot of cars beforehand. i knew it would be between the Aztek and Vibe.

Just my take on things. thank you for listening. i love reading your posts!