I start my car (and it does start) the front headlights do not come on, the service engine, and service oil lights come on, if I put in gear(ie reverse) the car does not engage. It's as if I'm locked out of the car. If I then turn the car off, and then back on I can get it to work just fine. I've been the computer is not recording this, and I haven't been able to get it to happen at the dealership..
1. Does anyone have the new supercharger installed? How do they like it? Is the performance noticeable? It seems like 167 hp is still a bit underpowered, to me.
2. How's the premium audio system?
3. It seems like such a small car. From a safety standpoint, if I'm looking at the Forester or Escape, would I be better off If heaven forbid I'm hit?
4. Any chance of future performance upgrades? Particularly with the AWD model?
quote-1. Does anyone have the new supercharger installed? How do they like it? Is the performance noticeable? It seems like 167 hp is still a bit underpowered, to me. -end
130 hp is plenty for the Vibe. 167 hp is way more than is needed. You can not get the supercharger with the AWD. If more HP is needed you could have a full tube frame installed with a 350HP V8 GM crate motor. That would certainly not be underpowered.
Vibe will do over 100 mph as it is. How fast do YOU need to go?
If the Vibe is too small and you are concerned about performance consider the Forrester XT with 210 HP and more room.
I read on one of the post that the ground clearance on the Vibe is 8.1 inches. Does anyone know how this compares to a CR-V? I would assume the CR-V is more, but just because the vehicle is taller.
According to my 2001 brochure, the minimum ground clearance for the 1st gen CR-V is 8.1 inches. I don't know about the 2nd gen, but I doubt it is much different.
Thanks. I also found out from the CR-V forum that the current CR-V is only 8.1 inches, same as the Vibe. I drove over to look at a CR-V LX tonight - the wheels on it look ridiculous compared to the rest of the vehicle. The Vibe seems to be much better proportioned, albeit smaller and more carlike. Am definitely leaning towards the Vibe now.
On the 1st gen, the car was smaller and the 205/15's fit OK. On the second gen, the car got bigger but they kept the tire size the same and I agree it does look awkward. My Matrix has 215/17's (albeit low profile ones) and they fill out the wheel wells nicely.
Of course, you could just put on different wheels and tires. It would slow the car down and throw off the accuracy of the speedometer an the odometer but....they would look better.
My dealer told me that I might not like the 6 speed and HP engine because "you gotta drive it like you stole it." In other words, keep the revs up. I'm not talking about the stop light grand prix here - just daily driving and getting up to hwy speed. My wife and I have owned many stick shift cars, and I am on my second GTP. Shifting is not a problem.
Any experiences out there with the Vibe GT?
I called my dealer today to ask about the dealer-installed supercharger for the base Vibe. He is going to cehck into it.
I have a Matrix XRS (same thing as the Vibe GT) with a 6-speed. To get maximum performance you do need to rev it pretty high. The VVT-L system really kicks in at about 6200 RPM or so and there is a very noticable "boost" when it engages. The problem is that you will only use it in 1st, 2nd and mayyybe 3rd. Redline in 3rd gear puts you well over 80 mph so the VVT-L is IMO of limited use.
Add to that the fact that all that power is being put to the front wheels instead of the back and you get sloppy power transmission to the pavement via torque steer, spinning wheels, you know, all the worst parts of the Bible LOL.
IMO, I'd probably look more into the base Vibe. Any more power than low-mid 100's hp range, and I'd stick with RWD or AWD to get all that power to the pavement the right way.
Also, that sounds like a good dealer; not everyone will tell you to stay away from their own merchandise. I've got a base with a 5sp and it's already begging me to get into trouble. Stick with the base, but make sure you can live with the noise. It's a pretty raunchy little car. Still like it, though, at least it's got character... -Mathias
Thanks for the responses about the GT 6 speed. It turns out that my wife doesn't want to start shifting gears again anyhow. It is her turn for a new car, so it is her choice. If the power doesn't hit until 6200, she'd probably never get it that high! I was trying to convince her to get a GTO, but rear wheel drive with northern Iowa winters is not a good combination.
Might I suggest a Subaru Imprezza / Forester. They can be had with turbos and automatics...for more money. If they are too small, be sure to at least test-drive a Honda CR-V and Element. Do not buy before trying them all out. Trust me...
If it's gotta be AWD, go Subaru. I'd personally get a Legacy, but that's a matter of taste... lotsa car for the buck. AWD means plenty of extra moving parts. It's a good idea to go with a company that specializes in the technology. -m
"Vibe as worst quality vehicle sold by Pontiac" Nonsense!! This is one of the best quality vehicles you can buy. It's made from exactly the same parts and quality standard as Toyota, even if at a different location. The fit and finish on my Vibe is a bit better than my dads Camry. Everything fits tight and feels solid. This car is a world apart from other GM products. These guys are probably just bashing Vibe because it't really a Toyota and not a Pontiac. I love everything about the Vibe and with the GM $2000 rebate and another $1500 in GM Card earnings, it's a steal! That said, I do think the new Grand Prix is a nice car and some of the future Pontiac offerings are certainly worth a look. But the vibe is another example while Toyota is famous for quality.
some significant quality problems with early Vibes, such as the temperature controls that would not go all the way to 'cold', which is what is being referred to in the "worst quality vehicle" comment. Vibe has come a long way since then, and today is one of the only Pontiac models CR recommends.
FWIW, they do not use exactly the same parts because of the divergent manufacture locations of Vibe vs Matrix, and now that both models have been "refreshed" for '05, the parts will diverge between the two even more.
The plant in Canada where Matrix is built also builds Lexus for Toyota....so the quality standard between the two plants may not be exactly the same either...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Is that true that car makers usually come out with a new body style and some modification for the engine every 4 years? If that is the case, I'm wondering if 2007 is the year that Vibe will have the new look? Hopefully with a higher HP and torch on the base model.
I'm considering a Vibe b/c I want a hback. Stick, absolutely. However, I'm 6'1" and I DON'T like the vibe's dashboard stick. It just seems that it puts one too close to the dash, esp. for a taller person. Any tall people driving the vibe stick?
You rang? I'm 6'1" and I've been driving a Vibe 5sp since Halloween... no problem. Fun car. If you want something to worry about, the seat cushion is tilted to far forward, and I get uncomfortable when I raise it up from the lowest position, as it tilts further down when you do that. I'd like more thigh support, but it's no reason not to buy the car. The engine noise might be, pay close attention during the test drive; it's fairly loud. Also, check the Mazda3 if you like. It's very smooth, strong, and feels really buttoned down... but it's more expensive, and then I'd stretch towards a Subaru, but that's me. -Mathias
Has anyone noticed a very annoying tapping/squeaky noise coming from the gauges. It has gotten progressivly worse over the last few months. I know its from the gauges because whey i press against them with my hand it stops making the noise. Anyone else have a problem like this???
- My 2003 Vibe AWD got hit in the left front quarter while going 55 mph by a guy who blew a stop sign. I barely had time to turn the wheel and slam on the brakes. I thought I was going to die, but the Vibe protected me very well, and none of the air bags, front or side, even inflated. If I had been hit more to the front or side I suppose the bags would have inflated, but I was totally uninjured anyway.The frame wasn't even bent! The other guy had no insurance, but my company was very helpful and paid everything but my $500 deductible. It almost had to be totalled, but the repair job is excellent. I even got a new, more powerful battery, and all the little rattles are gone, too. Great car!
I have a 2003 Vibe FWD automatic that I have owned for 15 months and has 13,000 miles. I have that terrible smell, rotten egg or sulfur, and it won't go away. I brought it back to the dealer 3 times with no result. Last month I filed a complaint with Pontiac and, as expected, they did put me through the ringer with questions and then had me bring it back to the dealer. I left it with the dealer for a full week and they came back and said that there is no fix for the problem and that it would go away in time. They also suggested changing brands and octane of gas. They also gave me an internal bulletin which acknowledges the problem but states that there is no cure. Just heard from General Motors and they basically said "sorry, there is nothing we can do but it the problem will go away in time".
I am considering legal action against GM on this issue and am wondering if anyone else is as fed up with this as I am. I live in Chicagoland and you have either the heat or air-conditioning on about 9 months a year.
Anyone care to join me in a discussion of a class action law suit?
Is there any regularity to the sulfur smells? I see complaints on a number of boards here about different cars and the rotten egg smell. Some folks say it is the gas. Others think it is a problem with the car itself.
My Matrix doesn't have the smell, but I took a trip to Fort Dix in a rented Corolla that had it. Of course no one noticed until we stopped somewhere and our stink trail caught up to us.
At their suggestion I did change brands and octane and drove it for 5 gas fill-ups. Still the same problem. I've never had this problem with any car I have owned.
In terms of regularity of the smell, it always happens just as the engine temperature reaches normal. Then it kind of comes and goes.
My wife regularly complains about this (after first interviewing me about my diet) but I, unfotunately, have never gotten so much as a whiff. At times she says it's like sour milk and at other times she says it's a bit like something burning.
Toyota dealer told me it was normal and that nothing was broken. Since the car runs fine (just stinky every now and then) I guess I'll just live with it. I don't plan on owning it for more than a year or so anyway.
Purchased a new Vibe for my wife, yesterday. We tried the Mazda3 Hatchback. Sharp looking wagon, excellent handling and tasteful interior styling! Nonetheless, the 3 felt too confining, didn't have the mini-van like driving position she prefers and I've never been crazy about buying any car in it's first year of production.
Also, checked out the Subie Forester. The sales staff was too busy joking around to pay much attention to us? However, we were dressed well and ready to make a decision fairly quickly. My wife doesn't need to drive in bad weather, so the Subie's AWD was not a huge deciding factor. If the truth be known, the inflated Subaru Forester MSRP and the lack of shoulder to shoulder interior room in a $25,500 tall wagon was a deal killer.
The Vibe's good looks, commanding seating position, versatility, price point, Toyota engine & drive train quality and 29 city / 34 highway mpg (gas costs $1.86 per gallon today in Lancaster, PA.) sealed the deal.
2004 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L DOHC 4-cyl Engine Auto Transmission Frosty (White)- Premium Monotone Appearance Pkg. Moon and Toon-(Sunroof & 200 Watt Premium Audio System Upgrade) Power Group 17" inch Alloy wheels Antilock brakes
Total MSRP with Destination- $21,265 less Rebates -$2,500 less Negotiated Discount- $1,055 less Trade- $4,700
Cash Price of Vehicle: $13,010
Walked into my home town Pontiac dealership with a Capital One Draft Check with a financing rate of 3.85% and a GM Buy Power quote of 1% over invoice from another nearby Pontiac Dealer. I made our Lancaster, PA. Pontiac Dealer (Jones Pontiac-Buick-GMC) a 1% over invoice offer for our new 2004 Vibe and this price was accepted without haggle. The Jones finance manager beat the 3.85% Capital One rate with local bank financing at 3.49%. Very easy! No pressure or hard sell tactics. The sales, service and finance staff was excellent and easy to work with. The Vibe with 17" inch alloy wheels in white Premium Monotone Appearance Pkg. looks awesome. After, about 100 miles of driving, she is hooked on the Vibe. The Vibe/Matrix tall wagon should serve my spouse well for the next 48 months.
- Way to go, Larry! Sounds like you knew what you wanted and were well-prepared. I have a Vibe and a Forester, and I honestly like the Vibe better. Congrats!
Could you copy and paste your post over in the Pontiac Vibe: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences discussion? It would be great to have your post in that discussion as well (many shoppers look there to see what others are paying).
Yeah, I had the sulfur smell. The dealer said that is could be the fuel. I'll see if things change now that we are switching to the "summer blend" fuel.
I don't know how much of an issue it really is. The rev-happy nature of the engine and the odd clutch engagement combine to make it very easy to be riding the clutch at 4k rpm. This gets you the smoking clutch smell. I do not know what effect this will have on clutch life. It doesn't happen very often. Always in 1st gear during low-speed operation usually when behind a slush-box user who is riding the brake.
I hear you about the pokey slushboxers, but I don't think I've ever ridden the clutch at that high of an RPM...I usually keep it below 2-3k or so and just try to let it out smoothly.
I have yet to determine much rime or reason to it yet...I simply have been too busy and preoccupied to devote much scientific analysis to the issue so for now its just something that is kind of annoying that occurs every now and then...
4k rpm is always an accident, never intentional. Trying to get moving or accelerate a little from a stop, or in slow moving, creeping traffic and trying not to stall are the conditions in which I do it. It's just too easy to spin the engine up.
I have since learned how to creep in 1st gear just above stall speed. I also don't downshift at stop lights like I used to. I just put it in neutral and use the brakes.
If I remember correctly, it dates back to the Toyota Corolla of which the Vibe and Matrix are based.
If you jump over to the Corolla: Problems & Solutions board you'll find referrences to the smell within the first two pages of the board. However, I don't know if Toyota has addressed it.
I had the smell off and on all winter in both my Mazda Protege's. Winter gas? Ceramic catalytic converters? Nonetheless, I'm sure this stink does not only apply to Corolla's, Vibe's and Matrix's. Read on...... -Larry
"practically, any of the majors in your area are using the same refinery stocks and just adding your additive package for gas. There ARE differences in the refinery stocks. Some have already cut over to newer equipment that cuts sulfur in the gas to essentially none, some haven't yet. If you have a recent car that has a permeable-ceramic catalytic, sulfur can build up in them under light driving, and release in a hot stinky cloud of hydrogen sulfide if you floor it, tow, start driving uphill, or otherwise load the engine more or get the cat hot. There are a lot of yowls about that across the Edmunds Boards. The car makers all say use the lowest sulfur gas you can get. But, who has it is something a little hard to tell. If Spilco is advertising in your area that "our gas already meets the 2005 EPA clean-air requirements... because Spilco thinks this is a special place," then they have a refinery feeding them that is cleaned up. If you live near it, have a cup or two in the nearest cafe, watch out the window, and see whose trucks are filling up at that refinery. You now have your shopping list. It may only be good on, say, the East End of your city, because the far west suburbs may be getting their fuel from the pipeline terminal. But that's something you have to find out locally. I don't think any state websites are posting that data, certainly Minnesota isn't, and a few other I've Googled aren't." -by Scott Schrader Mar 20, 2004 Town Hall
Just received a response back from GM on the rotten egg smell. I find that their response borders on the unbelievable.
They acknowledge that there is a smell but state that there is nothing they can do about it. They then state that they are sorry that I am unhappy with their decision and refer me to the Better Business Bureau.
I am absolutlely dumbfounded by this response. What GM is saying is that they acknowledge a major defect in the Vibe but won't do anything about it. I know some of you may feel that this is petty but believe me when that smell kicks in, it is awful.
Bottom line from this Vibe owner, don't buy one. I have owned 4 pontiacs in the last 12 years (2 ssei's, 1 montana and the Vibe) and after this experience would never, ever, buy another pontiac or GM product. If this is how they treat a loyal owner, I wonder how they treat others.
I'm no GM fan, but I think this problem is bigger than just them. While GM benefits from the toyota mechanicals under the Vibe skin, this smell may be something that comes with that deal. The Matrix and Corolla have incidences of this smell as well. I personally experienced it in a rental corolla, but my Matrix is stink-free.
I see complaints about the smell in other boards too. No one seems to have a clear answer. Lot of talk about fuel mixtures and additives.
Comments
I start my car (and it does start) the front headlights do not come on, the service engine, and service oil lights come on, if I put in gear(ie reverse) the car does not engage. It's as if I'm locked out of the car. If I then turn the car off, and then back on I can get it to work just fine. I've been the computer is not recording this, and I haven't been able to get it to happen at the dealership..
Any help would be appreciated..
Thanks..
2. How's the premium audio system?
3. It seems like such a small car. From a safety standpoint, if I'm looking at the Forester or Escape, would I be better off If heaven forbid I'm hit?
4. Any chance of future performance upgrades? Particularly with the AWD model?
130 hp is plenty for the Vibe. 167 hp is way more than is needed. You can not get the supercharger with the AWD.
If more HP is needed you could have a full tube frame installed with a 350HP V8 GM crate motor. That would certainly not be underpowered.
Vibe will do over 100 mph as it is. How fast do YOU need to go?
If the Vibe is too small and you are concerned about performance consider the Forrester XT with 210 HP and more room.
Of course, you could just put on different wheels and tires. It would slow the car down and throw off the accuracy of the speedometer an the odometer but....they would look better.
Any experiences out there with the Vibe GT?
I called my dealer today to ask about the dealer-installed supercharger for the base Vibe. He is going to cehck into it.
Add to that the fact that all that power is being put to the front wheels instead of the back and you get sloppy power transmission to the pavement via torque steer, spinning wheels, you know, all the worst parts of the Bible LOL.
IMO, I'd probably look more into the base Vibe. Any more power than low-mid 100's hp range, and I'd stick with RWD or AWD to get all that power to the pavement the right way.
I've got a base with a 5sp and it's already begging me to get into trouble. Stick with the base, but make sure you can live with the noise. It's a pretty raunchy little car. Still like it, though, at least it's got character...
-Mathias
AWD means plenty of extra moving parts. It's a good idea to go with a company that specializes in the technology.
-m
Any comments? How do you rate the fit and finish on your Vibe?
http://news.morningstar.com/news/DJ/M02/D13/200402132036DOWJONESD- JONLINE000935.html
FWIW, they do not use exactly the same parts because of the divergent manufacture locations of Vibe vs Matrix, and now that both models have been "refreshed" for '05, the parts will diverge between the two even more.
The plant in Canada where Matrix is built also builds Lexus for Toyota....so the quality standard between the two plants may not be exactly the same either...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'm 6'1" and I've been driving a Vibe 5sp since Halloween... no problem. Fun car.
If you want something to worry about, the seat cushion is tilted to far forward, and I get uncomfortable when I raise it up from the lowest position, as it tilts further down when you do that. I'd like more thigh support, but it's no reason not to buy the car. The engine noise might be, pay close attention during the test drive; it's fairly loud.
Also, check the Mazda3 if you like. It's very smooth, strong, and feels really buttoned down... but it's more expensive, and then I'd stretch towards a Subaru, but that's me.
-Mathias
It depends on what type of GM card you have.
Just call the redemption line and ask them about your card
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I am considering legal action against GM on this issue and am wondering if anyone else is as fed up with this as I am. I live in Chicagoland and you have either the heat or air-conditioning on about 9 months a year.
Anyone care to join me in a discussion of a class action law suit?
My Matrix doesn't have the smell, but I took a trip to Fort Dix in a rented Corolla that had it. Of course no one noticed until we stopped somewhere and our stink trail caught up to us.
In terms of regularity of the smell, it always happens just as the engine temperature reaches normal. Then it kind of comes and goes.
I don't have it. Think it could be a fuel mixture thing in the ECU?
Also, checked out the Subie Forester. The sales staff was too busy joking around to pay much attention to us? However, we were dressed well and ready to make a decision fairly quickly. My wife doesn't need to drive in bad weather, so the Subie's AWD was not a huge deciding factor. If the truth be known, the inflated Subaru Forester MSRP and the lack of shoulder to shoulder interior room in a $25,500 tall wagon was a deal killer.
The Vibe's good looks, commanding seating position, versatility, price point, Toyota engine & drive train quality and 29 city / 34 highway mpg (gas costs $1.86 per gallon today in Lancaster, PA.) sealed the deal.
2004 Pontiac Vibe
1.8L DOHC 4-cyl Engine
Auto Transmission
Frosty (White)- Premium Monotone Appearance Pkg.
Moon and Toon-(Sunroof & 200 Watt Premium Audio System Upgrade)
Power Group
17" inch Alloy wheels
Antilock brakes
Total MSRP with Destination- $21,265
less Rebates -$2,500
less Negotiated Discount- $1,055
less Trade- $4,700
Cash Price of Vehicle: $13,010
Walked into my home town Pontiac dealership with a Capital One Draft Check with a financing rate of 3.85% and a GM Buy Power quote of 1% over invoice from another nearby Pontiac Dealer. I made our Lancaster, PA. Pontiac Dealer (Jones Pontiac-Buick-GMC) a 1% over invoice offer for our new 2004 Vibe and this price was accepted without haggle. The Jones finance manager beat the 3.85% Capital One rate with local bank financing at 3.49%. Very easy! No pressure or hard sell tactics. The sales, service and finance staff was excellent and easy to work with. The Vibe with 17" inch alloy wheels in white Premium Monotone Appearance Pkg. looks awesome. After, about 100 miles of driving, she is hooked on the Vibe. The Vibe/Matrix tall wagon should serve my spouse well for the next 48 months.
Respectably,
Larry
Could you copy and paste your post over in the Pontiac Vibe: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences discussion? It would be great to have your post in that discussion as well (many shoppers look there to see what others are paying).
Thanks! Congrats again!
:-)
-Larry
Done, Sylvia and thank you for the Congrats!
-Larry
I have yet to determine much rime or reason to it yet...I simply have been too busy and preoccupied to devote much scientific analysis to the issue so for now its just something that is kind of annoying that occurs every now and then...
I have since learned how to creep in 1st gear just above stall speed. I also don't downshift at stop lights like I used to. I just put it in neutral and use the brakes.
If you jump over to the Corolla: Problems & Solutions board you'll find referrences to the smell within the first two pages of the board. However, I don't know if Toyota has addressed it.
-Larry
"practically, any of the majors in your area are using the same refinery stocks and just adding your additive package for gas. There ARE differences in the refinery stocks. Some have already cut over to newer equipment that cuts sulfur in the gas to essentially none, some haven't yet. If you have a recent car that has a permeable-ceramic catalytic, sulfur can build up in them under light driving, and release in a hot stinky cloud of hydrogen sulfide if you floor it, tow, start driving uphill, or otherwise load the engine more or get the cat hot. There are a lot of yowls about that across the Edmunds Boards. The car makers all say use the lowest sulfur gas you can get. But, who has it is something a little hard to tell. If Spilco is advertising in your area that "our gas already meets the 2005 EPA clean-air requirements... because Spilco thinks this is a special place," then they have a refinery feeding them that is cleaned up. If you live near it, have a cup or two in the nearest cafe, watch out the window, and see whose trucks are filling up at that refinery. You now have your shopping list. It may only be good on, say, the East End of your city, because the far west suburbs may be getting their fuel from the pipeline terminal. But that's something you have to find out locally. I don't think any state websites are posting that data, certainly Minnesota isn't, and a few other I've Googled aren't."
-by Scott Schrader Mar 20, 2004 Town Hall
They acknowledge that there is a smell but state that there is nothing they can do about it. They then state that they are sorry that I am unhappy with their decision and refer me to the Better Business Bureau.
I am absolutlely dumbfounded by this response. What GM is saying is that they acknowledge a major defect in the Vibe but won't do anything about it. I know some of you may feel that this is petty but believe me when that smell kicks in, it is awful.
Bottom line from this Vibe owner, don't buy one. I have owned 4 pontiacs in the last 12 years (2 ssei's, 1 montana and the Vibe) and after this experience would never, ever, buy another pontiac or GM product. If this is how they treat a loyal owner, I wonder how they treat others.
I see complaints about the smell in other boards too. No one seems to have a clear answer. Lot of talk about fuel mixtures and additives.