Pontiac Vibe

KCRam

Let's see...

The Chrysler-engineered/designed K-car-derived Dodge Mini-Ram Van (aka Caravan sans windows)... and the Toyota-engineered, GM-designed Pontiac Vibe.

Not even close.

kcram
Host - Wagons

steine13

I've driven the original chrysler minvan with the Omni powertrain, and I own a Vibe... I can sort of see what he means. 4cyl, ok power, tons of space in a fairly small package, low-frills and kinda fun transportation. I'll venture a guess that the dimensions are very similar... length, width, and height.
-Mathias

KCRam

A Vibe compared to the Aries/Reliant wagon, yes. But not a minivan.

kcram
Host - Wagons

volvodan1

Height?
Kinda fun?
Not even in the same ballpark

steine13

Height -- Data right here from Edmunds used car specs:
2003 Vibe:
Length: 171.9 in. Width: 69.9 in. Height: 63 in.

1990 Caravan:
Length: 175.9 in. Width: 72.2 in. Height: 64.4 in.

Not as different as you'd expect from an economy compact to a minivan... Also, I believe they grew a tad between 1984 and 1990.

By "kinda fun" I meant the whole package... not 0-60 or g forces. I happen to like the first-gen Caravan. Gimme a car with rain gutters any day...

-Mathias

volvodan1

I stand corrected. Generally, I have my facts straight. Not something that I checked out because the visual in my head said "Caravan much taller". We took in a 04 Vibe on trade a few weeks ago that I thought about buying. It was the first one I had been touchy feely with and I can't believe that the heights are that close! WOW.

But the previous poster seemed to honestly think that the van and the Vibe were of the same lineage.

I kinda understand what you mean w/ the Caravan. I am the same way when we get old Cieras in (we are an Olds dealer). Part of me thinks they are kinda neat as a car, but part of me can't believe they still sold this car in 1996!

Kirstie_H

A newspaper reporter is looking for vehicle shoppers and recent buyers age 20-29 who live in either the Atlanta or Raleigh-Durham area. If you're willing to talk about your vehicle preferences and shopping experience, please send an e-mail to jfallon@edmunds.com with your age, location, and contact info by December 13, 2004. Thanks!

nortsr1

Does anyone know if GM has increased the rebate or incentives for the Vibe with the above sale???

montanafan

I think it depends on what part of the country you are in. In the Northeast, they added $500 of GMAC Finance/Lease Bonus Cash. This was to both 2004s, if any are still around, and 2005s.

responselx

I am new to this Forum but now that I have finally opened up my wallet and purchased a Vibe I have some information I would like to post and a question.

 

For those who are still looking I got what I believe was a fair deal here in Mass. With the combination of GM Incentives, GMS and some wheel and dealing here is how it laid out; 2005 Vibe GT Salsa, 17"Alum Wheels, Moon and Tunes, XM Radio, Power Package, SS Exhaust Tip, Mono Tone, cargo mat/cargo netting, rear bumper protector, and 5yr 100K Bump to Bump Warranty for <$19,500. My first question is; for those who have GT's what kind of mileage are you getting? I have about 450 miles on the car and the first time I filled up (the tank was just over 1/2 full) I calculated 26MPG. The second time I filled up (the tank was showing "E" with the little yellow light illuminated) I calculated 29MPG. Generally my driving is 25-30% city and 75-80% highway. My highway speeds usually average out to be 68-72MPH. I was hoping for over 30MPG but I wasn't able to find a Base/5spd with the options I wanted, so I settled for the GT. (91 Octane $$$ Ouch!) Finally, I would like to purchase rubber floor mats and the cross bars for the roof rack. Does anyone have a source for these things? All in all I am very happy with the car, it feels well built, it is comfortable for a 6'3" driver and although I wouldn't call it a "sports car" it out performs what I was driving before, hands down.

nichul37

My opinion is your MPG is pretty good for a GT. I have a base, 5-spd, drive the same city/hwy percentages you do and live in CT (so close enough weather wise) and I am getting about 30mpg. (I averaged 34 on a 1000 mile trip).

 

I am disappointed in the mpg for the Vibe. All the advertising and displays say 36mpg hwy, but it doesn't seem that high at all.

tkd

I just recently bought a '05 Vibe Base (Moonstone w/XM) and highly recommend getting the Vibe rubber floor mats, especially before winter really sets in. I purchased the full set of 4 for about $87, which was supposedly at a new car purchase discount. They fit like a glove, even in the rear which surprisingly has different shapes for both sides. They're heavy-duty rubber construction, and should protect the carpeted floor mats underneath from the winter crud dragged in.

I also bought the cargo nets and carpeted mat for the cargo area which I really like. Don't know anything about the cross bars for the roof rack. I might need to look into them though for long trips, since I downsized from a minivan to the Vibe.

vibe4fun

Check weith your dealer -- the rubber mats and cross bars are factory available / dealer installed accessories available thru' the parts dept.

tipster

I just bought an 05 Vibe. . Is there a way to turn off daytime running lights?

Does it affect the warranty?

 

thanks

steine13

I want to be right up front: There appears to be no way to turn them off in MY car. But the manual says they won't come on if the parking brake is engaged... so try this: When you get in the car, realease the parking brake, then reenage one notch. At that point, the little red brake light is on in the dash, but the brake is not actually dragging.

Only then start the car. If it behaves as it should, the DRL's as well as the auto headlights should stay off.

 

Like I said, it doesn't work like that in my car, but it works that way in my 99 Prizm, and it also worked in my '98 Prizm. Please let me know how your car behaves.

 

It's not that I mind DRL's all that much, I just wish I had a way to occasionally, temporarily keep them from coming on.

 

-Mathias

nichul37

I tried that also but to no avail. They are always on and it is somewhat annoying at times. I asked my dealership if they could disconnect the dashboard symbol that indicates the running lights are on (since it doesn't go off when I turn the headlights on) and they said no. Of course, every once in a while it will go off on it's own regardless of the headlights being on or not. Strange. Does anyone know if there is a way to disconnect that light?

steine13

That indicator light is for the "low beam" lights, not the DRL's... it indicates that the light sensor has determined it's dusk, and the full light (frt and rr) is on.

 

-Mathias

johnoh327

Is there any difference in the 2004 and 2005 Vibe GT? I test drove a 2005 but the dealer doesn't want to deal much. I found a new 2004 at a dealer about 150 miles away. It has the options I want except for the 17" wheels. But I got them down to 17K from 23K and they may go more. If the models are the same, I'll put my own wheels on.

cmorton

I would get the 2004 model for several reasons. Cost, of course being the main one, but I think the 2004 is better looking than the 2005, and don't forget, the 2005 does not have the power unit inside the center console, or the extra shelf under the center console cover. Plus you can stick it to the dealership that doesn't want to bargin.

rudmik

I'm about to buy a 2005 Vibe. I'm debating whether I should get the base FWD Vibe with StabiliTrak, or get the AWD Vibe which doesn't have StabiliTrack. Skiding is a challenge sometimes with the roads around here - we also get a few snowstorms every winter but usually the roads are plowed quickly. What experiences have people had with StabiliTrak on the Vibe. The dealer is telling me that AWD is better for me, but I think that just helps with traction, not with skid control.

dudleyr

Get 4 snow tires for the FWD vibe and you will look forward to driving in the snow. You will also have a less expensive car that is peppier and gets better gas mileage.

 

The dealer wants to sell AWD because it is a more expensive vehicle and more profit for him. That is why SUV's are so popular. They are pushed by dealers and manufacturers because they are their highest profit models.

ddelise

Hi Mathias - I am posting here from our discussion in the RWTIV board.

 

Have you driven a base with an auto? How slooooowwwww is this combo? I think that is one of my main concerns.

 

As I look into pricing/options, here is how I might spec one out:

 

Base Vibe

Auto

Power Group Value Package.

 

Looks like:

MSRP of about $19390

Invoice of about $18372.

 

Assuming I can purchase at invoice, here is how the purchase might look:

18372 invoice

1500 rebates

3500 GM money

 

$13372

350 tax on rebate

950 tax on car

400 dealer fee

500 tag/title/etc.

 

$15.5k total OTD

 

I suspect rebates might increase as we get towards May/June, so OTD might be lower then.

 

I only drive about 10k-12k miles, so looking into my crystal ball in June 2007, I will have 25k miles. What do you think I could sell this car for then? $12k?

 

Thanks - Damon

steine13

"I only drive about 10k-12k miles, so looking into my crystal ball in June 2007, I will have 25k miles. What do you think I could sell this car for then? $12"

 

Right now, 04 Vibes with auto and 25k miles are doing in the low $11s at the auction, so $12 on the street for a private seller should be, as my 5-year-old daughter likes to say, "Easy." I don't think there will be much depreciation between here and June.. cars get older, but there should be more buyers in the spring.

 

Who knows what things look like two years from now. And the sunroof is a very popular option, from what I've heard.

 

How's that for 100 words to say, "I don't know" ?

-Mathias

montanafan

One thing that may effect future value of used Vibes will be what future Vibes cost. If the Vibe falls under GM's pledge to add OnStar and Stabilitrack to all cars (and foolisly not thinking that technology could change), future prices will go up. From $17,690 for a 5-speed non-power group to $21,105 for an OnStar, Power Group(required with OnStar), Auto Trans (required for Stability), ABS (also required for Stability), and Stability. And that is based on current prices. May keep used Vibe prices up.

jeepers76

TERRIBLE FUEL ECONOMY

 

No better way to put it. I purchased the 05 Vibe after a wonderful rental experience with the 03 Vibe. The 05 Vibe is supposed to have the same gas mileage.

 

Average city mpg ranges from 17-21 on my car.

Average hwy mpg ranges from 24-29.

 

The dealerships told me my car was breaking in and would improve by 5000 miles. I am now close to 6000 and see no improvements. From completely full to warning light empty, my car will go 219 miles a tank. Something is wrong and I need help before my wallet breaks.

 

Also my ignition will have excessive crank if I use my car more than 3 times a day. Dealership cannot duplicate it, but people that I deal with have been able to experience the problem while with me. Any one have this problem also? Please help.

sb55

Don't count on $12,000. I have an '04 5 speed with 26K miles. I would love to get $11,000. wholesale. Dealers are offering me $8000. and I have an ad in the paper for $11,200. with 2 sets of rims and tires and NO calls.

brazuca

Sorry about that, but I had a similar experience 3 years ago when selling my Jeep....depreciation too high for American cars. I took a decision at that time....I'll buy only japanese (Toyota or Honda) from now on (even if the design may not be the best around...In my opinion, Chrysler has the best good looking cars). Anyway, I bought a Camry and could sell it a month ago (fair price) and now I have a Toyota Matrix....I'm having a very good experience so far with the Matrix....A friend at work is trying to sell a Chevy Malibu...4 years old...and the car is in a good shape...they offered him $ 2,000 !! Well, he decided to keep the car and bought a Honda Accord.

beliver

bought a 2004 Mustang coupe last june,loaded 40TH anniversary model, pony package,interior upgrade and all power etc. Sticker was $21,500.00. Wholesale (trade-in) is at $11,700.00 !!Almost 50% in 8 months. !! It is a business vehicle so most will be written off but man-oh-man what a killer. It's no wonder so many people are upside down on their loans.

 

My bro-in-law is in the car biz up in Ohio and he says nearly everyone trying to buy a new set of wheels is way buried on their loans.

 

believer

steine13

"Don't count on $12,000. I have an '04 5 speed with 26K miles. I would love to get $11,000. wholesale. Dealers are offering me $8000. and I have an ad in the paper for $11,200. with 2 sets of rims and tires and NO calls."

 

I dunno... $11 is a very good price in the paper... if I were looking for one, I'd call in a heartbeat.

 

At the auctions, 5speeds in "average" condition are doing the low-to-mid $11s, but with lower miles than yours -- 6,000 to 17,000 miles. So there's gonna be a hit for your extra miles, say $1,000 to $1,500... $8k? No way, unless it's all smoked out and otherwise a rat...

 

-Mathias

nippononly

"depreciation too high for American cars. I took a decision at that time....I'll buy only japanese (Toyota or Honda) from now on"

 

Don't be too sure. A year ago this week I went to try and sell my Matrix XR automatic, FWD. It had mileage in the low 20s, I think it was about 22K, and it was about 19 months old ('03 model year).

 

Finally let the dealer buy it from me for $12,250 after weeks and weeks of trying to sell it privately, starting at an asking of $14K and working my way down to what the dealer would offer. Original sticker on that car was around $19,5 (and I paid about $1000 less than that for it), so that was close to 40% depreciation in about a year and a half.

 

It's not quite the Mustang story above, but on the Vibe/Matrix twins, the high depreciation rate is not limited to the American-branded version of the car.

ddelise

Thanks for the feedback. I am still 3-4 months away (when my current lease expires) from pulling the trigger. I think I remember last year GM pushing leases in the spring/summer. Hopefully they will do the same this year - that will insulate me from any excess depreciation.

 

Also, I think I have narrowed my choices between the Vibe, Cobalt, and G6. Probably depends on whatever car has the best incentives/lese deal at the time.

 

Damon

beliver

On the GM stuff we have bought in the past, mostly Pontiac , a Vibe and a Sunfire, if you factor in the deep discounts via the factory rebates, dealer discounts and GM card points plus even some regional "auto show" discounts,"conquest and GM loyalty" the final price is getting pretty close to 50% off sticker anyway. Go figure LOL !

 

believer

straycat

I have a 2003 Vibe GT. At 13,000 miles the clutch failed. Smoke, burning smell, then a clunk. Coral Springs Pontiac in Coral Springs, FL replaced clutch under warranty. Same thing happened 16,000 miles later at 29000 miles. Now dealership claims it is "worn"--normal wear and tear and will not repair under warranty. Claims clutch was abused by the driver(my wife a mid-50's school teacher who has driven sticks all her life.) Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with the dealer? GM customer service was useless-a rubber stamp for the dealer. All advice will be welcome. Thanks!

dudleyr

Try a different dealer. A good clutch should just about last forever. I have 187,000 miles on mine right now and it still works just fine.

montanafan

What is your current offer to the dealer?

vonnyvonce

Trying to replace plugs on my 2003 Vibe and find the "boots" or coils or ??? are stuck on 2 of the plugs and I cannot remove them. Any ideas??

straycat

I asked the dealership to repair the clutch either under GM warranty or on the dealership's warranty of its repair at 13,000 miles or a combination of both.

straycat

I agree with you. We've never had a clutch go before 70,000 miles and most go much longer. This is the dealer we bought the Vibe from and who replaced the clutch when it failed at 13,000 miles. I contacted GM customer service who was totally useless--just a shill for the dealer. Meanshile the car is sitting and undriveable on the dealer's lot.

gene10

i have an automatic base model..i recently took
a little road trip in my new vibe..200 hundred miles..added another 120 miles in town driving
upon returning from my trip..i averged 31.4 mpg
in a new car....why??..do youself a favor!!!..
and buy a k and n air filter..i'm not advertising
for k and n but you will get better mpg..i'm
thinking about going to a less restrictive exhaust system which will let your motor perform
better and maybe a power chip..check on ebay
for the chip..they are cheap..buy the filter and
and enjoy your car more!!!!

dkham

I haven't checked my fuel economy but, I have had starting problems. It is almost as if there is no spark or fuel. I seem to get this after the car is warmed up and sits for a period of time.

minbannister

I've only ever owned Mustangs, have had 4 of them and have always gotten my money's worth out of them. My first was a used '74 with 88,000 miles that I bought for $2,000 including tax, title, etc. I sold it 3 years later for $1,500 with 111,000 miles on in it. I bought a new 1988 GT for $12,400 and after 5 years and 50,000 miles I traded it in on a new 1992 ($15,400) and got $8,000 for it and I had even wrecked it at one point and had to have the whole front exterior replaced. Just the water pump and radiator on the inside. I traded in my 1992 for a 1994 (had to have the re-design model) and I got $11,500 from the dealer for my 1992 (it had about 23,000 miles on it) and paid $18,100 for the new one. These were three different dealers in three different cities, all in NE Ohio. My 1994 Mustang is 11 years old with 120,500 miles on it and still going strong, never had a problem with it. It's my only car, so it's pretty much covered in salt in the winter and no rust, either. Looks brand new when cleaned up. I wouldn't worry about depreciation. You have a damn fine automobile.

vibegtdriver

The Maxx superior to the Vibe? As a life-long GM car owner, I bought the Vibe GT because its really 99% Toyota, not a Chevy. The #1 reason to buy the Vibe is that its really a Toyota. I had Geo Prizm (i.e. rebadged Toyota Corolla) and it was indestructible, and like I said, as a life long GM car owner, I can tell you my days buying GM are over unless its a rebadged Toyota. Even my Saturn is a piece of junk. Driven many Malibu's and Maxx's at Hertz and the smoothness isn't there, the quality is not on par with Japanese. Elantra vs. Toyota - not even close. Buy the car you like cause you have to be happy driving it, but Toyota quality is hands-down #1 - period.

scheck

I had to take my '03 AWD on a winter-time trip before I could get mud flaps on it. The gray molding/cladding on the bottom of the car took a lot of hits from anti-skid material. I'm tired of looking at the specs. of white showing through. Last time I checked there wasn't touch-up paint made to match the gray stuff. Has anyone had any luck trying to do a touch up?

wojsister

I'm considering a vibe... getting mixed messeges whether I want one or not after reading all of these messeges. Should I look at a kia sportage? hyundai Tuscon? Chevy Equinox? Or is the Vibe the best way to go. This is going to be he car I drive for a while so I want good gas mileage and control in driving in snow.
Any advice?

volvodan1

I'd stay away from the Koreans.

Most topics on Edmunds will give you mixed signals. I drove a Vibe for about 3 weeks. Not much else like it. Unique seating position. Drive it and see what you think. Drive the Equinox and see what you think.

Buy and drive what YOU like.

dudleyr

The Vibe will get the best mileage by far over those others.

carzzz

Just wondering what kind of "car" you consider the Matrix/Vibe be?
hatch-> a bit too long
wagon-> a bit too short
Compact SUV-> ride lower than norm
car-> ride higher than most
IMO, it is a well mixed hatch, wagon, and compact SUV together!

volvodan1

Really it's a wagon. It's a Corolla w/ an extended roofline. I believe that is the definition of a wagon.

carzzz

thanks

nippononly

"IMO, it is a well mixed hatch, wagon, and compact SUV together!"

That's why Toyota calls it a "crossover utility vehicle", which is apt even though it doesn't mean much to your average buyer.

The closest characterization IS a Corolla wagon, although I always preferred to think of mine as a Corolla 5-door hatch, because of the curve down of the rear roofline.